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Domestic Violence: Child Abuse Homicide


Child Abuse Homicide: Domestic Violence Attorneys



Legal Definition:

Child Abuse Homicide (domestic violence) is the commission or attempt to commit assault by one cohabitant against another.

Child Abuse Homicide (Domestic Violence)

Utah Code §76-5-208 & §77-36-1

Degree

Depending on the facts, child abuse homicide (domestic violence) can be charged as a 1st or 2nd degree Felony.

Elements

A defendant commits a 1st degree felony child abuse homicide (domestic violence) if under circumstances not amounting to aggravated murder, the defendant recklessly causes the death of a person under 18 years of age and the death results from child abuse1.
1(Utah Code Ann. §76-5-109)

A defendant commits a 2nd degree felony child abuse homicide (domestic violence) if under circumstances not amounting to aggravated murder, the defendant with criminal negligence causes the death of a person under 18 years of age and the death results from child abuse.

A defendant commits a 2nd degree felony child abuse homicide (domestic violence) if under circumstances not amounting to aggravated murder, the defendant causes the death of a person under 18 years of age and the death results from child abuse. And, the circumstances do not amount to a 1st degree felony and the child abuse is done intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence.

Fine

1st degree felony: A fine not to exceed $10,000, plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(a), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)
2nd degree felony: A fine not to exceed $10,000, plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(a), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)

Restitution

The court may order the accused to pay restitution if convicted of this crime.
(Utah Code Ann. §77-38a-301)

Imprisonment

1st degree felony: A term of imprisonment not less than 5 years and which may be for life.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-203(1))
2nd degree felony: A term of imprisonment not less than 1 year nor more than 15 years.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-203(2))

Bail

Because of the unique and highly emotional nature of domestic violence crimes, the high recidivism rate of violent offenders, and the demonstrated increased risk of continued acts of violence subsequent to the release of an offender who has been arrested for domestic violence, it was the finding of the Utah Legislature that domestic violence crimes, are crimes for which bail may be denied if there is substantial evidence to support the charge, and if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that he alleged perpetrator would constitute a substantial danger to an alleged victim of domestic violence if released on bail.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-6-2.5(12))

Addition Sentence for Domestic Violence

In addition to penalties otherwise provided by law, the court may:

  • Order defendant to participate in an electronic or other type of monitoring program; and/or
  • Order defendant to pay all or part of the costs of counseling incurred by the victim and any children affected by or exposed to the domestic violence offense;

The court will:

  • Order cost of any services or treatment provided to the victim and affected children of the victim; and
  • Order the defendant to obtain and satisfactorily complete treatment or therapy in a domestic violence treatment program, that is licensed by Utah’s Department of Human Services, unless the court finds that there is no licensed program reasonably available or that the treatment or therapy is not necessary.
    (Utah Code Ann. §77-36-5(3)(4) and (5))
DNA Specimen Analysis

A defendant convicted of child abuse homicide (domestic violence) must provide a DNA specimen.
(Utah Code Ann. §53-10-403(2))

Firearms

A defendant convicted of child abuse homicide (domestic violence) may not posses, use or have control of a firearm or ammunition for life.
(18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9))


Other Criminal Charges

Learn more about crimes related to Child Abuse Homicide (Domestic Violence). If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (801) 505-1586.