Nobody wants to get charged with a crime. That being said, if you or a loved one do end up on the defending side of a criminal case, you need to take action quickly. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be significant, ranging from fines to time spent in jail or prison to losing some of your rights – temporarily or forever. Additionally, getting convicted of a crime may make people you care about think of you differently, and you may have difficulty taking out a loan, getting a job, or living in certain locations.
With so much at stake, you cannot afford to cut corners. Our firm knows criminal cases inside and out and can tailor our services to best handle your situation and work towards getting you the best outcome we can for your case.
Dial (801) 758-2287 to get a free case review from Overson Law’s criminal defense lawyers today.
Crimes You Can Be Charged with in Kimball Junction
There are many things that are considered crimes in Utah with varying levels of penalties depending on their seriousness. Less serious criminal conduct, like theft, will have less severe consequences than something more serious, like robbery or aggravated assault. Since criminal conduct is so varied, you will have to be specific about your situation with our criminal defense lawyers so that we can start working on an effective defense for the charges against you. Some crimes individuals may be charged with in Utah include:
Murder and Manslaughter
Murder is the most serious crime of all. Utah Code § 76-5-203(2). The crime is the intentional or known killing of someone else or causing someone’s death through conduct that the perpetrator would know creates a risk of death.
There is also a more serious crime of “aggravated murder” found under § 76-5-202(2), which is the killing of someone else while in jail, during the course of a crime, and under many other circumstances. While all murder charges are serious, aggravated murder can be a capital offense – punishable by death.
On the other end of the spectrum, manslaughter is a less serious charge than murder, though it is still a very serious charge compared to other criminal charges. Utah Code § 76-5-205(2) defines manslaughter as recklessly causing someone else’s death. This is different from murder in that the perpetrator does not plan to kill someone. For example, it would be manslaughter, not murder, if someone finds their significant other in the act of cheating on them and beats them to death in a rage.
Assault
Intentionally trying to hurt someone is a serious crime. In Utah, there are two forms of “assault”: simple assault and aggravated assault.
Simple assault is criminalized under Utah Code § 76-5-102. The crime consists of attempting or succeeding in causing bodily injury to someone else. Things like punching someone in the face, kicking them, shoving someone, and other belligerent conduct can be considered simple assault.
Aggravated assault is a much more serious crime, detailed in § 76-5-103. It is defined as causing someone else bodily injury with a dangerous weapon, through strangulation or trying to cut off the airway, or other methods that are likely to cause serious injury. For example, cracking someone across the skull with an iron bar would be aggravated assault.
While many simple assault charges are misdemeanors, aggravated assault charges will always be felonies. Therefore, it is always good to have a lawyer helping you, regardless of the type of assault you are being charged with.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving and driving while under the effects of drugs is criminalized in every state. The laws in Utah prohibiting that conduct are Utah Code § 41-6a-502. This law makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle when the perpetrator has a BAC of .05% or greater or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs such that they cannot use the vehicle safely.
Like all states, Utah takes driving under the influence very seriously. The penalty for just a first offense is generally a Class B misdemeanor. That being said, circumstantial factors, like the perpetrator transporting someone 15 years old or younger at the time they are driving drunk, can make the charges a more serious Class A misdemeanor.
Drug Crimes
Various conduct involving controlled substances is prohibited in Utah under Utah Code § 58-37-8(1). The law prohibits the manufacture or distribution, or intent to manufacture or distribute, various controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and many others. The charges for distributing addictive drugs can be very serious. For example, the penalty for manufacturing, distributing or intending to manufacture or distribute a Schedule I drug is a second or first-degree felony under § 58-37-8-(1)(b).
Ways Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You in Kimball Junction
There are many more things that our firm can do for you beyond simply arguing at trial. In fact, there are ways we can help you, and maybe even significantly improve your case, well before you step into a courtroom before a jury.
Negotiate with Prosecutors
One of the most important things that criminal defense attorneys do is negotiate with prosecutors. In many circumstances, we will be able to clarify facts, point out incorrect things in the prosecution’s claim, and do other things to demonstrate that the charges against you are unwarranted and should either be reduced or dismissed.
Gather Information
An important part of preparing for trial is ensuring that your case is backed up by lots of evidence and information. We can talk to witnesses, obtain video footage, and look for other things that can help support your innocence in court.
Offering Advice
Lawyers are sometimes called “counselors,” and for a good reason. One of our most important jobs is advising you of the best course of action. Through every step of your case, we will tell you what you are able to do so you can make a good, informed decision about how to handle things.
Talk to Our Kimball Junction Criminal Defense Lawyers Now
Overson Law’s criminal defense lawyers can give you a free, confidential case analysis when you call us at (801) 758-2287.
