Child Pornography sentences in federal court are much more severe than those in Utah state courts. Each count of possessing child pornography in federal court carries a minimum/mandatory five year sentence. If you are charged with distribution of child pornography, the sentence becomes even steeper. In state court, a defendant may be charged with 10-18 counts…
Child Sex Abuse Case–What is a favorable plea bargain in a child sex abuse case in Utah. For aggravated sexual abuse of a child, the punishment is severe, carrying a minimum-mandatory sentence of 6, 10 or 15-to life. Can these severe punishments be avoided? One of the best offers that someone can receive who…
Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child Sentence–the presumptive sentence for someone convicted of Aggravated Sexual abuse of a Child in Utah is 15 years-to-life. Judges often deviate from this presumption, but they must consider mitigating circumstances in order to do so. Some of the mitigating circumstances a judge may consider when departing from that sentence…
Child Pornography Investigation–what should you expect if you are being investigated for possessing child pornography? It will probably start with a knock at the door by law enforcement informing you that they have a warrant to search your phone, computers, etc. for child pornography. Extremely stressful–to say the least. As law enforcement agents proceed to…
Child pornography charges–until recently, state possession of child pornography charges, second degree felonies, required the convicted person to register on the sex offender registry for ten years. The ten years started running when the defendant was no longer on probation or parole. Now, however, the Utah legislature has changed that. Pleading guilty to a second…
Child Rape or Child Sex Case (Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sodomy Upon a Child, Lewdness Involving a Child)–in these cases, a child sometimes “remembers” sexual abuse that happened years earlier at ages as young as 18 months. You’ll see cases in which a 14 year old girl, for example, will remember being sexually…
Being investigated for rape or sexual abuse of a child? Too many make the mistake of waiting to hiring a lawyer. This is the most critical portion of the case sometimes. Police officers often tell suspects they don’t need a lawyer and that telling their side of the story will curry favor with the prosecutor. Nothing…
There has been a lot in the news lately regarding rape kits that have not been processed by law enforcement in Utah. Fortunately, because of some federal grants and a $750,000 alottment by the Utah State Legislature, all of these untested kits can be processed. In the past, because of the lack of unlimited funds,…
What type of experts can you expect to have testify at rape trial in Utah? For starters, it is likely that the complainant was asked to undergo a rape examination by a nurse who is trained specifically to conduct a rape examination. The exam consists of an interview of the complainant who describes the details of…
In rape and sexual abuse of a child investigations, the detective will usually call the suspect to get her “side of the story.” After charges are filed, a defendant calls to ask me if the interview can be thrown out becuase the officer did not read her Miranda warnings. Most people, because of crime shows, are…
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Case Results
The following represents a small sample of outcomes that attorney Susanne Gustin has achieved for her clients. Please understand that the facts and circumstances of each case is unique.
Dismissal
Charges: Rape of a child Date: August 2023 Details: Several rape of a child charges allegedly occurring over several years is dismissed based on statute of limitations. Gustin elicits favorable testimony from the alleged victim at the preliminary hearing about reporting the incident…
Acquittal
Charges: Aggravated kidnapping, rape, forcible sexual abuse Date: October 2015 Details: Gustin earns “not guilty” verdicts on aggravated kidnapping, rape and forcible sexual abuse charges after one week jury trial. Client was facing 30 years-to-life in prison.
No charges
Allegation: Child sexual abuse Date: December 2017 Details: Client faced allegations of child sexual abuse when he was teaching swimming lessons to a child. District Attorney’s office declines to prosecute when Gustin provides office with interviews of employees at the pool and provides…
I am writing this review out of sincere gratitude for the “Red Shoes Living” customer service experience provided to me by Susanne Gustin. I had a very unique case and at the onset, I knew my case would require a person of high character, compassion, and who would exercise a strong work ethic to provide me with the commitment to working my case to my high standards. We live in a society where the large majority have lost faith in our legal system and in receiving quality customer service from a reputable attorney, the kind of service one would expect to receive under duress, whether guilty or innocent. In all honesty, I received compassion, attentiveness, timely responses, excellent communication, fair and concise guidance, and clarity, every step of the way, which resulted in the most favorable outcome for my situation. The feeling of having an attorney who was in the corner with me and could defend me while upholding justice and fairness was unmeasurable. Life and circumstances that may land an individual in a situation that brings into question their character, by their actions, or reaction, even the most honest person with the best of intentions, can be out of someone’s control. Retaining Susanne Gustin, to represent me was the best decision I made, enabling me to bring my life back together relatively quickly, with the least amount of collateral damage, saving my hard-earned career and academic education, ultimately assisting me in moving forward, beyond a set of circumstances that would not define me. Susanne Gustin took a sincere interest in humanizing me and in defending me. I will always be thankful for the high value of service she delivered.
Ida
A Google user
The courtesy and professionalism my family received from Ms. Gustin were extraordinary. She returned our initial texts and phone calls quickly and efficiently. She established an action plan immediately. She contacted us on weekends to effectively see our situation end with positive results. She had our case wrapped up successfully in a matter of weeks. When your family members are falsely accused, Ms. Gustin is the person to have in your corner. Her kindness, care, and compassion are above reproach. Our trust was well-placed and her results were impeccable. Our family will ever be grateful for Susanne’s generosity with her knowledge, talents, and care.
Kristine
A Google user
When our granddaughter found herself in a very difficult situation and accused of assault, Susanne was able to get her sentence greatly reduced and she was able to avoid prison. Susanne is very competent and professional and is dedicated to getting the best outcome for her client. From the very beginning she encouraged us that she could help our granddaughter and she did. We were able to reach her and get our questions answered. She is very experienced and has earned the respect of the prosecutors. She is an excellent attorney and we strongly recommend her to help a person get their life back on track.
Gerald
A Google user
Highly recommend she helped me get rid of my domestic violence charge and keep my record clean. She also was very responsive with text messages and phone calls. Very easy to get a hold of anytime.