Holladay Criminal Defense Lawyers

What Courthouse Do I Appear At for My Criminal Case? 

Criminal cases are heard at different locations depending on the severity of the charges. Misdemeanors and traffic offenses generally go to the municipal justice court, while major felony or Class A misdemeanor charges go to the county district court. 

The Holladay Municipal Justice Court is working out of its temporary location at 3330 S. 1300 E. in Millcreek. Serious cases may be heard at the Matheson Courthouse at 450 S. State St. or the West Jordan Courthouse at 8080 S. Redwood Rd. in Salt Lake City.

With over 650 trials completed, our lawyers are deeply familiar with local judges, clerks, and counsel to help you understand how your case may be handled, anticipate the prosecution’s next moves, and take decisive action to protect your future.

What Are My Rights During a Criminal Investigation? 

A criminal investigation can escalate rapidly, making it crucial to understand your constitutional rights before law enforcement takes advantage of your situation. Some important legal protections for defendants include: 

• The right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer questions about an alleged crime. We can advise you on what to say, what not to say, and when it may be appropriate to stop communicating with investigators.
• The right to an attorney. You can ask for legal counsel before answering questions or making decisions that could affect your case. We can work to protect your interests by communicating with investigators on your behalf.
• The right to refuse searches. Police must follow constitutional rules when obtaining certain evidence. Unless officers have a valid warrant, you can and should refuse consent to search your home, vehicle, or personal property.

As Utah’s largest criminal defense team, our attorneys act as a barrier between you and law enforcement. We can handle communication with detectives to prevent you from making self-incriminating statements and safeguard your rights from the start.

How We Challenge the Evidence Against You

Exposing Unconstitutional Searches and Seizures 

If police obtained evidence by violating your Fourth Amendment rights, we can fight to have it thrown out. Filing pre-trial motions to suppress illegally gathered evidence can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case against you. 

Scrutinizing Police Reports and Bodycam Footage 

We refuse to take the police narrative at face value. Our attorneys meticulously audit bodycam videos and dispatch logs to uncover procedural errors, contradictions, or exaggerations made by arresting officers.

Utilizing Independent Forensic Experts 

The state’s forensic labs aren’t immune to mistakes or biased testing. We collaborate with independent experts to dismantle the state’s claims by testing DNA, challenging breathalyzer calibrations, and disputing digital evidence.

Discrediting Unreliable Witness Testimony 

Prosecutors frequently rely on subjective or compromised witnesses to build their case. We engage in rigorous cross-examination to highlight flawed memories, hidden motives, and inconsistencies to cast serious doubt on their credibility.

What Happens at a Criminal Trial?

If your case can’t be resolved favorably through pre-trial negotiations, going to trial may be the strongest path forward. A criminal trial typically includes the following stages:

1. Jury selection. Both sides question potential jurors to seat a fair and impartial panel.
2. Opening statements. The prosecution presents its narrative, followed by our defense team outlining the critical weaknesses in their claims.
3. Witness testimony and cross-examination. We rigorously cross-examine the state’s witnesses to expose biases or unreliable memories.
4. Our defense presentation. We introduce our own evidence, expert witnesses, and testimonies to establish reasonable doubt.
5. Closing arguments and verdict. Both sides summarize their cases before the jury deliberates and delivers a final verdict.

Going to trial is daunting, but you’re in highly capable hands with Wasatch Defense Lawyers. We prepare every case for the courtroom and maintain a 99%+ success rate, meaning fewer than 1% of our clients are sent to prison. 

Defending Your Freedom Beyond the Courtroom

A criminal conviction threatens more than your immediate liberty. It can also destroy your career prospects, strip away professional licenses, and impact your housing options. Our priority is providing top-tier, accessible representation when you need it most. We take a comprehensive approach to your defense and pursue alternative resolutions like diversion programs or plea-in-abeyance agreements whenever possible to keep your record clean and your life intact. We are proud to be recognized by Best of SLC, underscoring our proven experience and reputation in the local legal community. 

Don’t let one mistake derail your career, reputation, and freedom. Contact us online to discuss your case with our award-winning defense lawyers.