David Richards has been arrested and booked into a Utah jail on charges relating to child exploitation. Exploitation may be defined as “utilization of another person for selfish purposes.” Richards allegedly lured children into his home where he had hidden cameras and would take pictures of the children while they were in his bathroom. Police have seized computers and cameras from Richards’ home and have identified at least 10 children, all between the ages of 6-10 years old. According to police, there are many other victims who have not yet been identified.

Richards is being investigated for the following crimes:

• Lewdness involving a child;
• Forcible sexual abuse of a child; and
• Sexual exploitation of a child.

Although the average person does not condone harming children in any fashion, don’t forget that everyone who is arrested for committing a crime, no matter what the crime may be, is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless or until proven otherwise. So while people may abhor criminal actions involving children, we must allow that individual their day before a jury of their peers.

Driving in excess of the speed limit is technically breaking the law, even though most people would not classify breaking the speed limit to be in the same category as child exploitation. It might be a different matter, however, if the person speeding hits and kills someone. That driver would certainly warrant legal representation as much as someone accused of another serious crime.

The bottom line is this: every person who is in trouble with the law needs and deserves to have the best attorney they can find. If you or a loved one is in a legal bind, hire a Utah criminal defense attorney right away. It will be the best decision you can make at a tough time.