Internet Sex Crimes

With the internet and electronic devices becoming the most commonly used means of communication, the law now accounts for sexual crimes committed through the use of electronic devices. 

Internet sex crimes can be somewhat confusing for those inexperienced in the area. With law enforcement agents occasionally setting up online stings, there is a misconception that circumstances where an actor has the mistaken belief that they are communicating with a child, will not fall under the sex crime category.  However, there is no requirement that an actual child must be actively involved in the crime. 


Back to top

Salt Lake City Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

If these cases are similar to yours, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight the charges.

For more than 30 years as a criminal defense lawyer in Utah, Susanne Gustin has focused on defending those faced with the most serious criminal charges, specifically sex offenses.  She has handled a number of high-profile cases and is well respected by the courts.

In addition to being experience, Susanne Gustin has also received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbel* and has been recognized by Utah Business Magazine.

If you or someone you know has been charged with an internet based sex crime, call Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law at (801) 243-2814 for a free consultation. Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law operates in Salt Lake County and Davis County, including Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Layton, Bountiful, West Jordan, Sandy, and surrounding communities.


Back to top

Utah Sex Crime Defense Information Center


Back to top

Common Internet Sex Crimes in Utah

In Utah, there are a number of sexual offenses which fall into the internet sex crimes category, including the following:

  • (Soliciting) Enticing a Minor
  • Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

(Soliciting) Enticing a Minor- Utah code §76-4-401 a defendant is guilty of enticing a minor when he knowingly uses the Internet or text messages to seduce a minor, or someone the actor believes to be a minor, into illegal sexual acts. 

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor- Utah §76-5b-201: A person is guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor when he or she knowingly produces, possesses, or possesses with intent to distribute child pornography or intentionally distributes or views child pornography. 


Back to top

Penalties for Internet Sex Crimes in Utah

In the statue of Utah, enticing a minor is considered a first-degree felony punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment.

Utah’s punishment for sexual exploitation of a minor is a second-degree felony for each minor depicted in the child pornography for each time the minor is depicted in different child pornography.  Penalties for these acts will vary by circumstances.


Back to top

Little Known Facts on Internet Sex Crimes

There are some important facts concerning internet crimes which very few people are aware of.  Some of these facts include:

  • Child pornography can be unknowingly shared through peer-to-peer file sharing.
  • Some computer viruses contain child pornography which may be passed to a hard drive without a person’s consent.
  • Internet stings apply entrapment techniques which may be then used as a defense against charges in court.
  • Computer experts may need to examine an actor’s hard drive to gather evidence.
  • Search and seizure of computers may be an issue.

Back to top

Utah Rape Crime Resources

Feminist Majority Foundation– Women’s equality organization for non-violence

National Sexual Violence Resource Center– Organization to prevent sexual violence through education


Back to top

Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law Salt Lake County Rape Defense Attorney

If you are charged with any of the aforementioned offenses, you need immediate legal representation. Call Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law at (801) 243-2814 for your free consultation. Susanne Gustin is an experienced criminal defense attorney with a reputation for her passionate advocacy.

Contact Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law at (801) 243-2814 for a consultation to discuss your options.  Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law services Salt Lake County or Davis County, including Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, Riverton, Midvale, Clearfield, Layton, and surrounding communities.


Back to top