A rumor, misunderstanding, or accusation can result in law enforcement showing up at your home, and if your child is accused of a sex crime, the consequences can be life-changing. Juvenile sex crime charges can affect scholarships, college admissions, employment opportunities, and may even lead to mandatory sex offender registration. If your child is facing allegations, you must act quickly to protect their rights and future. It is important in these situations to not let your child speak with police or investigators without legal representation.
Utah Juvenile Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
At Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law, we understand that juvenile sex crime allegations often stem from false accusations, peer pressure, poor judgment, or misunderstandings. Utah’s juvenile court system operates differently from adult court, offering opportunities for rehabilitation, but these opportunities must be pursued early and strategically.
Our defense attorneys have extensive experience representing minors accused of sexual offenses ranging from misdemeanor-level conduct to serious felony charges. We are committed to protecting your child’s rights, preserving their record, and pursuing the best possible outcome, whether that means case dismissal, reduced charges, or enrollment in diversion programs.
We serve clients throughout Utah, including Salt Lake County, Utah County, Davis County, Weber County, and across the Wasatch Front.
Contact our office today for a free and confidential consultation by calling (801) 243-2814 or filling out our online contact form.
Information Center
Juvenile Sex Offenses in Utah
Juvenile sex crimes in Utah can cover a wide range of behaviors. Some of the most common charges include:
Sexual Abuse of a Minor — Involves sexual contact with a minor under 14 years of age, regardless of consent. Under Utah Code § 76-5-404.1, this is a second-degree felony, even for juveniles, and may result in detention and registry requirements.
Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor — Applies when the accused is less than four years older than the minor victim and the contact is sexual in nature. Classified under Utah Code § 76-5-401.2, penalties vary depending on the ages involved.
Object Rape or Forcible Sexual Abuse — Charges involving force, threat, or coercion are considered extremely serious under Utah Code § 76-5-402 and § 76-5-404, carrying possible extended detention and registry obligations.
Electronic Solicitation or Sexting — Using phones, social media, or messaging apps to send or request sexual content from a minor can lead to felony-level charges under Utah Code § 76-4-401.
Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography — Under Utah Code § 76-5b-201, knowingly possessing, creating, or sharing sexualized images of minors can lead to severe penalties, even if the offender is under 18.
Penalties for Juvenile Sex Crimes in Utah
In Utah, juvenile offenders are generally adjudicated rather than convicted, but the consequences can still be severe. Depending on the charge, outcomes may include:
- Juvenile detention in a secure facility.
- Probation with strict behavioral requirements.
- Mandatory counseling or treatment programs.
- Community service hours and school disciplinary action.
- Sex offender registration — even juveniles can be required to register, sometimes for years after their case is resolved.
- Extended jurisdiction sentences that keep the case open past the age of 21.
While Utah’s juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate rather than punish, certain serious offenses, especially those involving violence or younger victims — can result in the case being transferred to adult court.
Defenses in Juvenile Sex Crime Cases
An experienced juvenile defense attorney will carefully evaluate the facts and evidence to determine the strongest defense strategy. Possible defenses include:
Consent Between Close-in-Age Minors — In cases where the alleged sexual activity occurred between teenagers close in age, Utah law allows for certain “Romeo and Juliet” defenses that may reduce or dismiss charges.
False Accusations — Some allegations stem from personal disputes, jealousy, or misunderstandings. Juvenile charges oftentimes involve lots of false rumors that were spread throughout school or other places within the Juvenile’s friend group. once these rumors reaches an adult who decides to report it, a criminal case can stem. However if these accusations were completely based within misunderstandings or rumors made to embarrass a Juvenile, cross-examining witnesses and reviewing inconsistencies in statements can expose false claims.
Mistaken Identity — If there is no physical evidence linking a child to the alleged act, the defense can argue that the accuser misidentified the perpetrator.
Lack of Intent or Knowledge — For charges involving digital images or messages, the defense may show that the juvenile did not knowingly possess or distribute illicit material.
Mental Health or Developmental Factors — In some cases, an attorney may present evidence of cognitive or psychological conditions that influenced the juvenile’s actions, arguing for treatment rather than detention.
How Juvenile Sex Crime Cases Differ from Adult Cases in Utah
While both juvenile and adult sex crime cases in Utah involve serious allegations and potential long-term consequences, the systems handling them operate with different priorities and procedures. Juvenile court is designed to emphasize rehabilitation and reintegration, while adult criminal court focuses more heavily on punishment and deterrence.
In juvenile court, there is no jury trial, instead, a judge decides whether the offense occurred. Proceedings are generally more private, protecting the juvenile’s identity and record, although certain sex crime cases may still require public registry as a sex offender. Sentences in juvenile court often involve treatment programs, counseling, community service, and probation rather than extended incarceration. The court may also consider the juvenile’s age, developmental maturity, family situation, and likelihood of rehabilitation when determining an appropriate disposition.
In contrast, adult court applies the full range of felony and misdemeanor penalties, including lengthy prison terms, large fines, and permanent sex offender registration. Juveniles who are charged with particularly serious offenses, such as forcible sexual abuse, object rape, or repeated sex crimes — may have their case transferred to adult court under Utah law. This transfer process, known as certification or direct file, can expose the juvenile to much harsher penalties and a permanent criminal record.
The key takeaway is that timely legal representation is critical in juvenile sex crime cases. A skilled attorney can often keep the case in juvenile court, where rehabilitation-focused solutions are available, and help prevent a permanent record or lifetime registration requirements.
The Juvenile Sex Crime Process in Utah
- Investigation — Law enforcement gathers statements, digital evidence, and witness testimony.
- Detention Hearing — Determines whether the juvenile will be held in a facility or released to their parents.
- Adjudication — The juvenile court hears the case without a jury. The judge determines whether the offense occurred.
- Disposition — If adjudicated, the court imposes penalties aimed at rehabilitation.
- Review Hearings — Ongoing court oversight may modify probation terms or treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a juvenile be required to register as a sex offender in Utah?
Yes. Depending on the offense, Utah law requires some juveniles to register. This can have lasting effects on housing, education, and employment.
Will my child’s juvenile record be sealed?
In many cases, yes — but sex offenses often have special rules that may limit record sealing.
Can a juvenile sex crime case be moved to adult court?
Yes, for certain serious offenses, prosecutors may request a transfer to adult court.
Can a juvenile be detained before trial?
Yes. If the court believes the juvenile poses a safety risk, they may be held in detention until their case is resolved.
Resources for Juvenile Sex Crime Cases
Utah Juvenile Court System Overview — Official information on how each of Utah’s juvenile courts and how they operate.
Utah Juvenile Justice Services — State agency providing supervision, rehabilitation programs, and support for youth in the justice system.
Hire an Attorney for Juvenile Sex Crimes in Utah
At Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law, we defend Utah juveniles against all types of sex crime allegations, from minor inappropriate conduct to serious felony charges. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and the importance of protecting a young person’s future.
Call (801) 243-2814 now for a free consultation, or reach out through our online contact form to speak directly with an attorney. We represent clients across Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, West Valley City, and throughout the state of Utah.
