Our criminal defense attorneys can do what is in your best interest if you are facing charges or are under the threat of arrest in Utah, and work hard to protect your rights, potentially avoid or dismiss charges, and mitigate the consequences as much as possible.
Whether you are charged with a first degree felony in Utah or a lower-level misdemeanor, you should have an attorney explain the official charges to you and the possible penalties. In addition to building your defense, challenging evidence, and involving expert witnesses, we can prepare you for trial and, if it is appropriate, to testify in your defense.
Schedule a free case analysis by calling the criminal defense lawyers of Overson & Bugden at (801) 758-2287 now.
Why Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Centerville, UT?
Facing criminal charges without a lawyer’s help is not a good idea, and puts you in a difficult position from the get-go, making it harder to defend the charges or mitigate the penalties.
To Protect Your Rights
We can be present during all custodial interrogations with law enforcement, including other interactions with the police and the prosecution, to ensure your rights remain protected. You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right against unreasonable search and seizure, among others, that our lawyers can advocate for.
To Avoid Criminal Charges
By involving us at the outset, even before charges are filed, you may be able to avoid them altogether. Tell us if you have an alibi or other exculpatory evidence that clears you, and we can contextualize things for the police and give them an alternative version of events, possibly even an alternative suspect.
To Build a Strong Defense
Our attorneys can utilize the appropriate defense for your situation. Defenses vary from case to case. What matters most is that we know everything there is to know about the charges, including any information you have. When presenting an affirmative defense, such as self-defense, the burden is on us to prove that the defense applies.
To Mitigate Penalties
When prosecutors have enough evidence to get a conviction at trial, our criminal defense lawyers may negotiate a plea deal on your behalf that changes the charges and possible penalties. We can advocate for you during sentencing, explaining why the judge should be lenient.
FAQs Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Answer for Defendants in Centerville, UT
What Are Common First Degree Felony Offenses in Utah?
The following offenses can be charged as first degree felonies in Utah:
- Murder
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated burglary
- Rape
First degree felonies are punishable by 5 years to life in prison.
What Are Common Second Degree Felony Offenses in Utah?
Manslaughter, robbery, intentional child abuse with injury, possession with intent to distribute, and residential burglary are generally charged as second degree felonies in Utah. The minimum sentence for a second degree felony conviction is 1 year; the maximum is 15 years.
What Are Common Third Degree Felony Offenses in Utah?
Some of the most common offenses charged as third degree felonies include property crimes, fraud or forgery, third or subsequent DUI conviction, and third or subsequent domestic violence conviction. These offenses are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
How Do Juvenile Charges Work?
Juveniles are not charged or convicted of offenses in the same way as adults when tried as minors. Rather than being convicted of a crime, a juvenile becomes an “adjudicated delinquent.” In rare circumstances, juveniles can be tried as adults in Utah, such as for especially violent crimes.
Are Misdemeanor Charges Serious?
Misdemeanor offenses can still lead to jail time, costly fines, and ongoing reputational consequences, so you should still take charges seriously, even if they bring lesser consequences than felonies.
Do You Need an Attorney for All Criminal Charges in Centerville, UT?
You should get an attorney to help you with criminal charges, even non-violent, low-level, first-time offenses. Especially for serious charges, you should retain an attorney promptly so you have an advocate during all interactions with law enforcement and remain informed throughout the process.
Do You Need an Attorney Before You Are Officially Charged with a Crime?
You can contact our attorneys for help with your case even before you are officially charged with a crime. We may offer law enforcement the context and explanation they need to not file charges against you.
What Should You Tell Your Criminal Defense Attorney?
What you tell your criminal defense attorney is completely confidential. Tell us everything you know about the charges, other parties involved in the case, and any statements you made to law enforcement before or after you were arrested. Tell us what you can remember about how police officers treated you and if they violated your rights.
Can You Expunge Your Criminal Record in Centerville, UT?
You may qualify for expungement if it has been long enough since your case or convicted and, in the time since, you have not faced any additional criminal charges. Violent and sexual offenses are generally not eligible for expungement in Utah.
Is Prison Mandatory for All Criminal Charges in Utah?
Some prison time is only mandatory for repeat or extreme offenses, such as repeat sex offenses, drug distribution, and first and second degree felonies. While prison or jail may not be mandatory for all offenses, it is still a possibility upon conviction for almost any offense.
Is Accepting a Plea Deal for Criminal Charges a Good Idea?
Accepting a plea deal may only be a good idea if it reduces the charges against you, limiting the judge’s discretion and encouraging them to follow the prosecution’s deal when it comes time to sentence you.
Call Us for Help with Your Criminal Defense
Call the criminal defense lawyers of Overson & Bugden at (801) 758-2287 for a free case evaluation.
