Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Sandy, UT

FAQs

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

  To reach the Sandy City Police Department, call (801) 568-7200.

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

  To obtain police reports from the Sandy City Police Department, call (801) 568-7200 and ask the Records Division for more information.

• What are the consequences of being charged with assault in Sandy?

  In Sandy, getting convicted of a simple assault charge can get you jail time and paying substantial fines. This is generally classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of $1,000. However, this can easily be upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor if the assault victim was a pregnant woman or the altercation caused serious bodily injury.

• Is arson considered a felony in Sandy?

  Not automatically, however, Sandy and the rest of Utah take this property crime seriously. For example, if the offender sets a property on fire and causes damages of around $500 to $1,500, then this falls under a Class B misdemeanor. However, if the damage climbs up to more than $5,000 (which can easily happen), it is now classified as a second-degree felony—a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

• Is there any way to convince the prosecution in Sandy to drop all charges against the defendant?

  There may actually be a way. If your criminal defense attorney in Sandy can negotiate with the prosecution before the case goes to trial, they may be able to arrange what is called a plea in abeyance on your behalf. What this simply means is that in exchange for lowering your charges or dismissing them, you must meet a set of conditions put forth by the prosecution. This is usually granted to offenders with no prior criminal record.

• Is there a way for someone who has completed probation in Sandy to have their conviction reduced?

  Yes, there is. This is called the Motion to Reduce, or the 402 Reduction, which is only granted to defendants in Sandy who have successfully accomplished their probation or parole and have paid all court-ordered compensation/restitution and fines. It becomes the defendant's responsibility to prove to the court that it would be in the best interest of justice to have their conviction reduced.

• Do non-Sandy locals, who have committed an offense, have to go back to Utah for a criminal charge?

  The criminal defense attorney they hire in Sandy can determine if there is going to be a need for their physical presence, but this is not required all the time. However, all felony cases generally require the defendant to be present during the hearing, pursuant to the Utah Code 77-13-4.

• 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.