What does a criminal defense attorney cost in Salt Lake City?

We will sit down with you to discuss your payment options and look for an arrangement that is manageable for you. When we defend you, part of our role is helping to provide you with support and reduce your anxiety, down to the way we structure payments. Additionally, your initial consultation is cost-free.

When should you hire a criminal defense attorney?

If you were arrested and charged with a crime in Utah, you should contact Overson Law immediately. This is also true if you think that you are under investigation for a crime. The quicker you get in touch with us, the quicker we can begin advocating for your interests and fighting to ensure that the system does not treat you unfairly.

How can our Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer help you?

Darwin will guide you, advise you, listen to you, and protect your Constitutional rights while working hard to achieve a favorable outcome to your case, such as an acquittal (“not guilty” verdict), a reduction in the penalties you are facing, your charges being dropped, or a dismissal of your case.

Violent Crime Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City UT

Name: Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
Brand: Overson Law, PLLC
Rating: 4.2 (46 reviews)

Home / Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Lawyer / Salt Lake City Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

All crimes are serious matters, but violent crimes receive especially harsh scrutiny from courts and the general public. Criminal offenses are typically charged as lesser misdemeanors or serious felonies. While not all violent crimes are felonies, they are more likely to be charged as felonies than misdemeanors. As such, violent crimes are punished more harshly with longer prison terms and higher fines.

Violent crimes have a nasty habit of sticking with you long past the end of your trial and even your sentence. You must report your conviction for a violent felony on things like job applications, housing applications, and loans. You could lose significant opportunities because of your criminal record. A good attorney will stand by your side and fight your charges so that you do not miss any future opportunities.

If you face charges for any violent crimes, felonies or misdemeanors, you need to call a lawyer immediately. Out Salt Lake City violent crimes defense attorneys can help you challenge your charges in court and protect your rights in the process. Call Overson Law, PLLC at (801) 758-2287 to set up a free, private legal consultation.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled

We handle all types of violent crimes in Salt Lake City. It is important to understand that there are multiple types of violent crimes and not every attorney is equipped to handle every case. The Utah Criminal Code classified violent crimes under Offenses Against the Person. These offenses include assault, criminal homicide, kidnapping and trafficking, and sex offenses. A few specific examples of violent crimes handled by our Salt Lake City violent crimes defense lawyers are:

Assault
Aggravated Assault
Murder
Manslaughter
Negligent Homicide
Kidnapping Offenses
Rape
Sexual Abuse
Domestic Violence

Our team has the skills and experience to handle your criminal charges for a violent offense. Violent offenses are not the same in every case, so we treat each case with the individual attention it needs and deserves. Charges for violent crimes may vary if a deadly weapon was involved, a child was the victim, or there was serious bodily harm. Call our Salt Lake City violent crimes defense attorneys for help as soon as possible.

Penalties for Felony and Misdemeanor Crimes

Felonies and misdemeanors are very different charges, so the sentencing will vary greatly between the two. Felonies are more serious and tend to include more violent crimes. However, some violent crimes and other minor offenses are classified as misdemeanors and punished less harshly.

According to the Utah Criminal Code § 76-3-204, misdemeanors are broken down into three distinct classes. Class C misdemeanors are the least serious and can be punished by a jail term of no more than 90 days. Next are Class B misdemeanors which are punishable by no longer than 6 months in jail. Finally, the most serious misdemeanors are Class A and are penalized by no more than 364 days in jail.

Felonies are far more serious and carry stricter penalties. Not only that, but incarceration for felonies is also in state prisons, not county jails. Under the Utah Criminal Code § 76-3-203, felonies are broken down by degree. A third-degree felony is the least serious and is punishable by a prison term of no more than 5 years. The next step up is a second-degree felony. This kind of felony is punishable by at least 1 year in prison, but no more than 15. Finally, first-degree felonies, the most severe, can be punished with a prison sentence of at least 5 years but could be for as long as life.

Your charges will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. However, some offenses are so violent and heinous that they are treated separately from other violent crimes. A capital felony is punishable by death, a prison term of 25 years to life, or a prison term of life without parole. Call our Salt Lake City violent crimes defense attorneys for help with your charges.

Enhanced Sentencing

The penalties for felonies and misdemeanors mentioned previously tend to be more like a baseline when determining a final sentence. Certain offenses may be subject to enhanced penalties if the circumstances allow it, such as in the following scenarios:

Violent crimes involving a deadly weapon
Hate crimes
Violent crimes involving children
Domestic violence offenses
Certain crimes committed in prohibited locations, like schools.

Different crimes may call for different methods of enhancing a sentence. For some crimes, an enhanced sentence may simply be an upgrade in your charges. For example, your Class B felony could turn into a Class A felony. There may be additional penalties for other crimes, such as restrictions on gun rights in cases of domestic violence. If you believe your case may involve an enhancement of penalties, call our Salt Lake City violent crimes defense lawyers immediately.

What to Do If you were Arrested for a Violent Crime in Utah

If you were arrested for a violent crime, the first thing you should do is call an attorney for help. If possible, contact an attorney immediately after being arrested and inform the police you will be invoking your right to remain silent until your attorney is present. You have a right to have a lawyer with you while the police question you after an arrest.

Together, you and your lawyer can begin building a defense against any charges you face. The early stages of a criminal trial are crucial as you will be arraigned, enter a plea, and figure out bail. Having a lawyer at each of these stages will improve your chances of success. Our Salt Lake City violent crimes attorneys can help you every step of the way.

Call Our Salt Lake City Violent Crimes Defense Attorneys Today

If you have been charged with a violent crime, please contact our Salt Lake City violent crimes defense lawyers now. We are prepared to defend you against these charges and fight for your rights in court. Depending on the nature of your charges, the stakes could be very high, and you will need an experienced attorney by your side. Call Overson Law, PLLC at (801) 758-2287 to schedule a free legal consultation.

“If someone is making allegations against you, you really should talk to Darwin.”

I was charged with domestic violence and the allegations were that I abused my husband. Truth is, my husband was abusive to me. I hired Darwin and we had a trial. During the trial, Darwin was able to show the jury that it was my husband that was abusive and was trying to manipulate the process of our divorce. The jury found me not guilty and after the trial one of the jurors approached me and told me how impressed the jury was with the way Darwin presented the defense. Before the trial, my now soon to be ex-husband tried to convince me to plead guilty. So going to trial was really the first time I was able to stand up to him and not let him manipulate my life anymore. Darwin really helped me with that process and I can’t express how empowering it has been. If someone is making allegations against you, you really should talk to Darwin.

T.W.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“If you or a loved one is in trouble, Darwin is your guy.”

“I was arrested for DUI. From the very beginning Darwin was very professional and supportive. Throughout the court process I was scared. I kept telling Darwin that wanted to plead guilty just to end it but Darwin encouraged me to stick with it and take the case to trial. The morning of trial, Darwin was able to cross examine the (arresting) officer in such a way as to show the jury that there was reasonable doubt as to the accuracy of the breathalyzer machine. That was important because they were saying my BAC was .182. Darwin walked me through my testimony so that the jury understood what happened from my point of view. I think if he hadn’t been able to help me through my testimony the way he did that the jury wouldn’t have understood and they would have convicted me. The jury deliberated for two hours and then returned a verdict of not guilty.I am really thankful that Darwin was my attorney and that I took his advice to take my case to a jury. If you or a loved one is in trouble, Darwin is your guy.”

T.C.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“The jury found my husband not guilty and I credit Darwin for making that happen.”

“My husband was charged with a first degree felony sex crime against our granddaughter. Anyone who knew my husband knew he didn’t do it. He was the type to protect children not hurt them. We had been represented by another attorney who just couldn’t get the prosecutor to see that the charges weren’t good. When it came time for trial, that attorney was scared to try the case. We were referred to Darwin and I am so grateful. Trial was a week long and by the end, Darwin had shown the jury how our grandchild had been manipulated by the social workers and her mother to say things that were not true. Darwin was careful and thorough in his investigation and preparation before trial and it really showed in court. The jury found my husband not guilty and I credit Darwin for making that happen.”

S. R.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“I thank Darwin …had it not been for him, things would have turned out very differently for me and not in a good way.”

“Several years ago, I was having troubles in my marriage. There were lots of arguments and it was clear that we were headed for a separation. One night I was woke up by six West Valley Police officers standing around my bed with flashlights shining in my eyes. It was 3:00 in the morning and they drug me to the police station where they informed me that I was being arrested for engaging in sexual relations with my baby girl. I could not believe it. Over the next several days I lost my job because of these allegations and a protective order issued against me preventing me from seeing my wife and child, and even from going to the house to get my things. My world was turned upside down. I hired Darwin to represent me. He helped me get my job back, over turned the protective order and through his own investigation was able to uncover enough about my wife to convince the prosecutor to drop all charges against me. About six months later my wife was arrested for possessing thousands of dollars of fake checks. I have moved on and remarried. I thank Darwin for helping me through an incredibly difficult part of my life and I think had it not been for him, things would have turned out very differently for me and not in a good way.”

B.N.
Google Reviews - September 2022