Salt Lake City Voyeurism Attorneys
Voyeurism Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City
Voyeurism is probably more well known by the slang name, “Peeping Tom,” but legally speaking, that’s voyeurism. When an individual observes people while they undress, are naked, or engage in sexual activities—without their knowledge—this is voyeurism.
According to The Voyeurism Epidemic, voyeurs are usually male; the article cites an earlier study that found that about 42 percent of college men admitted to engaging in voyeurism. If you have been charged with the crime of voyeurism in Salt Lake City, Utah, it is extremely important that you have a strong Salt Lake City voyeurism defense attorney on your side who can help you achieve the best outcome possible.
What is the Definition of Voyeurism and Do I Really Need a Voyeurism Defense Attorney?
In Utah, voyeurism occurs when an individual views (or attempts to view) another individual with or without the use of an instrument (like a phone or camera) with the intent of viewing any portion of the other person’s body when that person had a reasonable expectation of privacy, and without the knowledge or consent of that person. The statute that defines voyeurism is Utah Code Section 76-9-702.7(4).
As with any sex crime, there are not only criminal penalties to consider, there is also the stigma of being charged with a sex crime. Having an experienced Salt Lake City voyeurism defense attorney from Conyers & Nix gives you the very best chance of a positive outcome to your charges. When you choose the legal team of Kate Conyers and Jesse Nix, you will find out just how different we are from other law firms.
We speak to our clients differently, listening more than talking. We never judge our clients. We understand that people make mistakes, and we know that you are much more your mistake. You have a life and a future, and we are willing and well-equipped to fight for you every step of the way.
We are never afraid to take a case to trial—prosecutors are well aware of this, so our clients receive better plea offers. We never accept a first offer from the prosecutor because we know that’s just the starting point. We will negotiate for the best deal possible for you—and will continue the fight until the prosecutor agrees to our terms or we take the case to trial.
We will always shoot straight with you, explaining all the potential outcomes and consequences. The goal of our team is to set you up for success—at Conyers & Nix, Kate and Jesse work the cases together, and go to trial together, working closely because we want instant feedback and continuous pushback to ensure we always do the very best for our clients.
What are the Different Types of Voyeurism?
There are essentially three types of voyeurism. The first is when an individual attempts to look at another’s body in a private setting when the victim has an expectation of privacy. The second type of voyeurism occurs when the person records another person without that person’s permission while the person has an expectation of privacy. The third type of voyeurism involves looking at and/or recording a minor under the age of 14.
What are the Penalties for Voyeurism in Utah?
If you are convicted of secretly looking at another person without their consent where the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, you are facing a Class B misdemeanor and could face up to six months in jail with fines up to $1,000. If the crime involves the use of an electronic recording device, you will face a Class A misdemeanor that carries penalties that include up to five years in prison, and fines up to $2,500.
If you distributed, sold, transmitted, or displayed the electronic video or images, you will face a third-degree felony resulting in up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000. If the voyeurism involved a minor who was 14 years old or younger, the charges will be automatically increased by one degree. If the distribution charges involve a child under 14 years of age, the violation will be charged as a second-degree felony.
Are There Defenses for Voyeurism?
While your exact defense will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding your charges, there are several defenses used for the charge of voyeurism. The statute that defines voyeurism in Utah requires that the defendant knows they are viewing or recording another person and that they do not have consent to do so, or that the person is unaware of the defendant’s actions. The intent behind the observation or surveillance must be sexual gratification or arousal or must have some sexual aspect to it for the statute to apply. Photographing or filming a person without their knowledge with no sexual intent can have its own legal implications, however, it may not rise to the level of criminal voyeurism.
Our Victories
How a Salt Lake City Voyeurism Defense Attorney from Conyers & Nix Can Help
Having a voyeurism defense attorney from Conyers & Nix by your side from the time you are charged with the crime of voyeurism is extremely important for your future. Our legal team is passionate about ensuring your rights are protected and your future is as unimpeded by the consequences of these charges as possible.
We have extensive public defender experience, meaning we have an extremely wide variety of experience with all types of cases and more trials under our belts than most attorneys. We go the extra mile to set up our clients for success—every legal strategy is focused on preventing future failure, and we are always 100 percent honest about your options. Contact Conyers & Nix today.