EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

RAPE

The Salt Lake City criminal defense attorneys at Intermountain Legal represent clients accused of serious crimes in Utah, including rape and other sexual offenses.

Understanding Rape Charges In Utah

As defined by the Utah Criminal Code, a person commits rape when the actor has sexual intercourse with another person without the victim’s consent. It applies to any situation in which consent is lacking, regardless of whether the actor is married to the victim. Rape is classified as a first degree felony and, unlike many offenses in Utah, is subject to mandatory minimum sentencing requirements.

As a starting point, rape is punishable by a prison term of no less than five years to life. If the court finds that the defendant caused serious bodily injury to another in the course of committing the rape, the sentence increases to 15 years to life; and if the court finds that the defendant was previously convicted of a grievous sexual offense at the time the rape was committed, the sentence becomes life without parole. As with most sex offenses, a person convicted of rape must also register as a sex offender.

Because Utah promotes an intermediate sentencing system for most charges, which emphasizes individualized sentencing, there is some leeway for judiciary discretion despite these sentencing requirements. For example, even if the court finds that the defendant seriously injured another during the commission of a rape, the sentence may be lessened to 10 years to life or six years to life if it is in the interests of justice.

The court will look at factors such as:

  • The defendant’s prior history of offenses
  • The vulnerability of the victim
  • The relationship between the defendant and the victim
  • Cooperation with law enforcement
  • Whether the defendant is a good candidate for a recognized treatment program
  • Developmental disabilities

With factors such as these at issue, criminal records, psychological profiles, possible motives, character witnesses, and other circumstantial information must be assessed and leveraged to develop a strong defense. Our attorneys are equipped with the knowledge and resources to conduct an in depth investigation and thoroughly prepare for negotiations or trial.

Seek Experienced, Effective Representation

Given the life-altering legal and personal consequences involved with a rape conviction, it is essential to retain knowledgeable representation to defend against the charges. Contact Intermountain Legal today for honest, straightforward advice from an experienced attorney. During your free initial consultation we will discuss your options and provide valuable insight into your situation.

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STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.

STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

 
JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

 
MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

 
JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

 
HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.