Salt Lake City Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

Skilled Salt Like City, Utah Defense Lawyer for Allegations of Violent Crimes

In Utah, accusations of violent crimes come with a heavy stigma. If convicted of a violent offense, you may struggle to find gainful employment or housing on top of the threat of jail time and high fines. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or felony crime, a Utah violent crime defense lawyer can represent you fairly in court and work towards the best possible outcome.

Attorney Cliff Venable of Salt City Defense has years of experience as a skilled trial lawyer in criminal defense. When you work with our firm, you will receive qualified legal advice and aggressive advocacy to protect your rights against a violent crime charge.

Assault

In Utah, you can be charged with assault for an unlawful act of violence that results in bodily injury to another person. You can also be charged with this crime if you even attempt to cause bodily injury to another, regardless of whether or not you make contact.

Normally, assault is charged as a class B misdemeanor, which carries up to six months in jail along with a possible fine of no more than $1,000 or compensatory service to a nonprofit or government agency. However, it can be aggravated to a class A misdemeanor if the act of assault results in "substantial" bodily injury or if the act of assault is knowingly committed against a pregnant victim. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to 364 days of incarceration and a maximum fine of $2,500 fine.

At Salt City Defense, we can explore different defenses against an assault charge, such as self-defense or defense of others, or lack of intent to cause harm to another person. We will fight for an ideal result, whether it means getting the conviction dropped or negotiating for diminished penalties.

Criminal Mischief

Criminal mischief is charged when an individual intentionally and unlawfully tampers with somebody else's property in such a way that other people are put at risk. You can also be charged with criminal mischief if your tampering causes or threatens to cause an interruption to critical infrastructure, such as a roadway, railroad, bridge, or healthcare facility.

The charges for criminal mischief can vary wildly depending on whether anyone was at risk of dying, or how much property damage was inflicted. For interrupting or threatening to interrupt critical infrastructure, you could be charged with a second-degree felony, which carries up to 15 years in prison and a possible $10,000 fine, both of which can have a devastating impact on your life.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is a grave criminal offense in Utah. Holding someone against their will without any legal authority is a second-degree felony if it occurs for "any substantial period of time" under Utah law. This also includes detaining a minor over the age of 14 without the consent of their parents.

You may be charged with aggravating kidnapping if you brandish a dangerous weapon against the victim or hold a kidnapping victim for ransom. This is a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum of life in prison and a minimum of five years, and a possible $10,000 fine.

At Salt City Defense, our criminal defense attorney can review all viable defenses against a kidnapping charge. We may be able to argue that the alleged kidnapping occurred with the victim's consent or that you were falsely accused.

Speak With a Salt Lake City, UT Violent Crime Defense Attorney Today

A conviction of a violent offense can jeopardize your future. At Salt City Defense, our Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer can fight to protect your freedom, challenging the prosecution's case against you. Call our offices at 919-744-6471 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.