Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orem, UT

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Orem, Utah?

  801-229-7070 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Orem.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Orem, Utah?

  To obtain a police report, send an email to policerecords@orem.org and request the GRAMA record request form and instructions. For further inquiries, call 801-229-7209. Please note that there may be a fee charged for accessing the records to cover the cost of providing them.

• What should you do if you're arrested for a crime in Orem?

  Consulting a criminal defense lawyer should be your initial step after being detained for a crime in Orem. While in police custody, it's important to ensure that your Miranda rights are upheld during any questioning. You hold the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation during interrogation.

• What are the common cases criminal defense attorneys handle in Orem?

  Drug possession charges, DUIs, sex crimes, and academic disciplinary proceedings are some of the most common cases criminal defense attorneys handle in Orem. If you are facing any of these charges, it is highly recommended to hire a criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the legal system. They can explain your rights, evaluate the evidence against you, and provide legal advice on how to proceed. They can also negotiate with the prosecutor to get charges reduced or dropped, and represent you in court if necessary.

• How long do criminal cases last in Orem?

  The duration of a criminal trial in Orem is not known with certainty. The nature of the crime you are accused of committing, the evidence against you, and whether a plea deal is negotiated are just a few of the many variables that may affect the outcome and length of your trial. The length of your trial will also be influenced by the evidence presented against you. If your case is not strong enough to go to trial, you may be offered a plea deal by the prosecutor.

• In what situations do prosecutors offer Pleas in Abeyance for defendants in Orem?

  Pleas in Abeyance are generally offered by prosecutors in Utah to first-time offenders or young people who are having their first interaction with the criminal justice system. However, they may also be offered to defendants who have a long history of criminal activity or those with weak cases, bad proof, or uncooperative witnesses. In some cases, the complaining witness may not want to testify at trial, and a Plea in Abeyance can be used to avoid the need for their testimony while still holding the defendant accountable through probation. If you are facing criminal charges in Orem, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your options and determine if a Plea in Abeyance may be appropriate in your case.

• Is it possible to check if there is a warrant issued for your arrest in Orem?

  Yes. In the event that you have missed a court date or are facing legal troubles in Orem, it is crucial to confirm the existence of a warrant for your arrest. Fortunately, Utah offers a statewide online warrant system that enables you to determine whether you are the subject of an active arrest warrant. It's important to understand that if you do have an active warrant, your best course of action is to get in touch with a lawyer right once. You can resolve the warrant and any related legal concerns with the aid of an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal system. Visit https://secure.utah.gov/warrants/index.html to access the state-wide warrant system for Utah.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.