Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Saint George, UT

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency matters, contact the St. George Police Department at 435-627-4300.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, make an online GRAMA request at https://www.sgcity.org/grama/. You will need to upload your government-issued ID along with the online request. Please allow 10 business days for the St. George Police Department to respond to your request. You can follow up on your request by calling 435-627-4301. The fee for searching the report is $15.45 per hour, and the first 15 minutes of searching is free. Photos in the report will be saved in a CD at $5 for each CD. Paper copies of the report will be $0.25 per colored page and $0.10 per black-and-white page.

• Are bench warrants issued in St. George enforceable outside of Utah?

  Yes. Law enforcement agencies have access to, respect, and execute warrants from other states. Police officers don’t prioritize enforcing bench warrants from other states. But if you get into a situation that calls for the police to run a check on your identity, your bench warrant from St. George will come up, and they will arrest you. Out-of-state bench warrant arrests usually happen during traffic stops.

• Can you get multiple assault charges for a single incident in St. George?

  Yes. This can happen if you assault multiple people in a single act. An incident during which you committed assault of different categories, i.e., battery and sexual assault, on a single person can also result in multiple charges. If you get convicted of multiple counts of assault in St. George, you will be sentenced for each count and will serve the sentences back-to-back.

• Can you refuse the breath test if you get pulled over by the St. George police for DUI?

  Yes. However, refusing the breath test can result in an 18-month suspension of your driver’s license. For a second refusal of a breath test in St. George, the suspension will be for three years. Motor vehicle operators traversing Utah roads are obligated to take the breath test under the implied consent law.

• How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in St. George?

  The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney in St. George varies. Factors that determine the cost include the complexity of the case, the severity of the charge, the potential duration of the case, and the experience of the attorney. Some attorneys offer payment plans. If you are unable to afford one, you can ask for a public defender. The court will evaluate your assets and income to determine if you are qualified.

• Will you be taken to jail right away after getting convicted of a crime in St. George?

  Not necessarily. You have the right to receive the sentence between two and 45 days after the guilty verdict. If you choose to waive this right, you will be sentenced the same day as your conviction and will be taken to jail afterward. It is advised that you consult with your St. George criminal defense attorney before deciding on the sentence.

• 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.