Sexual Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult

What is a Vulnerable Adult?

In Utah, a “vulnerable adult” is  an elder adult (senior citizen) or a person is at least 18 years of age or older who has a mental or physical impairment which substantially affects that person’s ability to:

  • provide his own personal protection;
  • provide his own necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or other health care;
  • obtain services necessary for his health, safety, or welfare;
  • carry out his own activities of daily living;
  • manage his own resources such as his financial resources and property; or
  • comprehend the nature and consequences of remaining in a situation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

What does it Mean to Sexually Exploit a Vulnerable Adult?

Exploiting a vulnerable adult is akin to sexually exploiting a child, otherwise known as distributing or producing child pornography, in the eyes of the law.  A person can be convicted of sexual exploitation of a vulnerable adult if he

  • knowingly produces, possesses, or possesses with intent to distribute material that the person knows is vulnerable adult pornography; or
  • intentionally distributes or views material that the person knows is vulnerable adult pornography and the vulnerable adult who appears in, or is depicted in, the vulnerable adult pornography lacks capacity to consent to the conduct.

A person found guilty of this offense is guilty of a third degree felony and practically guaranteed to spend months in jail and up to years in prison.  Furthermore, if you are convicted of sexually exploiting a vulnerable adult you will have to register as a sex offender.

The consequences of being convicted of this offense are severe.  You’ll need strong legal representation to defend against the state’s charges.  Call our criminal defense lawyers at 801.413.1753 for a free consultation if you are facing criminal charges of this nature.  You’ll need us from beginning to end, so don’t delay.  Get Protected!

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