Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Since the advent of the Internet, there has been a marked increase in the number of child pornography charges filed in communities across Utah. Often, adults engaging in legal activities on their personal computers in their own homes unwittingly come across web sites that include illegal photos of minors. In many cases, the police set up sting operations to entrap people into activities that involve child pornography or solicitation of a minor in a chat room setting.

Being charged with sexual exploitation of a minor can cause many challenges outside of the criminal aspect. Aside harsh fines and incarceration, being convicted with sexual exploitation can often result in a difficult time gaining employment. It can also affect an individual’s ability to obtain a home or approval for an apartment.

Salt Lake City Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Defense Attorney

Susanne Gustin’s firm is recognized throughout the state for providing aggressive representation that focuses on helping her clients obtain an outcome that does not involve a charge of sexual misconduct which can lead to required registry on the Utah sex offender list. She will work hard to find options to have charges reduced to those of a non-sex offender. 

If you are facing child pornography charges, talk to an experienced Utah sex crimes defense attorney. Call Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law at (801) 243-2814 to schedule a free, initial consultation. Susanne Gustin defends individuals in all areas around Salt Lake County and Davis County, including Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy, Layton and Bountiful.


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Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Information Center


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Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Under Utah Law

Sexual exploitation of a minor can be found under the Utah Code §76-5b-201, which constitutes the Sexual Exploitation Act. According to the statute, Utah finds a person guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor when the individual knowingly produces, possesses, distributes, views, or intends to distribute child pornography. An individual can also be charged with sexual exploitation if he or she knowingly allows his or her minor child to be sexually exploited.

It is an affirmative defense that no one under the age of 18 was depicted in the material, or was used in producing or advertising the visual depiction. Additionally, sexual exploitation of a minor is not a considered a crime if a police officer or criminal investigatior viewed child pornography in order to fulfill a legitimate job duty.


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Penalties for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Sexual exploitation of a minor is a serious offense which can lead to prison time, steep criminal fines, and other penalties. This charge is always prosecuted as a felony offense, never a misdemeanor. In Utah, sexual exploitation of a minor is a second-degree felony. 

It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines. In addition to jail time, required sex offender registry and possible loss of licenses are a common result for this type of conviction. If an individual does not register or they fail to update their information as required, they can be criminally prosecuted.


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Additional Resources for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Internet Crimes Against Children: FBI – Visit the official FBI website to learn more about crimes committed against children and online predators. Click the link to learn about child abductions, child sexual exploitation investigations and child sex tourism. The webpage also lists information about international parental kidnapping.

The National Center for Victims of Crime–  The mission of the National Center for Victims of Crime is to help victims of crime rebuild their lives. Visit the webpage to view several resources and how to become involved. This site also provides national statistics on child sexual abuse and useful legal definitions for specific terms.


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Salt Lake County Sexual Exploitation of a Child Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with sexual exploitation of a child, we advise you to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Punishments for this conviction can be severe. That’s where Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law steps in. Attorney Susanne Gustin has spent over 30 years representing individuals accused of sex crimes.

Discover the difference an experienced Salt Lake City defense attorney will make at this tough time of your life. You do not have to face these charges alone. Contact Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law at (801) 243-2814 to arrange a free, initial consultation to discuss your charges right away. 


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