Sadly, domestic violence and abuse happen a lot more often than you’d think. In the United States, over 20 people are physically abused by their intimate partner every minute. That’s excluding emotional and sexual abuse. About 10 million people are victims of domestic violence, not counting the many incidents that go unreported. It is difficult to break from the oppression and see the signs of domestic abuse, so we have compiled a list of signs so you can take adequate action.

Signs of Physical Abuse

The following are some signs if you or a loved one has been a victim of physical domestic violence:

• Sustained bruising, scars, broken bones, etc.;
• Have been hit, kicked, punched, choked, or slapped;
• Threatened with a weapon;
• Sustained injuries from a weapon;
• Forced to use drugs or intake alcohol;
• Abandoned in an unfamiliar place;
• or Subjected to reckless driving.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Below are some signs that you or a loved one has sustained emotional abuse:

• Have been demeaned or belittled;
• been called names;
• humiliated in public;
• obsessively accused of being unfaithful;
• been cheated on;
• isolated from family or friends;
• stalked by your partner;
• told what to eat, where to be, and where to sleep;
• or obligated to dress a certain way.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

You or a loved one may be suffering from sexual abuse if the following signs apply:

• You’re forced to dress in a specific sexual manner;
• Forced to have sex even if you/they don’t want to;
• Forced to perform sexual acts;
• Physical abuse during sex;
• Forced to make pornography;
• Intentionally given an STD;
• Forced to have sex after physical abuse;
• Forced to have sex with others.

Knowing if You’re a Victim

You or a loved one may have experienced one or more of the above signs in your own relationship. But, some of these actions, without context, are enough to be domestic violence. So here are a few questions, if you can answer yes, honestly, then you may be a victim of abuse:

• Has your partner insulted or humiliated you in public?
• Does your partner force you to describe your every move when you’re not with them?
• Is your partner angry all the time?
• Does your partner scare you?
• Does your partner force you to do drugs?
• Are you not able to interact with certain people, including your family, because of your partner?
• Does your partner force you to have sex with them?
• Has your partner threatened to kill you?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, do not hesitate to reach out to The National Domestic Violence Hotline for help at 800-799-7233. Our expert attorneys can also assist you in any legal claims including divorce or legal separations. Call today and receive a consultation.

Legal Representation for Domestic Violence Charges

Sometimes things go as intended. Police officers will arrest and charge the correct party with a due amount of severity. Other times potential punishments can be disproportionate for the crime that has occurred. For example, if you intentionally or recklessly break or damage the property of your cohabitant. Commons examples include someone breaking an item that is considered marital property in a moment of anger. Although you may think in the time that it is better to break something than hit someone, it can and usually will still be considered domestic violence. These charges can greatly impact your prospects if you do not have an attorney fighting against unjust accusations.

Remember that domestic violence is not as simple as laying hands on someone who lives with you. Frequently people are charged with domestic violence when they have not committed an act of violence. Examples include:

• Harassment
• Electronic Communication
• Kidnapping
• Sexual Offenses
• Stalking
• Unlawful Detention
• Violation of a Protective Order
• Offenses Against Property
• Burglary
• Criminal Trespass

Penalties for if Convicted of Domestic Violence

In Utah, the punishments for domestic crimes tend to be harsh, and their enforcement strict. In almost every case, you can expect to have some treatment, class, or assessment to determine the likelihood of future infractions. These courses themselves can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the nature and frequency of mandatory classes. Punishments can also include jail time and probation for 12-24 months.

Perhaps even more than the instant stresses, long-term issues can arise. For example, if charged, you will lose your 2nd amendment right to bear arms for life. Secondarily these charges will appear on your record for the rest of your life. This means that potential employers will see a conviction for a violent crime anytime you need to do a background check.

Our lawyers know that there are always two sides to every story. The court must be able to see things from your perspective, so your rights are represented. Having a defense attorney on your side will increase the likelihood of justice. If you live in the Salt Lake City area, call our office today to speak with an attorney.  

When we think of emotional abuse, we often see images in our head of people yelling at each other, calling harsh names, and being unduly rude or short-tempered. Although it is not necessarily illegal to frequently call someone a hurtful word, emotional abuse can be used as evidence to show other crimes. Below are a couple of examples.

When emotional abuse can lead to criminal charges.

Child endangerment or elder abuse:  The law puts extra protections on society members that will typically have more challenging times defending themselves. In the case of children, the law typically makes it illegal to conduct behavior that unjustifiably causes mental suffering to a minor. The same principle can be more or less applied to the elderly and can be considered elder abuse.

Harassment or stalking: Perhaps one person is sending many unwanted texts, phone calls, or emails. These items can be used as evidence to create a restraining order. It only helps build a stronger case if these messages are damaging due to abrasive and demeaning language.

Criminal threat: We all tend to say things we do not mean from time to time. Most of us would not look good when our words are taken out of the context when they were spoken. Regardless, words spoken, written, or recorded can be used to show that the receiving person had a reasonable fear for their safety. This is another example when alleged emotional abuse can lead to other criminal charges.

What can you do if you have been accused of emotional abuse?

Hopefully, the above content helped shed a little light on the issue. Every case is unique and so at the circumstances of your relationships and charges. As we like to say at our firm, “just because you did, it doesn’t mean you’re guilty.” That is because we realize there are always two sides to every story. Our attorneys are here to help have your voice be heard in the eyes of the law. If you live in West Jordan or Salt Lake City, we are happy to have a case review regarding any criminal charges you are facing. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The adhering to table details hooking as well as solicitation laws in Utah.

Legal Definition of Prostitution in Utah

Code Sections UTAH CODE ANN. §76-10-1302 et seq.

What is Prohibited?

Prostitution:

Engaging in sex for pay, serving as an inmate in a house of prostitution, or loitering/being within view of a public place to be hired to engage in sexual activity

Patronizing a prostitute:

Paying or agreeing to pay for sex or entering or remaining in a house of prostitution to engage in sexual activity

Aiding prostitution:

Soliciting a person to patronize a prostitute, procuring or attempting to procure a prostitute for a patron, leasing or permitting a place to be used for or promotion of prostitution, providing any service or committing any act which enables or facilitates prostitution, and soliciting, receiving, or agreeing to receive a benefit for committing any of the above

Pimping (a.k.a. exploiting prostitution):

Procuring an inmate for or securing a space in a house of prostitution, encouraging, inducing, or purposely causing another to become or remain a prostitute, transporting, procuring, or paying for transportation of a person into and within the state for prostitution purposes, sharing in prostitution proceeds, owning, controlling, managing, supervising, or keeping a house of prostitution or prostitution business

It is aggravated exploitation of prostitution if the person uses force, threat, or fear to do any of the above. The above prostitute is a child, or in exploiting prostitution, the person committed human trafficking or smuggling.

Penalties Prostitution, patronizing a prostitute, and aiding prostitution are Class B misdemeanors punishable by up to 6 months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines. A second or subsequent offense of prostitution or aiding prostitution is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.

Patronizing a child prostitute and exploiting prostitution are third-degree felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.

Aggravated exploitation of prostitution is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. However, if the prostitute was a child, it is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines.

Finding a Sex Crime Defense Attorney

Even if it is your first time being charged with sexually related crimes, it is vital to have a knowledgeable Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney on your side. If you have been charged in Utah, you can use our contact page to get in touch with a legal professional. You can also call our office at 801-987-8409 to schedule a consultation or case review.

Signs that you are the perpetrator of abuse

The Utah Revised Statutes describes domestic violence as the act of physically and mentally abusing your family member or anyone in the household. The most common form of domestic violence in Salt Lake City include abuse between spouses. Usual acts carried out by the domestic violence perpetrator are punching, kicking, shoving, threatening, intimidating and any other methods meant to hurt the victim. Even sexual abuse and illegal detention are included here.

Am I abusive? Ask yourself this, evaluate if you are guilty of these actions against your spouse. Other signs that you might be the abusive one is your partner becoming fearful of you, taking the children away as much he or she can, or downright telling you that you are abusive.

One of the reasons some abusive spouses fail to grasp that they are responsible for domestic violence is that the abuse is done mentally, and this kind of abuse can take time to be noticed. Look at yourself and your spouse; you might both be undergoing mental abuse that can break your family apart. You can learn about your responsibility by checking if there is a change in your behavior and how you view your family.

Steps to take if you realize you are an abusive spouse.

Domestic violence is a severe matter in Utah, and it holds weighty consequences if you are found guilty of it. First domestic violence charges are misdemeanors and hold up to six months in jail and a fine that is not more than $1,000. If a domestic violence offense was made for the third time within seven years, a felony charge should be imposed, which, of course, brings a more massive set of penalties.

To avoid these consequences, resolve the issue within your family. However, you should know that domestic violence is a cycle. You can do the same thing again, even after reconciliation. This is why most domestic violence cases go into court because the victim can not finally take the cycle and go to law to end the abuse.

In Utah, there exist programs for domestic violence perpetrators. These particular programs are designed to help them unlearn their violent ways and gain sympathy for their spouses back. As a defendant, there is a probability of you being ordered by the court to attend such an intervention. Otherwise, you can attend it yourself as a first step to support yourself out of the abusive spouse stigma.

Fighting domestic violence charges in Utah

Even if you may have committed a violent act, you still have the right to defend yourself in court and hire a Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney. Note that the prosecutor assigned to the case will do whatever it takes to press you, especially if there are glaring pieces of evidence. Thus it would be best if you arm yourself with strong defenses.

You could counter allegations with arguments that no domestic violence happened or the accusations were made out of spite along with your legal defense. This is a serious crime as it has reeling records of injuries and deaths in the city and the State of Utah. Still, human beings are not invulnerable to errors, and sometimes the heat of the moment could get the better of you. If you think you are the abusive spouse and face charges, you must have a criminal defense attorney by your side to help acquit you of the charges or only let you go through punishments that will not completely tear you your family apart.

A few statistics on Utah’s prescription drug abuse

Utah has ranked as high as number 5 in the total number of deaths due to prescription drug overdose use. Even though that number is currently on a slight downward trend, we saw a 400 percent increase between 2013-2015.

Our home state reports that over 40% of our population is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As most of us know, this organization has a strict anti-drug policy. However, a high number of addicts are members. This could primarily be due to users not viewing drugs prescribed by a doctor as illicit, dangerous, or illegal.

Only 1 in 10 residents suffering from a problem receive treatment to help them overcome their addictions.

What should I do if I have a prescription drug charge?

Local law enforcement has cracked down on the recreational use of prescription drugs over the past five years. Any time you take a pill that was not on a prescription written specifically for you, it is a crime. Painkillers such as codeine, ketamine, and hydrocodone, are the most common drugs used recreationally. First offenders are usually charged with a Class B misdemeanor and can face fines and up to 6 months in jail. This can even be applied by accepting a friend’s pill to help with a bad headache.

The severity of the punishments will increase if you are charged to sell the drugs for profit. These possession charges are usually a third-degree felony and can come up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000.00 fine. Punishments such as these are life-changing enough, but the social issues and stigma are oftentimes worse. People often report difficulty finding jobs and other social obstacles in their way. Our legal team knows the challenges someone faces when charged with prescription drug abuse or distribution. If you or a loved one in Utah would like to speak to a knowledgeable defense attorney, contact our office today.

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