1. Salcido Law Firm PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with statewide coverage and 24/7 availability
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, marijuana offenses, assault, theft, protective orders, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Salcido Law Firm is available to take your criminal defense and family law calls 24/7. When making that call you can rest assured you will actually get to speak with an attorney not a paralegal or other staff member. Get the expert legal advice you need and a strategy to push forward in confidence. From Salt Lake County, Weber County, and Summit County, to Utah County, Sevier County, Iron County, and Washington County, the attorneys work to develop a lasting professional relationship with each client. Indeed, the majority of clients are referred to the offices by individuals who have seen their success firsthand. The firm’s experience in Salt Lake City and its surrounding cities is unmatched. The court you’re in and the prosecutor assigned to your case can make a big difference in determining how to approach your defense. At Salcido Law Firm, you can retain a Salt Lake City DUI Attorney who aggressively defends your rights when facing a DUI in Utah.
Location: Sandy, Utah (serves Salt Lake County and statewide)
Contact: (801) 413-1753 | https://www.salcidolawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Collins Rupp, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with unique background combining prosecution and defense experience
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, sex crimes, DUI, violent crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence
Background: Choosing the right lawyer can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case, and Collins Rupp, P.C. is equipped to provide the guidance you need and the personal attention you deserve. Attorneys Logan Collins and Joseph Rupp are experienced criminal defense attorneys who have helped many clients throughout northern Utah. The firm understands that a criminal charge can be confusing and overwhelming to deal with on your own. With this in mind, it is important to enlist the help of a qualified attorney who can assist you in taking control of the situation. Regardless of the type of crime for which you have been arrested, the knowledgeable team will work to protect your rights and your future. The attorneys at Collins Rupp, P.C. each bring a unique background and set of skills to the firm. The team combines legal knowledge with real-world experience to offer clients the guidance they need and the representation they deserve.
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah (serves Davis County and northern Utah)
Contact: (385) 777-2753 | https://www.collinsrupp.law/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Levitt Legal PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with state and federal court experience and fierce advocacy
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, juvenile offenses, marijuana offenses, traffic violations, federal crimes
Background: Levitt Legal PLLC is a Salt Lake City-based law firm that strictly concentrates on criminal defense cases. This includes misdemeanor and felony offenses ranging from a first DUI to felony assault charges, domestic violence charges, juvenile and marijuana offenses, and drug crimes, among others. Misdemeanors may seem inconsequential, but these charges can carry fines and even imprisonment and have long-lasting repercussions for you. Darren Levitt is a fierce criminal defense attorney who advocates for men, women, and youth charged with alleged misdemeanor or felony offenses. He represents clients from all walks of life facing charges in the State of Utah, including Salt Lake County, Utah County, Box Elder County, Tooele County, Wasatch County, and the surrounding communities. Every client benefits from Darren’s experience, open communication, and aggressive approach, no matter the charge. As a Salt Lake City criminal attorney at law, Darren works to protect, defend, and uphold individuals’ freedom, liberty, property, and constitutional and unalienable rights.
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Contact: (801) 455-1743 | https://defenselawutah.com/
Consultation: Free legal consultation available
4. Mark Brown Criminal Defense PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with zealous representation and comprehensive practice areas
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, domestic violence, federal crimes, homicide, sex crimes, theft
Background: At Mark Brown Criminal Defense PLLC, the firm knows how to interpret Utah law to your advantage. The attorney is passionate about work and fearlessly strives for the results you require in a variety of practice areas. Facing criminal charges is an overwhelming and stressful experience. If you have been arrested, you need a zealous and tenacious criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights. The firm uses experience and knowledge to defend your case. Being charged with drunk driving has serious consequences in Utah, including loss of license or even jail time. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI, you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to obtain the results possible for your case. Getting arrested is an overwhelming and stressful experience. If you or a loved one has been charged with a federal crime, hire a dedicated federal criminal defense attorney to stand by your side. Mark Brown Criminal Defense PLLC believes that you are entitled to strong representation in Utah.
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Contact: (925) 322-6406 | https://www.mbrowncrimlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Askar Law PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decade of prosecutor and public defender experience
Practice Areas: Drug offenses, assault, sex crimes, theft crimes, violent crimes, felonies, jail release
Background: Facing criminal charges in Salt Lake City can be overwhelming. With over a decade of experience as a prosecutor and a public defender, the founding attorney at Askar Law PLLC has a unique and in-depth understanding of the Utah criminal justice system. This unparalleled insight allows the firm to craft effective defense strategies and protect your rights at every stage of the legal process. Criminal accusations, arrests, and charges can profoundly impact your life. Navigating the justice system can be daunting, uncertain, and intimidating. The action you can take is to put a proven criminal defense attorney in Salt Lake City on your side. The firm provides personalized attention and aggressive advocacy to combat charges ranging from drug offenses to aggravated assault, sex crimes, theft crimes, violent crimes, and other serious felonies. Founding attorney Askar is a skilled and seasoned trial lawyer who has resolved hundreds of cases throughout his career.
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Contact: (801) 761-4671 | https://www.askardefense.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Utah
Felony Classifications
Utah classifies felonies into three degrees:
First Degree Felony: Includes aggravated murder, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault. Penalty is 5 years to life imprisonment.
Second Degree Felony: Includes robbery, burglary, and distribution of controlled substances. Penalty is 1-15 years imprisonment.
Third Degree Felony: Includes theft over $5,000, certain drug possession offenses, and assault causing substantial bodily injury. Penalty is 0-5 years imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes DUI (first offense), theft under $1,500, and assault. Maximum 364 days in jail and $2,500 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes retail theft and criminal mischief. Maximum 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and intoxication. Maximum 90 days in jail and $750 fine.
Infractions: Non-criminal offenses punishable by fine only.
Expungement
Utah allows expungement of certain criminal records:
Eligibility: Available for most misdemeanors and some felonies after waiting periods. Capital felonies, first degree felonies, violent felonies, and sex offenses against minors are generally not eligible.
Waiting Periods: Generally 3-7 years after completion of sentence depending on offense type.
Effect: Record is sealed from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement.
DUI Laws
Utah has the strictest DUI laws in the nation with a BAC limit of .05% (.04% commercial, any amount under 21). First offense is a Class B misdemeanor with minimum 48 hours jail (or community service), $700+ fines, 120-day license suspension, and ignition interlock device. Second offense within 10 years is a Class A misdemeanor with minimum 10 days jail, $800+ fines, 2-year license suspension, and ignition interlock device. Third offense within 10 years is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Salt Lake City?
Criminal cases in Salt Lake City are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Salt Lake City Justice Court handles Class B and C misdemeanors and infractions within city limits. The Third District Court (Matheson Courthouse), located at 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, handles Class A misdemeanors and all felony cases. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes all felonies and can be involved in Class A misdemeanors. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. Having a Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors provides an advantage.
What makes Utah’s DUI laws different from other states?
Utah has the strictest DUI laws in the nation. In 2019, Utah became the first state to lower its legal BAC limit from .08% to .05%. This means you can be charged with DUI at a lower level of intoxication than in any other state. Utah also has a “not a drop” law for drivers under 21, meaning any detectable alcohol results in charges. Penalties include mandatory minimum jail time or community service even for first offenses, ignition interlock device requirements, and driver license suspension. Utah does not allow for “wet reckless” plea reductions. A Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Utah?
Utah has reduced some penalties for low-level drug possession in recent years. Simple possession of a controlled substance (personal use amounts) is generally a Class A misdemeanor with up to 364 days jail. Possession of marijuana (under 1 oz) is a Class B misdemeanor with up to 6 months jail. However, possession with intent to distribute and manufacturing remain serious felonies with significant prison terms. Utah has a Drug Offender Reform Act (DORA) that provides treatment alternatives for some offenders. A Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate for treatment alternatives.
What diversion programs are available in Salt Lake County?
Salt Lake County offers several diversion programs for qualifying defendants. Drug Court provides treatment-based alternatives for drug offenders with substance abuse issues. Mental Health Court addresses defendants with mental health conditions. Veterans Court serves veterans with service-related issues. Utah also has the Drug Offender Reform Act (DORA) which provides treatment alternatives. Successful completion of these programs may result in reduced charges or dismissal. A Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and advocate for treatment alternatives.
Can I get my Utah criminal record expunged?
Utah allows expungement of certain criminal records. Eligible records include most misdemeanors after waiting periods (generally 3-5 years) and some felonies after longer waiting periods (5-7 years). Capital felonies, first degree felonies, violent felonies, and sex offenses against minors are generally not eligible. The effect of expungement is that the record is sealed from public view. Utah has a Certificate of Eligibility process where you must first obtain a certificate from the Bureau of Criminal Identification before petitioning the court. Recent legislation has expanded expungement eligibility and created automatic expungement for some offenses. A Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and guide you through the process.