This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
As of May 5, committing rape, sodomy or object rape on a child in Utah is punishable by a minimum sentence of 25 years.
The Beehive State became the 34th state to pass the so-called Jessica's Law legislation and created a new provision within the law that sets minimum sentences for offenders who plead guilty to a lesser charge.
Jessica's Law cases are only beginning to trickle into prosecutors' offices. In some instances, victims come forward months after sexual abuse has taken place, prosecutors say. The new law is not retroactive for child-rape cases that occurred before May 5.
