If you are arrested on a misdemeanor charge in Utah, you should normally be released from jail if the case is not filed with the courts within 72 hours of your arrest. However, this is not the limitations period for filing a criminal charge. Even if you are released and no case has been filed in court, the prosecutor may still file charges if the case is filed within the statute of limitations period.

For most Utah misdemeanor charges, a prosecutor can file charges up to two years from the time the offense is alleged to have been committed. Negligent homicide (a class A misdemeanor) has a four-year statute of limitations. Infractions must be filed within one year from the date of violation.

The statute of limitations for Utah felonies is longer. Most felony charges carry a four-year statute of limitations. Charges involving allegations of fraud may have a limitations period that begins to run only after the fraud has been discovered and reported to police. Other more serious felonies can be filed at any time regardless of the age of the case.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of a crime or believe that an investigation may be pending, Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard can help. His record of success in defending Utah criminal charges includes dismissals or not guilty verdicts in cases including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, forgery, theft, DUI, drug charges, domestic violence, and many more.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.