Cottonwood Heights Criminal Defense Attorneys

Should I Accept a Plea Deal?

You should never accept a plea deal without having our experienced lawyers review it first. Prosecutors frequently offer rapid plea bargains just to close cases, which can pressure defendants into accepting unfavorable terms. Taking a bad deal means giving up your right to a trial and accepting a lasting criminal record. 

We thoroughly audit the prosecution’s case before advising you on any plea offer. If we discover constitutional violations or flawed evidence, we can leverage those weaknesses to negotiate for significantly reduced charges or dismissals. 

What Are the Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?

A criminal conviction can lead to a wide range of penalties, depending on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and any aggravating factors involved. Some possible outcomes include: 

• Infractions. Maximum fine of $750, plus surcharges.
• Class C misdemeanors. Up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $750.
• Class B misdemeanors. Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Class A misdemeanors. Up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.
• Third-degree felonies. Up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
• Second-degree felonies. 1 to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
• First-degree felonies. 5 years to life in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
• Capital offenses. 25 years to life, life without parole, or the death penalty.

The penalties of a conviction go far beyond fines and incarceration. Defendants may also face a permanent criminal record, lasting social stigma, reputational damage, difficulty securing affordable housing and employment opportunities, immigration consequences, and the loss of professional licenses. 

Coordinating with our defense attorneys is paramount to understanding the penalties you’re facing and identifying the strongest defense options available in your case. We can review the state’s evidence, identify potential inconsistencies or constitutional violations, and advocate for an outcome that protects your future. 

Do I Need a Defense Lawyer if I’m Innocent?

While the criminal justice system aims to protect the innocent, it’s inherently stacked against defendants. Flawed evidence and unfounded assumptions result in wrongful convictions every day in the United States. Police and prosecutors are primarily focused on securing convictions, leaving even innocent people vulnerable to aggressive interrogation tactics, subjective narratives, and biased evidence.

As Utah’s largest criminal defense team, we can step in to shield you from the state’s massive power and resources by independently investigating the facts of your case, subpoenaing key evidence, and rigorously cross-examining witnesses. By building a formidable defense early on, we work to prevent a false allegation from turning into a wrongful conviction.

How We Level the Playing Field Against State Prosecutors

We Question the Story, Not Just the Charge

A criminal case often starts with a police report that presents one version of events. We dig into what happened before, during, and after the alleged offense to identify missing context, conflicting accounts, and evidence that may tell a different story.

We Put the Evidence to the Test

Body-camera footage, digital records, witness statements, photographs, and forensic evidence can tell very different stories when examined closely. We look beyond the prosecution’s summary to determine what the evidence actually shows or doesn’t show.

We Take Prosecutorial Pressure Off Your Shoulders

You shouldn’t have to figure out what to say to a prosecutor, whether to accept an offer, or how to respond to a court notice on your own. We can explain your choices in plain language so you can make decisions without undue pressure.

We Prepare for the Possibility of Trial

A case doesn’t become less serious simply because prosecutors offer a plea deal. With over 650 trials completed, we deeply understand what it takes to prepare for trial while keeping other resolution options on the table.

We Look Beyond the Immediate Penalty

A conviction can affect your job, housing, professional licenses, immigration status, driving privileges, and life long after your last day in court. We consider those factors when evaluating your options instead of treating the sentence alone as the finish line.

Refusing the “Plea Mill” Approach 

Many firms operate by cycling through quick plea deals, but our priority is preserving your freedom and your record. Our attorneys prepare every case for the courtroom and refuse to let the state bully you into an unfair resolution.

Don’t let a criminal allegation define the rest of your life. Contact us online to discuss your case with our award-winning defense attorneys.