Utah No Sexually Oriented Business License Attorney

It is not common knowledge that if you are considered a sexually oriented business, you must be licensed in most municipalities. You can be cited for a misdemeanor, or even potential prostitution. Do not face this charge alone, having any blemish on your record can be detrimental later on in life, let Weber Law help you today.

WHAT IS SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS?

Sexually oriented businesses in the state of Utah means a business at which any nude or partially denuded (partially unclothed) individual, regardless of whether the nude or partially denuded individual is an employee of the sexually oriented business or an independent contractor, performs any service for compensation. This includes but is not limited to an escort service, or even an adult service, aka: a strip club.

WHAT IS AN ADULT SERVICE?

An adult service means dancing, serving food or beverages, modeling, posing, wrestling, singing, reading, talking, listening, or other performances that are provided by a nude or partially nude individual.

HOW IS AN ESCORT DIFFERENT FROM A PROSTITUTE?

While a prostitute is being paid in money or trade for a sexual act, an escort is a person who, for compensation, dates, socializes with, visits, accompanies another, or offers to date another. An escort is merely a date for hire. It is important to note that an escort is not a private nurse, or anyone who provides sexual favors. 

DO I NEED A LICENSE?

Any person who is employed in a sexually oriented business must obtain an individual license if that municipality requires it. Additionally, the entire business must obtain a specific sexually oriented business license if that municipality requires it. 

WHAT IS THE PENALTY?

A person who does not have a license and is running or working at a sexually oriented business can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. Additionally, a person can be charged with prostitution, if it is found that prostitution is occurring at that sexually oriented business. 

A class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one-year imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000.00.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN CITED WITHOUT A LICENSE WHILE RUNNING OR WORKING AT A SEXUALLY ORIENTATED BUSINESS?

It can be a scary and stressful to have pending criminal charges. There is an added note of seriousness to a charge dealing with a sex crime that could affect you or your business for the rest of your life. Weber Law is here to walk you through the process and defend you every step of the way. Weber Law will work to get your citation dismissed or lowered by looking at potential defenses and any evidence associated with the citation. This could include not realizing a license was needed, having an expired license, or even looking at municipality lines to determine if a license is even necessary.  

If you are not sure how to proceed with a ticket, let Weber Law give you the next steps. Let Weber Law help keep your record clean and help you live your life free of criminal charges. The court room can be intimidating, and this is not a charge you want to face alone. Let Weber Law’s team of experienced lawyers walk you through the process and do the stressing and worrying for you. If you or someone you know have been cited for working or running a sexually orientated business without a license, contact Weber Law today for a consultation.

• Utah Code § 10-8-41.5, Regulation of sexually oriented business
• Utah Code § 76-3-204, misdemeanor conviction – term of imprisonment
• Utah Code § 76-10-1302, Prostitution
• Utah Code § 76-3-301, fines of individuals