Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Utah

A criminal conviction in Utah can result in a substantial jail or prison sentence, as well as thousands of dollars in fines. Even a conviction for the lowest level misdemeanor (class C) carries a potential jail sentence of 90 days, and more than a thousand dollars in fines (including surcharge). More serious charges obviously carry the potential for much more serious consequences.

Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can give you the best chance of avoiding these consequences. Defending a criminal case in Utah is not something to do on your own.

Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation with Utah attorney Rudy Bautista.

Possible Jail or Prison Sentences and Fines

• Infraction - no jail - up to $750 plus surcharge*
• Class C Misdemeanor - up to 90 days jail - up to $750 plus surcharge*
• Class B Misdemeanor - up to 180 days jail - up to $1000 plus surcharge*
• Class A Misdemeanor - up to 365 days jail - up to $2500 plus surcharge*
• Third Degree Felony - 0-5 years prison - up to $5,000 plus surcharge*
• Second Degree Felony - 1-15 years prison - up to $10,000 plus surcharge*
• First Degree Felony - 3, 5, 6, 10,15, 20 or 25 year minimum, with life in prison maximum - up to $10,000 plus surcharge**
• Capital Felony - can result in the death penalty, life in prison without parole, or 20 years to life in prison***

*Utah Code 51-9-401 provides that a 90% surcharge applies to all felony and class A misdemeanor charges, as well as most class B misdemeanor charges that do not fall under Title 41 (Motor Vehicles) of the Utah Code. DUI convictions are also subject to the 90% surcharge. Infractions and class C misdemeanors are subject only to a 35% surcharge.

**The minimum prison term for many first degree felony charges is determined by individual statutes governing individual offenses.

***The decision to impose the death penalty in a capital murder case must initially be made by a jury in the sentencing phase of the trial (essentially a second trial held following a guilty verdict). Even if a jury finds in favor of the death penalty, a judge may still override that sentence and impose a prison term.

Other Consequences of Conviction

In addition to jail, prison, and fines, a criminal conviction in Utah can also carry a variety of collateral consequences. Legal consequences that are sometimes directly tied to a criminal conviction can include a suspension of driving privileges, loss of the right to carry a firearm or weapon, or loss of professional licensing. Other consequences, such as losing a job or being evicted from an apartment, may not be legally mandated, but still commonly occur following a criminal conviction.

Regardless of the level of your charges, a criminal conviction can have consequences that can follow you for years. Contact Rudy Bautista now to learn how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you.