Mayhem Defense Lawyer in Utah
Mayhem is not a commonly charged crime under the Utah criminal code. However, if you are charged with this serious crime in this state, it can lead to a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and fines and other charges of up to $20,000. Aggravated mayhem can add years to the prison sentence. You will also have a criminal record of a violent crime that will negatively impact you for the rest of your life. So, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney with a strong track record in violent crimes cases in Utah.
If you are arrested for mayhem, call Wasatch Defense Lawyers in Salt Lake City, UT for help as soon as you are allowed to make a phone call.
We know what it takes to turn experience into results. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors think, how to challenge the evidence, and when to negotiate or take your case to trial. Every strategy is built around putting you in the strongest possible position.
But we don’t just know how to win—we have a track record that proves it. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of clients represented, our results speak for themselves.
Proven Results. Relentless Defense.
A History of Successful Defenses
-
Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
-
Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
-
Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
What Does a Mayhem Charge Mean in Utah?
According to Utah law, someone has committed a mayhem crime if he or she has illegally and intentionally injured or removed another person’s body parts. For example, if the accused has disabled a person’s tongue, eye, nose, lip, hand, or other body part or deliberately caused it to become useless by cutting it out or off or mutilating it. Criminal mayhem is a Second Degree felony in Utah. It has sometimes been charged as a crime of domestic violence.
Cases of mayhem have usually involved violent incidents in which a body part was bitten off or cut off. A typical mayhem case would be one in which, for example, someone is accused of biting off or cutting off another person’s ear or finger while in a fight.
How Does Proof of Intent Work in Mayhem Cases?
Actions that cause the loss of another person’s body part do not necessarily justify a criminal charge of mayhem. It must be proven in court that the individual intentionally caused the injury or removal of the body part. Accidentally causing the damage or loss of a body part during a physical altercation is not an event defined as criminal mayhem under Utah law. (However, other serious charges may apply in such situations, such as aggravated assault.)
Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Hire at Team You Can Count On
-
Largest Criminal Defense Team in the History of the State
-
100+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
-
Fewer than 1% of its clients have been sent to prison
-
Over 650 Trials Handled
our winning strategy
4 Steps to a Positive Outcome
Every case is different. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate the facts, examine the evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys evaluate every available option, from challenging improper procedures and suppressing evidence to negotiating reduced charges or preparing for trial. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of trials, we approach each case strategically and aggressively. Whether pursuing dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable trial outcome, we build a defense focused on protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
-
1Laying the GroundworkWe prepare before the fight begins. Decades of experience, deep legal knowledge, and strong relationships with prosecutors and judges give us the foundation to build a smarter, more targeted defense.
-
2Discussing The DetailsEvery detail matters. We dig deep into your case, examining reports, records, evidence, and your side of the story to uncover the facts that can shape your defense.
-
3Building Your CaseWe challenge what the prosecution thinks it knows. We scrutinize the evidence, investigate police procedures, expose weaknesses, and develop a defense strategy built specifically for your case.
-
4Obtaining Positive ResultsWe pursue the outcome that puts you in the strongest position. Whether through aggressive negotiation or a meticulously prepared trial defense, we fight to reduce charges, protect your future, and achieve the best result possible.