Utah Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
Statutory rape charges apply in any rape case in which the perpetrator is at least ten years older than the minor-aged accuser between 16 and 17 years old. These rape charges are often difficult for a person to challenge, especially when the accuser has lied about his or her age. You are presumed to know the actual age of the accuser. However, there are winning strategies in these statutory rape cases, so make sure your attorney understands how to run a defense that focuses on the motivation of the accuser.
I am Salt Lake City, Utah, criminal defense attorney Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law. I will prepare your defense case using sound strategies that to speak to the heart of the accuser's motivations. For example, I represented a woman who was being extorted by a 16 year old "victim." He told her he was 19, stole her laptop and Blackberry and then threatened to tell the police he was only 16 if she sought help from the police. Charges were dismissed after I discussed the case with the police officers and prosecutors.
I am no stranger to high-stakes cases involving sexual assault or rape of an accuser under the age of 18 years old. I probe for mental health issues, financial motivations and other reasons the accuser may have for pressing charges. Oftentimes, it is the parents who are pushing the charges, not the child "victim". This makes a difference in how the rape case is handled.
Contact my office to discuss the charges you are facing. I have earned a reputation for my extensive experience and successful trial defense in cases involving unlawful sexual conduct that often involves the Utah sex offender registry, including:
- Child sex abuse
- Statutory rape
- Rape and sexual assault
- Forcible sexual abuse
- Child pornography
- Internet solicitation of a minor, chat room sting operations
- Prostitution and solicitation
Discover the difference an experienced Salt Lake City statutory rape attorney will make at this tough time of your life. Contact me to arrange a consultation to discuss your charges right away. From my offices in Salt Lake City, I represent clients in communities throughout Utah.
