Utah Child Enticement Laws

Utah’s child enticement laws address a wide array of situations in which improper or sexual communication with children will be illegal. Individuals that live within the state of Utah and that are over the age of 18, will be convicted of child enticement if it can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• Knowingly and or intentionally
• Uses the computer, internet, text messages, email, or any other electronic or written medium
• To lure, entice, solicit, or seduce
• A minor child to engage in illegal sexual activity including but not limited to rape, sexual intercourse, kidnapping, sodomy, or sexual abuse.

Penalties for Child Enticement Utah

A person convicted of enticing a minor child with the intent to commit a first degree felony will result in being found guilty of a second degree felony with a minimum imprisonment of two years and a maximum imprisonment of life.  Defendants will also have to register as sex offenders with the state.

Defense of Child Enticement in Utah

 A defendant that has been charged with enticing a child via computer or electronic device will have available a number of defenses. These defenses, if asserted correctly, could absolve the defendant of any criminal liability:

• Duress or compulsion where a person engages in criminal conduct due to threat of imminent death, or seriously bodily injury, or force
• Ignorance to or mistake as a mater of fact that negates the element of intent to commit the crime
• Involuntary intoxication that results in lack of capacity to appreciate right from wrong
• Mental disease, defect, or insanity
• Defendant is a minor child less than 14 years
• Defendant was 14, 15, 16, or 17 years old when he committed the illegal conduct
• Renunciation of the crime in intent and action

Attempted Child Enticement in Utah

A person can be found guilty of attempted online child enticement if they take a step towards committing the crime with the intent of committing the crime. The step must strongly show that the defendant would have completed the crime of online child enticement if it were possible to do so.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

Getting in contact with an attorney is a necessity, if you are facing criminal charges. Only a criminal defense lawyer licensed in your state can give you the proper legal advice on how to proceed with your case, and assist you in preserving your defenses and your rights at trial.