Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in West Jordan, UT

FAQs

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

  The West Jordan Police Department can be reached at (801) 256-2000.

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

  To obtain a police report from the West Jordan Police Department, click the link below and then click the green button that leads to a form that you must fill out.

  https://services.westjordan.utah.gov/PoliceRecordsRequest

• What counts as statutory rape in West Jordan?

  In West Jordan and all of Utah, statutory rape generally falls under the description of an adult engaging in sexual activity with an individual below the age of consent which is 16 years old. The difference in age gap is also factored in—if it is more than four years, there is a high likelihood of the case becoming a felony offense.

• Are there any criminal charges for individuals who harm wildlife in West Jordan?

  Fortunately, there is. West Jordan and the rest of Utah take poaching and hunting crimes seriously. For instance, Wanton Destruction of Wildlife, which includes killing too many animals in one season or poaching at night with a firearm, is generally classified as a third-degree felony. License suspensions may even be doubled for those who are illegally taking "Trophy Animals" such as pronghorn antelopes with 14-inch horns and moose with antlers longer than 5 inches.

• Is there anything you can do if a police officer seized your property in West Jordan?

  Yes, there is. This is called asset forfeiture which allows law enforcement to take your property without needing to charge you with a crime. As you can guess, a lot of these are done unconstitutionally. The wisest course of action to take is to hire the services of a criminal defense attorney in West Jordan who can find a way to force the state to return the property to you.

• Is there a way for an individual who was convicted of a serious crime in West Jordan to have the offense reduced?

  Yes, there is. This is commonly referred to as a 402 Reduction and can also be used to restore an offender's eligibility for expungement. To proceed with this, you must hire a criminal defense attorney in West Jordan who can check your eligibility and then negotiate a 402 Reduction on your behalf with the prosecution.

• Can you get arrested while protesting in West Jordan?

  You are not automatically facing criminal charges when you get arrested this way in West Jordan. It just means that the police want to interrogate you. You also don't have to respond or answer their questions as you have the right to remain silent. You also have the right to keep them from going through your belongings. It may also help tremendously to hire a criminal defense attorney at this point.

• 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.