If you are facing criminal charges for domestic violence in Utah, it can be devastating. Upon conviction, you will have to pay substantial fines and potentially even spend time in jail.
Beyond these risks, however, you face significant social stigma that can affect every aspect of your life – from your career to your standing in the community.
Having a domestic violence defense attorney on your side means having an advocate to fight for you, your good name and your future. At the Law Office of Brad R. Anderson, we understand how frightening it can be to face criminal charges and we want you to know you don’t have to face it alone.
Utah Domestic Violence Charges & Penalties
Utah’s domestic and family violence laws are particularly harsh. The specific charges you face will depend on the circumstances of your case, but you could face charges ranging from assault or harassment to kidnapping or sex crimes – any of which pose the risk for substantial fines and extensive jail time.
Worse, you could face these criminal charges for incidents that involve a roommate, former domestic partner, relative or even an in-law. Utah’s laws are so broadly written and enforced that you could be convicted of domestic violence for any number of seemingly innocuous acts.
In addition to fines and potential jail time, you will also face supervised probation and court-ordered treatment that you must pay for. You will have a permanent criminal record and, if a judge imposes an order of protection, you may not even be allowed to return to your own home.
Potential Domestic Violence Defense Strategies
If the police are called for a domestic dispute, it’s a safe bet that someone is leaving the scene in handcuffs and a squad car. And, for any of these crimes, the police can arrest and charge you even if the purported victim doesn’t want to press charges.
Sadly, some people attempt to manipulate an emotionally charged situation for ulterior purposes – child custody disputes, for example.
To build a strong case in your defense, our legal team conducts an extensive investigation into the details of your arrest and the circumstances leading up to the events in question. Many people facing these types of charges acted in self-defense or in the defense of someone else who was present. Others are the victims of false accusations or a simple misunderstanding.
The police and prosecutor must have strong evidence to build an effective case against you, and they must not have violated your legal rights at any point during the arrest. Any evidence to be used against you must have been legally obtained and processed within the bounds of the law.
Our legal team can use any possible mistakes or flaws to negotiate your charges down or to have them dismissed. If it becomes necessary to fight your case in court, we will use any such information to build a strong case in your defense.
Seek Help from a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Immediately
If you have been charged with domestic violence – or if you suspect you’re about to be charged – seek legal advice immediately. The sooner we can get started on your case, the better our chances of building a strong defense will be. Witness memories will still be fresh and potential evidence can better be preserved.
Contact the Law Office of Brad R. Anderson today for help from a Utah domestic violence defense attorney.