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Domestic Violence: Rape


Rape: Domestic Violence Attorneys



Legal Definition:

Rape (domestic violence) is the commission or attempt to commit rape by one cohabitant against another.

Rape (Domestic Violence)

Utah Code §76-5-402 & Utah Code §77-36-1

Degree

1st Degree Felony.

Elements

A defendant commits rape (domestic violence) when they have sexual intercourse a person without their consent.

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)

Restitution

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

Imprisonment

Not less than 5 years and which may be for life.

15 years and which may be for life, if the judge finds that during the course of the commission of the rape the defendant caused serious bodily injury to another. However, if the judge finds that a lesser term is in the interest of justice and states the reasons for this finding on the record, the court may impose a term of imprisonment of not less than:

  • 10 years and which may be for life; or
  • 6 years and which may be for life.

Life without parole, if the judge finds that at the time of the commission of the rape the defendant was previously convicted of a grievous sexual offense.

Enhancement: If the Utah Courts find that a dangerous weapon was used in the commission of a felony, the minimum sentence will be increased by one year. (A minimum sentence of 0 years becomes a minimum of 1 year). Additionally, the maximum sentence for a 2nd or 3rd degree felony may be increased by 5 years.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-203.8(2))

Sex Offender Registration

Lifetime registration.
(Utah Code Ann. §77-27-21.5(12)(c)(i)(A))

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

A defendant convicted of a 1st degree felony rape (domestic violence) must provide a DNA specimen.
(Utah Code Ann. §53-10-403(2))

Firearms

A defendant convicted of rape (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 Rape (Domestic Violence). If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (801) 505-1586.