Canyons Criminal Defense Lawyers

Utah Criminal Defense Attorneys

Main Criminal Defense Navigation

  • Canyons Home
  • Defense Strategy
  • How We Can Help
    • Felony Defense
    • Misdemeanors
    • Jury Trials
    • Appeals
    • District Courts
    • Justice Courts
    • 402 Reductions
    • Pardon
    • Expungements
  • Your Defense Team
  • Contact Information

Criminal Defense Firm in Utah

Criminal Defense Attorneys
Serving Clients Statewide

Criminal Defense Law for Mobile Header

  • Criminal Defense
  • Contact Information
Home » Criminal Defense in Utah » O-R Release in Utah Criminal Cases

O-R Release in Utah Criminal Cases

October 14, 2019 By Megan Fowles

When a person is arrested or “booked” into jail in a Utah criminal case, there are a number of options for obtaining the defendant’s release while the criminal case is pending.  An “O-R” release (“own recognizance” release) is an option that should be considered both by itself and in combination with other options. The Canyons Law Group’s criminal defense team works to secure a release in the most efficient, cost-effective way.

O-R and Other Options

A release on one’s own recognizance is the cheapest, least restrictive means of release. By ordering an O-R release, bail or bond is not required prior to release. In its simplest form, an O-R release may have no conditions other than appearing in court as required.

Depending on the nature of the offense charged, the prior history of the person charged, community safety factors, the victim’s position, and other relevant factors, the court may or may not be willing to order an O-R release. If denied, there are other alternatives to consider.

Bail and Bond in Utah

In most Utah criminal cases, a person is constitutionally entitled to have a bail set by the court in an amount that is reasonably determined to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court and protect community safety concerns.

Article I Section 9 of the Utah Constitution prohibits “excessive” bail amounts. Determining what amount is “excessive” can be difficult. In deciding a bail amount, the court may consider a number of factors, including: the type of crime charged, specific details of the alleged events, the number of charges pending against the person charged, injuries or damages allegedly caused, the person’s prior criminal history, the person’s prior history of appearing (or not appearing) as required in court, or other considerations determined by the court to be relevant.

Bail can be posted either in cash or as a bond. A cash bail posted by the the person arrested (or on their behalf) should be refunded upon completion of proceedings in the criminal case. If the bail amount is too high for a defendant to post as a cash bail, a bond may be posted by a bail bond company on behalf of the defendant. In most cases, a bail bond company will charge a fee for their services in an amount approximately 10% of the full cash bail amount. Fees paid to a bail bond company are normally not refundable.

Supervised Release in Utah

Supervised release is a possible alternative to either O-R release or posting bail or bond. Of the several counties in Utah, Salt Lake County has the most robust pre-trial supervision program. If approved for supervised pre-trial release, a person can be released from jail without posting bond but with conditions that can include drug testing, participation in counseling or classes, regular check-in with a supervising agent, or other conditions as ordered by the court. In some cases, a court may agree to a supervised release as a kind of compromise between the full bail amount, a reduced bail, and O-R release.

Criminal Warrants in Utah

An arrest warrant may be issued by a Utah court when a criminal case is initially filed, following a defendant’s failure to appear at a scheduled hearing, or in response to a request for an order to show cause relating to an alleged probation violation. If you have reason to think that a warrant may have been issued for your arrest, consultation with a criminal defense attorney can give you an opportunity to confirm the warrant and to begin developing a strategy for defending against any allegations that may be brought against you.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense in Utah

Related….

  • Bail and Bond in Utah
    Bail and Bond in Utah
    The Utah Constitution prohibits courts from imposing excessive bail in a criminal case. Determining what is "excessive" is not always an easy process. The original bail amount imposed in many cases will be set based only on input from the prosecutor. The bail amount may be higher than what a defendant can post as a cash bail. Before paying unnecessary fees to a bail bond company (bondsman), contact us to speak with an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney. There may be strategies and options for obtaining a bail reduction or other release in your case.  In many cases, hiring an attorney…
  • Entrapment Defense in Utah
    Entrapment Defense in Utah
    An entrapment defense can form an important part of a successful criminal defense strategy in Utah. To understand entrapment, we can use fishing as an analogy. A hook is not part of a fish's normal diet. To get a fish to bite, you have to dress up the hook with bits of feather or hair or thread. Fool the fish and make it think the hook is really food, and you might reel in a big one. Similarly, police might try to use bait or tricks or persuasion to get a person to commit a crime even though that person…
  • Lineup Procedures in Criminal Cases
    Lineup Procedures in Criminal Cases
    Lineup identifications are a common investigative tool used by Utah police. Photo lineups and in-person lineups present different potential problems.

Call a Utah Attorney

Call a Criminal Lawyer in Utah


Find Utah Criminal Law Help

Paragraph Spacer

5-Star Reviews for Utah Criminal Defense

5-Star Client Reviews

“The [only] wonderful experience I’ve ever had from representation.”


For the People – For Attorneys

Attorney Protect Rights of the People

Knowing what you are facing in a Utah criminal prosecution is critical in choosing the right attorney to defend your rights. Articles in this section provide imformation about Utah's criminal justice system that each person should know. Click to learn more.

Important Information for Criminal Defense Lawyers in Utah

The "For Attorneys" section provides tips and articles from the Canyons team intended to assist Utah defense attorneys improve their knowledge base and hone the skills needed to successfully represent clients facing criminal prosecution. These materials must be considered in context of relevant constitutional provisions, procedural rules, case law, and statutes. Reliance on these materials by individuals without the assistance of an experienced attorney is not recommended.

Contact Form 7

    Find a Utah Criminal Defense Team






    CONTACT US

    Case Results – Select Victories in Utah Criminal Defense

    Victories in Utah Criminal Defense Cases

    Client charged with felony aggravated assault for using broken bottle as a weapon. Defense case focused on self-defense, resulting in not guilty verdict by the jury at trial.

    Contractor client was accused of theft for alleged misappropriation of customers’ funds following delays in cabinetry work. Case was bound over for trial following preliminary hearing. Successful motion to quash demonstrated that the legal theory supporting the government’s theft charge was flawed and required dismissal. Court granted dismissal.

    First-degree felony burglary charges with gang enhancement were filed based on client’s participation in burglary planned by other individuals. Based on client’s peripheral involvement and evidence his conduct was out of character, prosecutor consented to abeyance agreement at misdemeanor level that would ultimately lead to case dismissal.

    Utah CLE Events / Calendar for Criminal Defense Attorneys

    For Laywers in Utah

    Canyons Law Group defense team presents on topics relating to internet crimes, including: prosecutor's constitutional discovery obligations; digital technology issues in discovery; police practices in internet "sting" cases; statutory history and interpretation for defense; and more.
    ↽⇀

    Contact Canyons Law Group directly to register. Space is limited.
    ↽⇀

    One hour MCLE credit for Utah attorneys pending approval.

    • Felonies
    • Misdemeanors
    • District Courts
    • Justice Courts

    Constitutional – Utah Defense Attorneys

    Fourth Amendment Rights Attorney

    Constitutional Rights

    P Spacer

    • Team Strategy
    • Jury Trials
    • Appeals
    • Expungements

    5-Star Reviews for Utah Criminal Lawyers

    5-Star Client Reviews

    “My husband and I have hired them for multiple issues and have been completely relieved by the choice to do so.”


    Click to Call a Utah Defense Attorney

    Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Utah


    HR Spacer


    Contact Form for Utah Criminal Lawyer

      Contact a Lawyer for Criminal Defense in Utah






      CONTACT US

      Selected Victories – Utah Criminal Defense





      Client faced felony charges for allegedly using a gun to menace another driver during road rage incident. Defense trial strategy demonstrated that the alleged victim was the likely aggressor and that client had taken reasonable action to defend himself.

      Client facing first-degree felony and potential life in prison. Effective cross-examination of victim at preliminary hearing showed that someone else had committed the crime. Judge ordered case dismissed without trial.

      Call Attorney in Utah Footer

      CALL NOW   -   801-449-1409   -   TEXT NOW

      For the People – For Attorneys – Mobile

      Utah Attorney Protecting Liberty Rights

      Knowing what you are facing in a Utah criminal prosecution is critical in choosing the right attorney to defend your rights. Articles in this section provide imformation about Utah's criminal justice system that each person should know. Click to learn more.

      Information for Utah Criminal Defense Attorneys

      The "For Attorneys" section is intended to assist attorneys defending clients in Utah criminal cases. These articles must be read in context of relevant constitutional provisions, procedural rules, case law, and statutes. Reliance on these materials by individuals without the assistance of an experienced attorney is not recommended.

      Constitutional Rights Legal Education

      Criminal Defense Attorneys Utah - Constitutional Rights

      Fourth Amendment Rights - Illegal Search and Seizure Attorney in Utah


      Search for Utah Criminal Law Information

      Contact Information for Utah Criminal Defense Lawyers

      Canyons Law Group, LLC
      Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
      Serving Clients Statewide

      952 South Main St., Suite A
      Layton, UT 84041

      560 South 300 East, Suite 200
      Salt Lake City, UT 84111

      801-449-1409

      Utah Criminal Defense Locations

      Serving Northern Utah and the Wasatch Front
      Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, Morgan, and Wasatch Counties

      Serving Central and Southern Utah
      Washington, Iron, Kane, Sevier, Sanpete, Juab, and Carbon Counties

      Make Online Payment

      Payments for Utah Attorneys
      • EnglishEnglish
      • EspañolEspañol
      Criminal Defense Page Archve
      Sitemap

      Copyright © 2010–2023 · Canyons Law Group, LLC · Stephen W. Howard, PC

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.