State and Federal Charges

Salt Lake City State and Federal Charges Attorney

Getting charged with any type of crime in Utah is a serious matter. A criminal conviction will remain on your permanent record, impacting you for years to come. In addition to the fines and potential jail time you may be facing, your charges could prevent you from obtaining jobs, student loans, and even a mortgage or housing. Of course, the types of charges you face are a major consideration. Whatever your situation, a Salt Lake City state and federal charges attorney will work to build you a strong criminal defense. However, it is important for you to be aware of the differences between a misdemeanor and felony charges and how Utah handles each of these types of charges.

Utah Misdemeanor Crimes

Misdemeanor crimes are considered less serious than felony offenses, but they still carry potentially severe penalties upon conviction. There are three classifications of misdemeanor crimes:

• Class A: Up to 364 days in jail, up to $2,500 in fines
• Class B: Up to six months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, or community service
• Class C: Up to 90 days in jail, up to $750 in fines, or community service

Examples of misdemeanor crimes handled through Utah courts include:

• Driving under the influence
• Driving with a suspended license
• Petty theft
• Vandalism
• Public intoxication
• Simple assault

Certain types of crimes are known as ‘wobblers’ under Utah law. These are crimes that can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the judge and the circumstances involved. Examples of wobblers include domestic violence, assault, and certain types of drug crimes.

Immediately upon your arrest, our Salt Lake City state and federal charges attorney can assist in arranging for bond, while appearing with you at arraignment to enter a plea. After speaking with the district attorney assigned to your case, we may be able to negotiate to have your charges reduced or even dropped.  If neither is an option, we immediately begin gathering evidence to build you a strong legal defense.

Utah Felony Crimes

Under Utah law, felony crimes are a far more serious matter. There are four classifications of felony charges:

• Capital: Could result in life in prison, life in prison without parole, or death
• First degree: Five years to life in prison, up to $10,000 in fines
• Second degree: One to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines
• Third degree: Zero to five year in prison, up to $5,000 in fines

Examples of felonies include:

• Armed robbery
• Sexual assault
• Arson
• Drug manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking
• Vehicular homicide
• Murder

Once bail and arraignment proceedings are held, there will be a preliminary hearing at which your charges and the evidence against you will be reviewed by a judge. If there is insufficient evidence or if certain procedures were not followed, your charges may be dropped or reduced.  Otherwise, we will begin gathering evidence to present at trial.

A Utah Criminal Defense Law Firm

If you have been charged with a state or federal crime, it is important to carefully choose legal representation from an experienced attorney. At the Salt Lake City law firm of Rasmussen & Miner, we have earned a track record of results in criminal defense cases. We represent clients in state and federal criminal courts throughout Utah.

Whether you are facing state or federal charges, contact a criminal defense lawyer from our firm to find out about your legal options. We offer a free initial consultation. Call (801) 363-8500 today.

State Charges

We defend individuals who have violated state laws. Follow the links below to find out more specific information about these state offenses, or talk to a lawyer from our firm to learn more about your legal options.

• Drug Possession
• Assault and battery
• Domestic violence
• Theft and burglary
• Juvenile crimes
• Other state crimes

Federal Charges

Understanding the difference between a state and federal charge can be confusing. If an individual has violated federal law or crossed state lines while committing a crime, the offense will be prosecuted federally. Certain charges may be prosecuted at the state or federal level depending on other factors.

Our firm defends individuals who have been charged with the following crimes that are often prosecuted federally:

• Wire fraud
• Mail fraud
• Embezzlement
• White-collar crimes
• Immigration offenses
• Federal gun charges
• Drug trafficking across state lines

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Contact our law firm today to set up a free consultation if you are facing state or federal charges. We make jail visits when necessary.

Experienced Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, Salt Lake City, UT

With the stakes this high, the help of an experienced attorney is critical. CALL US IMMEDIATELY, DAY OR NIGHT, the consult is free and the advice invaluable, or use our online contact form to tell us about your case.

When you’re heading to court, you want a lawyer on your side who has trial experience. Even if your case never actually goes to trial, the preparation required to prove a case to a jury is the same preparation that leads to effective negotiation of plea bargains.

The best legal defense begins early. If you are arrested or have been charged with a crime, reach out and contact Rasmussen & Miner right away. We can arrange a consultation with a skilled Salt Lake City state and federal charges attorney, who will work with you to strategize a strong legal defense in your case.