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.
Criminal Defense Strategy - Successfully fighting criminal charges in Utah requires more than just tough talk. It requires an attorney with real experience, skill, and knowledge. Mr. Bautista is one of only a few criminal defense attorneys in private practice qualified for appointment to defend capital homicide (death penalty) cases. He is a seasoned trial attorney who applies his skill in defending felony and misdemeanor charges....
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Consequences of Conviction - A criminal conviction in Utah, even in a misdemeanor case, can result in substantial jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. Felony convictions carry much more serious consequences, including the potential for many years in jail. Even beyond the formal sentencing order imposed by a court, a criminal conviction can carry collateral consequences that can result in a driver license suspension, lost employment opportunities, and much more. Avoiding these most serious consequences is best achieved with....
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