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We have a reputation for achieving excellent results. Fewer than 1% of our clients have ever been incarcerated.
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Criminal cases can be unfair and the consequences hefty. We have successfully represented thousands of clients in Utah.
Wasatch Defense Lawyers is happy to make an interpreter available. We also have fluent German and Spanish speaking attorneys.
Yes. A defense lawyer may be able to lower your charges or get them dropped, even if you are guilty. We may even be able to arrange more favorable outcomes such as community service, driving re-education classes, or other measures instead of jail time.
The exact cost will depend on the particulars of your case. If the case goes to trial, that will add expenses. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we offer a range of different rates, structures, and payment plans. Which one you will fall under will depends on the individual details of your case. We offer flat fees, hourly rates, military discounts, and even work on contingencies.
A criminal defense lawyer’s job is to get you the best possible outcome for your case. We’ll look for mistakes in paperwork or gaps in the prosecutor’s argument. Finally, we can explain your options and repercussions at every step of the process to you. Mistakes you make in paperwork or missed deadlines and court appearances could cost you. Criminal defense lawyers may be able to get your sentence reduced or dropped.
Yes. The State of Utah has just lowered the BAC limit for drivers to .05 percent. This is a sharp reduction from the nationwide average of .08 percent, which makes the state the strictest in the country. A defense lawyer can work to reduce charges, get a reduced sentence, or help with DUI charges to get them totally dropped.
The most serious level of crime is a felony. Misdemeanors are less serious, and infractions are the least serious crimes. Felony crimes are usually classified by first, second, and third degrees of seriousness. The first degree represents the most serious level of offense. The levels of seriousness of crimes determine the corresponding degrees of severity of penalties imposed on people convicted of the offenses.
To clarify, misdemeanors include offenses such as petty theft, vandalism, trespassing, etc. Conviction of a crime at this level does not carry prison time and is limited instead to small fines and other relatively light consequences. By contrast, examples of felony crimes include murder. aggravated assault, kidnapping, arson, etc. Convictions for the most extreme of these crimes can carry long prison sentences or even the death penalty.
Crimes are usually classified as felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. The basic difference between felonies and misdemeanors, in terms of the law, is in the severity of the potential penalties the law requires. Pleading guilty or being found guilty of a more serious crime can be expected to come with a more extreme penalty than a conviction for a lesser offense.
Being convicted of a felony carries penalties ranging from large fines to prison time up to life sentences, even the death penalty. By contrast, a misdemeanor sentence often includes a moderate fine, possibly community service hours, perhaps mandatory counseling, and/or other reformative requirements.
There are many types of crimes. Some basic categories of crimes criminologists recognize include:
The most critical action you will need to take in an effort to avoid prison time for a felony is to contact an experienced Salt Lake City, UT, criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Further, you should diligently do the following while you are facing criminal charges:
Generally, the statute of limitations for bringing a felony charge is three years. However, in some types of cases, the time frame may be longer, such as in fraud, felony sex crimes cases, and possibly others. There is no statute of limitations for bringing a murder charge. Typically, the statute of limitations for bringing a misdemeanor charge is one year.
A large factor in a personal injury case is proving who is at fault. A defense attorney can negotiating with insurance companies and communicating with other involved parties on your behalf. A defense lawyer can also help you put an accurate monetary value on your injury so you can pursue a settlement.
Family law can be a complicated legal tangle. A defense lawyer can help you understand the process, your rights, and your responsibilities. Your lawyer can also help you strengthen your case for a fair custody division, and enforcement of such orders.
A defense attorney represents the person who has been accused of a crime. Their objective, if the case goes to trial, is to argue against the validity against the prosecutor’s case. Meanwhile, a prosecutor represents the city, county, or state in criminal cases. They are typically a representative of the District Attorney. They will gather evidence, determine which evidence has merit, and try to persuade the court of the accused’s guilt. The burden of proof is on the prosecutor.
A criminal defense lawyer has a variety of duties and responsibilities. These include interviewing their client, investigating the case for grounds for acquittal, assisting with jury selection if a trial occurs, arguing against the prosecutor’s case, and helping with plea bargains and sentencing. Above all, they are expected to understand the law and explain your rights and legal options to you.
You are not legally required to provide any information to a police officer. Do not give any statement to a police officer before you contact a criminal defense lawyer and obtain guidance. If you are concerned that the police are investigating you, an experienced criminal defense attorney will ensure that your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.
In some cases, alcohol or drug effects can cause a loss of inhibitions and self-control and negative psychological and physiological changes that impact decision-making. The altered mental state can influence behavior and lend to criminal actions. But, in many other cases, substance abuse is not necessarily involved in criminal activity. Naturally, the root causes of crime are too complex to explain fully here.
Most generally speaking, theories of criminal behavior focus on several categories of behavioral factors, including social, psychological, and even biological. Each of the behavioral factors below and others fall into one of those categories of potential contributors to criminal behavior: