When you view pornography involving a child or vulnerable adult, you are guilty of sexual exploitation in Utah. A Utah man is currently being investigated for allegedly viewing child pornography while on a recent flight from Salt Lake City to Boston. He pled not guilty to the charge while Utah investigators have, with a search warrant, been busy seizing property from his home.
What Constitutes Sexual Exploitation?
Photo: Salvor
A person is guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor if he engages in the following aspects of child pornography:
• Produces pornography involving children
• Possesses child pornography
• Possesses such pornography with the intent to distribute
• Distributes or
• Views child pornography
Additionally, if a parent or legal guardian knowingly allows or agrees to their child’s participation in pornography, that person will be guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor.
The Legal Consequences of Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation of a minor is a second-degree felony. For example, if a person was to purposefully view child pornography pictures and there were three children in one picture, that person could be charged with three separate second-degree felonies. If the individual viewed different pictures involving the same child, every picture of the same child could result in a second-degree felony charge.
Sexual exploitation of a vulnerable adult is very similar to that of a child. A person is considered to be a vulnerable adult if he lacks the capacity to consent to participation in pornography. The charge for sexually exploiting a vulnerable adult is a third-degree felony.
Utah law also specifies that a person accused of sexual exploitation cannot use as a defense that they didn’t know the age of the victim.
If you find yourself in a legal jam, don’t wait to hire an attorney. Remember that a good Utah criminal defense attorney won’t judge you. His goal is to provide you with the best defense possible regardless of the charges against you. Do yourself a favor and call a criminal defense attorney right away.
