Misdemeanor Charges in Salt Lake City
The Salt Lake City Justice Court has jurisdiction to hear criminal and traffic cases arising within the borders of Salt Lake City. The court’s jurisdiction is limited to only cases at the class B misdemeanor level or lower. Still, these cases carry the potential for significant jail sentences and the potential for thousands of dollars in fines. Collateral consequences of criminal conviction, even at the misdemeanor level, can be serious.
If you have been charged with a crime in the Salt Lake justice court, it is vital that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.
The best defense attorneys ask questions that police don’t.
Potential Consequences of Conviction
Consequences of Criminal Conviction in UtahThe Salt Lake City Justice Court has jurisdiction to hear class B and C misdemeanors as well as infractions. The maximum penalty for a class B misdemeanor is 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine (plus 90% surcharge). A class C misdmeanor carries the potential for up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine (plus 90% surcharge). Infractions do not carry a jail sentence, but can still result in jail time under the court’s contempt power. An infraction carries a maximum fine of up to $750 (plus surcharge).
In addition to jail time and fines, many criminal convictions carry collateral consequences. Depending on the nature of the charge and the specific facts of the case, these collateral consequences can be severe. Legal consequences can include the loss of a driver license, the loss of the right to carry a firearm, a requirement to install an ignition interlock device, or a wide variety of probation conditions. Additionally, a criminal conviction can cause other problems outside the legal system – such as making it more difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, and more.
Justice Court Appeals in Salt Lake City
Since the Salt Lake City Justice Court is not considered to be a “court of record,” an appeal from the justice court is typically in the form of a “de novo” hearing or trial in the district court. These appeals are heard in the Salt Lake Department of the Third District Court.
The best attorneys understand that the effects of a criminal charge extend beyond the courtroom.
The “de novo” nature of a justice court appeal is significantly different from other criminal case appeals. While an ordinary appeal from a district court to the Utah Court of Appeals or Utah Supreme Court can take many months and sometimes even years to reach a conclusion, an appeal from the justice court to the district court is relatively speedy.
A “de novo” appeal can be thought of in many ways as a “do-over.” While in an ordinary appeal the appellant must demonstrate that the district court commited some reversable error, in a “de novo” appeal the appellant automatically gets a fresh start in the district court. Typically, however, the decision of the district court on appeal will be final and there is no further right of direct appeal from the district court’s decision.
Contact Information for the Salt Lake City Justice Court
The Salt Lake City Justice Court is located at 333 S. 200 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. To contact a judge’s clerk or a general court clerk, call 801-535-6300. Court clerks cannot give legal advice, but can help in scheduling a court date or other clerical matters. If you need legal advice or assistance,you should contact an attorney.
Understanding your goals is the first step to developing the best defense strategy.
Choosing a Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake
Choosing the right attorney to handle your Salt Lake City Justice Court case is an important decision. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can be vital to achieving the best results possible.
Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation. Learn how our criminal defense team can help you.