Negligently Operating a Vehicle Resulting in Injury in Utah
When a person is killed in a random auto accident, it’s a tragedy and must be investigated. However, it does not necessarily mean that a criminal act has occurred. If the fatal crash was due to someone else’s negligent driving, a civil liability claim might be brought against the driver at fault but not necessarily criminal charges. Under Utah law, negligence must be extreme enough to reach the level at which it becomes a criminal act.
You will need to work with one of the area’s most experienced criminal defense lawyers to guide you through the process. Wasatch negligent driving lawyers have a deep understanding of Utah negligence law and the state courts. Your criminal defense lawyer will interpret the laws as they apply to your case and negotiate with prosecutors accordingly.
Protect your rights. Call our office for guidance as soon as possible after you are arrested.
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
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
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Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
When Does Negligence Reach the Criminal Level?
So, causing a deadly accident by the negligent operation of a motor vehicle becomes the crime of negligent homicide. If you are found guilty of causing another person’s death, criminal charges may be filed against you. But under what circumstances does an act of negligent driving rise to a level of severity that constitutes criminal action? The answer to that question can be varied and highly nuanced.
Levels of Criminal Negligence
Distinguishing between a basic case of negligence and one of negligent homicide is a subjective matter involving a very nuanced evaluative process. In your case, as in all similar ones, the judge, prosecutor, criminal defense attorney will all struggle to interpret actions accurately and understand the question of justice to be applied to those. But this situation leaves a lot of opportunity for ambitious district attorneys to attempt to maximize charges in cases of merely the common lapses that most people can experience while driving.
Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Hire at Team You Can Count On
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Largest Criminal Defense Team in the History of the State
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100+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
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Fewer than 1% of its clients have been sent to prison
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.