The prospect of defending yourself in court is daunting for anyone, but our lawyers can make the process more easily approachable by fully explaining the charges against you and your potential consequences if convicted and involving you in your defense throughout the process.
If arrested for driving under the influence, drug possession, or another criminal offense in Utah, immediately contact our lawyers so that we can explain the potential charges the prosecution might bring. After reviewing the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the basic elements of the prosecution’s case, we can begin building your defense and planning how to address the charges. Your involvement in your defense is crucial, which is why we will argue for the judge to set a fair bail amount you and your family can afford. We can illustrate your ties to the community, your need to be with family, and the fact that the court can rely on you to be present at all mandatory appearances throughout your case so that bail is fair.
To get a free and confidential case review from our criminal defense lawyers, call Overson Law, PLLC now at (801) 758-2287.
Common Criminal Charges in Summit Park, UT
Common criminal charges in Utah range from driving under the influence charges to drug charges. The potential consequences for convictions are severe, and our lawyers can help defendants prepare cases to overcome charges. Though DUI and drug charges are among the most common in the area, we can take on cases concerning other charges, including assault, theft, or weapons offenses.
DUI Charges
One of the most common reasons for arrests in Summit Park is allegedly driving under the influence. For an initial DUI arrest, defendants might face up to six months in jail and have to pay $1,000 in fines if convicted. Driving under the influence is a class B misdemeanor in Utah, provided it is the first offense, and the driver does not have minor passengers in the car. These factors could result in increased charges, which would carry more serious consequences if defendants are convicted.
There are several ways our lawyers can prepare a defense against DUI charges, starting with reviewing the traffic stop and the arrest. Why did the police officer pull you over, and did they have reason to administer a breath or chemical test as required by Utah Code § 41-6a-520(b)? If officers administered field sobriety tests, we can challenge them based on environmental influences or other factors that could have affected your ability to pass field sobriety tests, like an injury or disability.
Drug Charges
Like many states, Utah takes drug charges seriously. Aggravating factors could lead to increased charges in drug offense cases, such as committing the offense in a drug-free zone or having multiple prior convictions. Drug-free zones include schools, public parks, libraries, places of worship, and recreational centers open to the public.
When approaching your case, our criminal defense lawyers will carefully review the arrest itself. If police officers violated your rights when arresting you, we may be able to get the charges against you dismissed. Being arrested for drug offenses can be understandably frightening, but refrain from speaking with the police after the arrest happens. Instead of asking law enforcement questions about the charges the prosecution might bring against you, invoke your right to counsel.
Suppose it has been several years since a conviction for drug charges in Utah. In that case, our lawyers can see if you qualify for expungement, which would erase any prior drug convictions from your criminal record.
Other Charges
Defendants might face a wide array of criminal charges that our lawyers can help them overcome, including weapons, theft, and vandalism charges, as well as charges that could have serious reputational consequences for defendants if convicted, like assault, murder, and sexual assault charges. Not only could such charges affect your reputation and relationships, but convictions could affect your ability to secure safe housing or find employment.
What matters most at the onset of your case and immediately following the arrest is that you understand the charges against you. Our lawyers can explain the charges, what they mean, and what the prosecution alleges so that you can fully appreciate your situation and provide us with any information that could help your defense.
Arguing for Fair Bail for Criminal Defendants in Summit Park, UT
After being arrested, it is important that you post bail so you can participate in your defense from the comfort of your home. Our lawyers can argue for the judge to set a fair bail amount in your case and help your loved ones take the appropriate steps to post bail on your behalf.
At a bail hearing, the prosecution requests a bail amount, our lawyers respond, and the judge decides. Judges set bail based on several factors, including the nature and severity of the offense, the defendant’s potential flight risk, the threat to public safety, the defendant’s criminal history, and bail schedules. Judges might not set bail at any amount for low-level offenses but release defendants on their own recognizance.
Once a bail amount is set, we can explain how to post it and that your family will only need to post 10% of the total amount for your release. The court holds this amount, which is returned to you at the end of your case, regardless of the result.
The bail hearing is important, as it helps set the foundation for the rest of the case. Being present at this hearing and all other mandatory court appearances is crucial, and our lawyers can help you stay on top of crucial aspects of your case as it proceeds.
Call Our Lawyers for Help with Your Criminal Case in Summit Park, UT
Call Overson Law, PLLC at (801) 758-2287 for a free case assessment from our criminal defense lawyers.
