Posted by Bradley Henderson
Last Updated
Sex crime allegations can put your freedom, career, relationships, and reputation at risk—even before charges are filed. You need clear advice about what you are facing and a defense team willing to examine the evidence closely.
Stone River Law represents people under investigation or facing sex offense charges throughout Utah. Based in Layton, our attorneys help clients understand their options, prepare for court, and make informed decisions about their defense.
Call 801-448-7451 or request a consultation.
Experience Relevant to Sex Offense Defense
Defending a sex offense case requires careful attention to how an allegation developed, how investigators gathered information, and what the evidence actually supports.
Bradley Henderson brings experience as a former Air Force JAG officer and training focused on sexual-assault cases. His training included instruction from prosecutors, defense attorneys, investigators, and expert witnesses. Topics included child forensic interviews and the methods used to investigate allegations involving minors.
Stephen Howard has practiced law in Utah since 1999. His background includes criminal trials, appeals, and capital-defense work. He brings detailed statutory analysis and experience examining trial records for legal and evidentiary issues.
Our criminal defense team draws on these different backgrounds to evaluate the allegations, identify questions that need further investigation, and develop a strategy around your circumstances.
Sex Offense Cases We Handle
We represent clients facing allegations involving:
- Rape and other sexual-assault offenses
- Forcible sexual abuse
- Sexual battery
- Unlawful sexual activity involving minors
- Enticing a minor, including online sting investigations
- Sexual exploitation of a minor, including allegations involving child sexual abuse material, often called child pornography
- Voyeurism and lewdness
- Solicitation and prostitution-related offenses
The specific charge matters. So do the facts, the available evidence, and the legal requirements the prosecution must establish.
How We Examine the Evidence
Investigations and Witness Interviews
A police report summarizes an investigation. Understanding the case may require looking beyond that summary.
We examine available statements, recordings, timelines, and other records. We consider how questions were asked, whether accounts changed, and whether additional evidence supports or conflicts with an allegation.
When a case involves a child’s statement, the interview process may require particular attention. Brad’s training in child forensic interviews informs the questions we ask about how information was obtained and documented.
Digital Evidence and Original Files
Messages, photographs, phone records, and recordings can play an important role in a sex offense case. A screenshot or an image reproduced in a report may not provide the same information as the original file.
Our team examines whether the materials provided are complete and whether further records or technical analysis are needed. Depending on the case, questions may include:
- Does a message exchange include the surrounding conversation?
- Are original photographs available, or only reduced-quality copies?
- What does the available file information establish—and what remains uncertain?
- Is an audio or video recording complete?
- Is there a reliable basis for connecting a file or account to a particular person?
When appropriate, we work with qualified experts to investigate technical issues. We also work to explain those issues clearly in negotiations and court proceedings.
Case Example: Identifying Missing Forensic Records
Our attorneys represented a client charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. During discovery review, the team identified references to computer forensic reports and records that had not been provided to the defense.
Our attorneys requested those materials. When they were not provided, the team filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the prosecution’s failure to provide required discovery had caused unreasonable delay.
The prosecution subsequently filed its own motion to dismiss without prejudice, which the court granted. This means charges could potentially be refiled.
Legal Research and Court Preparation
Careful factual review works alongside legal analysis. We evaluate the charged offense, applicable statutes, evidentiary questions, and potential motions.
Much of this preparation happens outside the courtroom. Reviewing records, researching legal issues, investigating facts, and discussing strategy within our team help us prepare for negotiations, hearings, and trial.
A Defense Built Around Your Priorities
The charge is only part of what you are facing. You may also be worried about your job, professional license, education, family relationships, or ability to return home.
We ask about those concerns because they matter when evaluating your options. A proposed resolution deserves careful review of both its immediate terms and its potential long-term effects.
Our role is to explain the evidence, identify risks, and help you compare the choices available. We prepare for contested proceedings while exploring whether a negotiated resolution could serve your goals. We explain your options and give you our recommendation, including the reasons behind it. You decide whether to accept a plea offer or proceed to trial.
Help During a Sex Crime Investigation
You do not need to wait until charges are filed to contact Stone River Law.
If investigators have contacted you, or you believe an allegation is being investigated, a consultation can help you identify urgent questions and discuss how to handle communications, records, and next steps.
Early representation does not guarantee that charges will be avoided. It gives you an opportunity to obtain advice while important decisions are still being made.
Questions About Sex Crime Defense in Utah
What if I have never been charged with a crime before?
You do not need to understand the court system or know which questions to ask before contacting us. We can help identify the immediate issues, explain upcoming steps, and discuss what information will help us evaluate your situation.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring any charging documents, court notices, release conditions, and upcoming hearing dates. A basic timeline and a list of your questions can also help.
Before sending sensitive digital materials, ask our office how they should be handled. Do not send sexual images involving minors through our contact form or email.
Will my case go to trial?
That depends on the evidence, legal issues, available offers, and your decisions. We will discuss the risks and potential benefits of the available paths. No attorney can promise a particular result.
What determines the cost of representation?
The work required can depend on the amount of evidence, number of witnesses, need for investigation or experts, legal complexity, and preparation for hearings or trial.
During a consultation, we can discuss the anticipated scope of representation and how fees would apply to your case.
Can I ask for discreet communication?
Yes. Tell our team which phone number or email address to use and whether it is appropriate to leave a voicemail. Clear communication preferences help us handle contact with you thoughtfully.
Talk With a Utah Sex Crime Defense Attorney
You deserve a serious review of the allegations and clear explanations of your options. Stone River Law brings careful evidence review, relevant training, and attention to your individual priorities to sex offense defense throughout Utah.
Call 801-448-7451 or schedule a consultation.