How We Can Help
From misdemeanors to complex felonies, our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of criminal defense cases. With a track record of success across diverse legal matters, we provide skilled representation tailored to your unique situation.
Sex Crime Attorney in Salt Lake City
Confidential Defense For Life-Changing Allegations
A sex crime accusation in Utah can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be worried about jail, sex offender registration, and what your family, employer, or community will think. In this moment, you need a sex crime attorney in Salt Lake City who can protect both your rights and your privacy.
At Langford | Ramos, we defend people facing serious criminal allegations in the Salt Lake City area and across Salt Lake County. With more than 30 years of combined criminal defense experience, our attorneys know how these cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted in Utah state courts and in federal court when a case goes that far.
We are a boutique criminal defense firm based in Park City, and we purposely limit our caseload so we can give each client the focused attention their case deserves. Our team includes a former federal public defender and an attorney with over two decades of courtroom experience. We listen without judgment, explain your options clearly, and work closely with you at every step.
Facing a Salt Lake City sex crimes lawyer from the prosecution's side is daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. Call (801) 919-8454 or reach out online to speak with the team at Langford | Ramos. Take advantage of our free consultations and bilingual services in English and Spanish.
Types of Sex Crime Charges We Defend In Utah
Utah prosecutes sex offenses aggressively, and the range of potential charges is broad. Some cases arise from long-term relationships or family disputes, while others grow out of online activity or encounters that were brief and confusing. You may be under investigation without formal charges yet, or you may already have a court date scheduled in the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
Sex crime allegations our firm handles can include accusations such as:
- Rape
- Sexual abuse
- Unlawful sexual activity with a minor
- Sexual battery
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Internet-based solicitation
- Prostitution
- Indecent exposure
Each category carries different potential penalties, and many are charged as felonies. The specific charge often depends on the ages involved, the type of contact alleged, and the evidence police think they have collected.
Some matters remain in Utah state courts, while others may involve federal agencies. Federal charges are less common but can arise in certain internet or child pornography cases. Our firm has experience in both systems, and we understand the procedures and expectations that apply in Salt Lake County district courts and in federal court.
If you have been contacted by detectives, served with a search warrant, or learned that a warrant has been issued, early legal guidance can make a real difference in how your case unfolds. We work to intervene as soon as we are retained, so you are not navigating interviews or early court appearances on your own.
Penalties of Sex Crimes Convictions in Utah
The consequences of a conviction are bifurcated into immediate court-ordered penalties and long-term collateral damage. A Salt Lake City sex crimes lawyer from our team will fight to help you avoid the following:
- Incarceration: Felonies in Utah can result in years or even life in the Utah State Prison.
- Fines: Financial penalties can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
- Sex Offender Registry: Most convictions require registration on the Utah Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry. This is often a public record, affecting where you can live and work for 10 years or, in many cases, for life.
- Loss of Civil Rights: You will lose the right to possess firearms and the right to vote while incarcerated.
- Employment Barriers: Many employers are prohibited from hiring individuals with these specific types of felony records, particularly in healthcare, education, or government sectors.
- Housing Limitations: Many landlords refuse to lease to individuals on the registry, and federal law may prohibit you from living in certain subsidized housing.
Why Clients Turn To Our Firm
When your future is on the line, the lawyer you choose matters. Clients come to us because they want experienced attorneys who will treat them with respect and keep them informed, not just shuffle their case from one staff member to another. We understand how isolating a sex crime allegation can feel, and we work to make sure you do not face the system alone.
Our attorneys bring decades of focused criminal defense work to every case. Alexander E. Ramos previously served as a federal public defender, which gives our firm insight into how law enforcement agencies and prosecutors build serious cases, including sex offenses with federal involvement. Michael Langford contributes more than 20 years of criminal defense practice, including extensive work in Utah courts.
As a boutique firm, we are intentional about personal service. You have direct access to your lawyer, and you can expect honest answers to difficult questions. We take the time to prepare you for interviews, hearings, and important decisions. Our goal is to build a defense strategy that fits your situation, whether that involves challenging key evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, or litigating in court in Salt Lake County.
How We Defend Sex Crime Cases in Salt Lake City
Defending sex crime cases requires a careful, personalized approach. At Langford | Ramos, we begin by listening to your account, reviewing charging documents, and gathering all available discovery. We treat you as an individual rather than a label, building a defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case and the evidence at hand.
Our team scrutinizes all evidence critically, including witness statements, digital communications, forensic reports, and medical records. We look for inconsistencies, alternative explanations, and potential constitutional violations. When appropriate, we file motions to challenge unreliable or improperly obtained evidence and prepare to argue these issues in court.
Not every case goes to trial, so we also help clients understand their options. We evaluate evidence strength, trial risks, and potential plea outcomes, negotiating terms that align with your goals when necessary. Throughout the process, we provide guidance on Utah and federal court procedures, preparing you for hearings, interviews, and testimony to ensure informed, confident decisions.
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Boutique Law FirmOur smaller size allows us to provide a more personalized and focused approach, ensuring that each client receives the dedicated attention and tailored strategies they deserve.
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Commitment to JusticeWe are deeply committed to justice and the belief that everyone deserves a strong defense.
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Empathy and CompassionWe are driven by an unwavering commitment to support the underdog. Our empathy fuels our desire to stand by our clients in their most challenging times.
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Non-Judgmental SupportWe’re not here to judge; we’re here to defend. Our focus is on protecting your rights and ensuring you receive a fair defense, no matter the circumstances.
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No Obligation ConsultationsWe believe that everyone deserves access to experienced legal advice, which is why we offer free consultations.
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Community and AdvocacyThrough selective pro bono work and support of meaningful causes, we aim to make a positive impact beyond the courtroom, advocating for justice and fairness in all areas of life.
What You Should Do Next
After an arrest or when you learn that you are under investigation, it can be tempting to try to explain yourself to police, the alleged victim, or their family. In sex crime cases, that instinct often creates more problems. Anything you say can be used against you later, and misunderstandings can quickly become part of the evidence file.
If your case is connected to conduct in the Salt Lake City area, you may already have a scheduled appearance in district court. It is important to follow all release conditions, including no-contact orders and restrictions on travel or internet use. Violating these orders can result in additional charges or a change in your release status.
There are also practical steps you can take to protect yourself and help your legal team understand what happened.
Important actions to consider right away:
- Do not discuss the allegations with police, the alleged victim, or on social media.
- Gather and preserve potential evidence, such as messages or emails, without altering or deleting anything.
- Write down your recollection of events while details are still fresh, and keep this confidential.
- Follow all court orders carefully, including no-contact and protective orders.
- Contact our firm promptly so our attorneys can guide your next steps and speak on your behalf.
Every situation is different, and you should not rely on general advice alone. When you reach out to us, we talk through what has already happened and what is coming next, then we help you decide on a plan. Our aim is to reduce the chaos you are feeling and to protect your rights from the very beginning.
Talk With Our Salt Lake City Sex Crimes Defense Team
If you are facing a sex offense investigation or charge in the Salt Lake City area, you do not have to navigate this alone. Speaking with our attorneys can help you understand the allegations, the process, and the options that may be available to you under Utah law.
At Langford | Ramos, we bring decades of criminal defense experience, a former federal public defender’s insight, and a client-centered, non-judgmental approach to every case. We take your concerns seriously, and we work with you to build a defense strategy that reflects your circumstances and goals.
To schedule a confidential consultation with a sex crime lawyer in Salt Lake City, call (801) 919-8454 or reach out online now.