In the criminal justice system there are two types of crimes that are possibly the most heavily prosecuted categories of all crimes. The first category is violent crimes and the second is sex crimes, in the case of sexual batter it encompasses both categories. While sexual battery is a very serious crime that should not be taken lightly, it is not as heinous as it sounds. In fact most people would be surprised by the conduct that could be charged as sexual battery. For example if an individual were to slap the bottom of another person even if it is over the clothes that person could be charged with sexual battery.
Utah’s Sexual Battery Code
In Utah the legislature has set up the offense of sexual battery as a sort of catch all offense for conduct that doesn’t rise to the level of a more serious crime but is still an infringement of someone elses’ personal autonomy. The statute states that the criminal conduct is touching someones private areas under circumstances the actor knows or should know would cause the person being touched to be alarmed. However, if the offense culminates into a rape, forcible sexual abuse, aggravated sexual assault, or a number of other crimes then it is no longer a sexual battery and the person can only be charged with the more serious offense. In Utah the offense of sexual battery is a class A misdemeanor.
Getting Help Defending Yourself | Ogden Sex Crimes Attorney
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Northern Utah or Ogden, such as sexual battery, then you need to defend yourself, and the best way to do that is with the help of Ogden Criminal Defense. Our attorneys are experienced criminal defenders who can help you understand the charges against you and help you get the best outcome available.
