What does a criminal defense attorney cost in Salt Lake City?

We will sit down with you to discuss your payment options and look for an arrangement that is manageable for you. When we defend you, part of our role is helping to provide you with support and reduce your anxiety, down to the way we structure payments. Additionally, your initial consultation is cost-free.

When should you hire a criminal defense attorney?

If you were arrested and charged with a crime in Utah, you should contact Overson Law immediately. This is also true if you think that you are under investigation for a crime. The quicker you get in touch with us, the quicker we can begin advocating for your interests and fighting to ensure that the system does not treat you unfairly.

How can our Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer help you?

Darwin will guide you, advise you, listen to you, and protect your Constitutional rights while working hard to achieve a favorable outcome to your case, such as an acquittal (“not guilty” verdict), a reduction in the penalties you are facing, your charges being dropped, or a dismissal of your case.

5 Common Examples of Sexual Assault Charges in Utah

Being convicted of sexual assault is a serious crime, and the consequences stemming from a sexual assault charge can be severe. Typical penalties for this crime include jail time, hefty fines and being registered as a sex offender. If you face sexual assault charges in Utah, you need immediate legal representation. Salt Lake City sex crime defense lawyer, Darwin Overson explains more about common sexual assault charges in Utah. To schedule a free consultation on your case, call Overson Law at (801) 758-2287 today.

What Is Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is not a particular crime in Utah. Instead, “sexual assault” follows the common definition of the act of engaging in sexual relations without consent. In other words, trying to force your way into having sex with a person, without his or her permission, is sexual assault. Other actions such as sexually touching a person without consent can be seen as a sexual assault as well.

Common Examples of Sexual Assault

There are multiple sexual offenses in Utah. These crimes could all be considered various types of sexual assault, even though they go by different names. The following offenses are some of the most common examples of sexual assault in Utah:

Aggravated Sexual Assault

Unlike sexual assault, which involves any sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated sexual assault charges require the use of force and violence. According to Utah Code 76-5-405, aggravated assault occurs when the actor uses violence, uses a dangerous weapon, threatens the victim with kidnapping, or performs certain other actions during the course of a rape. Aggravated sexual assault is considered a first-degree felony punishable with up to life in prison – depending on the circumstances surrounding the case – and thousands of dollars in fines.

Forcible Sexual Abuse

An actor commits the crime of forcible sexual abuse if they touche any part of a minor’s genital area (for a minor 14 years of age or older), or if they touch a female’s breast area. The actor must have the intent to cause physical or emotional harm to the victim for this to be a crime. This crime also applies to cases where the defendant touches the victim for sexual gratification. Utah Code § 76-5-404 considers forcible sexual abuse charges second-degree felonies carrying a prison sentence of up to 15 years. However, if during the violent sex act the defendant caused serious bodily injury to the victim, then he or she could face life in prison.

Rape

According to Utah Code § 76-5-402, any person who engages in sexual intercourse without the victim’s consent commits the crime of rape. A rape offense carries severe penalties for the defendant. Rape is considered a first-degree felony, which is the most severe type of criminal charge a person can face. Sentences for rape include thousands of dollars in fines and prison time of no less than five years. However, if during the commission of the crime, the defendant causes serious bodily injury to the victim, he or she can be sentenced to life in prison. According to Utah’s Violence & Injury Prevention Program (VIPP), rape occurs more frequently in Utah than in other states.

Forcible Sodomy

Under Utah law, a person can be charged with forcible sodomy if he or she engages in a sexual activity involving the mouth or anus of a victim, who is 14 years old or older. This crime is considered a second-degree felony. As stated in Utah Code § 76-5-403 sodomy carries a penalty of up to 6 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

Indecent Liberties

Indecent liberties criminalizes improper sexual actions performed in front of or to a minor; it does not necessarily require having sexual contact with the victim. This is one of the primary offenses dealing with unlawful sexual activity with a minor. For instance, simulating a sexual activity or exposing the genitals to the victim can be the basis for indecent liberties charges. Indecent liberties is classified as a Class B misdemeanor punishable with up to six months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. Penalties can be harsher if the offender had a previous criminal history or if he or she is classified as a sexual offender.

Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Serving Salt Lake City, Utah

Sexual assault charges in Utah are severe. We cannot stress enough the importance of retaining skilled, experienced legal representation after being charged with committing a sex crime in Utah. If you were accused of a sex crime in Salt Lake City or anywhere else in Utah, there is no time to waste. Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer Darwin Overson can step in and make sure your constitutional rights are protected at all times. To learn more about your case, call our law offices today at (801) 758-2287.

“If someone is making allegations against you, you really should talk to Darwin.”

I was charged with domestic violence and the allegations were that I abused my husband. Truth is, my husband was abusive to me. I hired Darwin and we had a trial. During the trial, Darwin was able to show the jury that it was my husband that was abusive and was trying to manipulate the process of our divorce. The jury found me not guilty and after the trial one of the jurors approached me and told me how impressed the jury was with the way Darwin presented the defense. Before the trial, my now soon to be ex-husband tried to convince me to plead guilty. So going to trial was really the first time I was able to stand up to him and not let him manipulate my life anymore. Darwin really helped me with that process and I can’t express how empowering it has been. If someone is making allegations against you, you really should talk to Darwin.

T.W.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“If you or a loved one is in trouble, Darwin is your guy.”

“I was arrested for DUI. From the very beginning Darwin was very professional and supportive. Throughout the court process I was scared. I kept telling Darwin that wanted to plead guilty just to end it but Darwin encouraged me to stick with it and take the case to trial. The morning of trial, Darwin was able to cross examine the (arresting) officer in such a way as to show the jury that there was reasonable doubt as to the accuracy of the breathalyzer machine. That was important because they were saying my BAC was .182. Darwin walked me through my testimony so that the jury understood what happened from my point of view. I think if he hadn’t been able to help me through my testimony the way he did that the jury wouldn’t have understood and they would have convicted me. The jury deliberated for two hours and then returned a verdict of not guilty.I am really thankful that Darwin was my attorney and that I took his advice to take my case to a jury. If you or a loved one is in trouble, Darwin is your guy.”

T.C.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“The jury found my husband not guilty and I credit Darwin for making that happen.”

“My husband was charged with a first degree felony sex crime against our granddaughter. Anyone who knew my husband knew he didn’t do it. He was the type to protect children not hurt them. We had been represented by another attorney who just couldn’t get the prosecutor to see that the charges weren’t good. When it came time for trial, that attorney was scared to try the case. We were referred to Darwin and I am so grateful. Trial was a week long and by the end, Darwin had shown the jury how our grandchild had been manipulated by the social workers and her mother to say things that were not true. Darwin was careful and thorough in his investigation and preparation before trial and it really showed in court. The jury found my husband not guilty and I credit Darwin for making that happen.”

S. R.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“I thank Darwin …had it not been for him, things would have turned out very differently for me and not in a good way.”

“Several years ago, I was having troubles in my marriage. There were lots of arguments and it was clear that we were headed for a separation. One night I was woke up by six West Valley Police officers standing around my bed with flashlights shining in my eyes. It was 3:00 in the morning and they drug me to the police station where they informed me that I was being arrested for engaging in sexual relations with my baby girl. I could not believe it. Over the next several days I lost my job because of these allegations and a protective order issued against me preventing me from seeing my wife and child, and even from going to the house to get my things. My world was turned upside down. I hired Darwin to represent me. He helped me get my job back, over turned the protective order and through his own investigation was able to uncover enough about my wife to convince the prosecutor to drop all charges against me. About six months later my wife was arrested for possessing thousands of dollars of fake checks. I have moved on and remarried. I thank Darwin for helping me through an incredibly difficult part of my life and I think had it not been for him, things would have turned out very differently for me and not in a good way.”

B.N.
Google Reviews - September 2022