What does a criminal defense attorney cost in Salt Lake City?

We will sit down with you to discuss your payment options and look for an arrangement that is manageable for you. When we defend you, part of our role is helping to provide you with support and reduce your anxiety, down to the way we structure payments. Additionally, your initial consultation is cost-free.

When should you hire a criminal defense attorney?

If you were arrested and charged with a crime in Utah, you should contact Overson Law immediately. This is also true if you think that you are under investigation for a crime. The quicker you get in touch with us, the quicker we can begin advocating for your interests and fighting to ensure that the system does not treat you unfairly.

How can our Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer help you?

Darwin will guide you, advise you, listen to you, and protect your Constitutional rights while working hard to achieve a favorable outcome to your case, such as an acquittal (“not guilty” verdict), a reduction in the penalties you are facing, your charges being dropped, or a dismissal of your case.

Sandy, UT Criminal Defense Attorney

Home / Sandy, UT Criminal Defense Lawyers

Facing serious criminal charges can throw your entire life into disarray. Criminal convictions can result in harsh formal penalties, potentially including a prison sentence, monetary fines, community service, and probation. Additionally, informal penalties like the stigma of a criminal conviction can make it difficult to obtain employment. When you face criminal charges, the stakes have never been higher for you. If you or a family member was arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Sandy, Utah, you should consult with an experienced Sandy criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At Overson & Bugden, we understand that navigating a criminal case can be daunting for a person, especially if the individual was never arrested. Still, we are here to guide you through the process. When defending against criminal charges, an experienced criminal defense attorney can ensure that your rights are respected. Further, their strategic representation increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Remember, the state will be represented by an experienced attorney acting as the prosecutor. This is why it is necessary to have experienced legal guidance to depend on as well. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss the details of your criminal case, contact Overson & Bugden, at (801) 758-2287. You can also schedule your free consultation online.

Sandy Criminal Attorneys Handling a Variety of Charges

Being arrested for a crime can be a frightening experience for an individual. However, our legal team can prepare you for your upcoming case. Our experienced attorneys can defend you against many criminal charges. In some instances, the prosecutor can file a single charge. In other circumstances where multiple violations occurred, multiple charges against you may be filed. If you were charged with any of the following crimes, you should consider retaining a Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Lawyer.

DUI

An offense for driving under the influence is not a charge you want on your criminal record. DUI charges can throw your life into question as you may wonder if you will lose your license or pay significantly more for auto insurance. If an injury or death occurs as well, jail time can apply.

As you might expect, a person can be charged with an offense for driving under the influence when operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or taking drugs that affect their ability to operate a vehicle. However, an individual can also be arrested for constructive possession of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Under Utah DUI laws, constructive possession of a vehicle is when a defendant has physical control over a vehicle while intoxicated. For example, if a defendant fell asleep in the passenger side of their vehicle with their keys in hand, this could still be used to support a criminal charge for DUI.

Murder

When a person intentionally kills another or when a person is killed during a felony or an attempted felony murder can be charged. Murder is a felony that is punished extremely harshly in Utah.

Theft

Depending on the value of the property stolen and other circumstances, theft charges can range from a class B misdemeanor to a second degree felony. Additionally, if a defendant decides to take property from the person of another, they will be charged with robbery instead of theft. A conviction for robbery will result in a defendant possibly facing one or more felony grade offenses.

It is also important to note that a theft offense will be upgraded to burglary if a defendant enters the property of another with the intention to take one or more items from the property.

Weapons Charges

While the 2nd Amendment establishes a right to bear arms, that right is subject to limitations and regulations. We defend you against illegal possession of a firearm, illegal sale or transfer, illegal discharge of a firearm, reckless endangerment, and other gun charges.

Assault

Assault is most likely the most prevalent crime in Utah. Assault convictions can result in incarceration and fines. There are two types of assault offenses that a defendant could be charged with: simple assault and aggravated assault. A person can be arrested for simple assault for threatening, intimidating, or attempting to harm another person. An offense for simple assault could be downgraded if a defendant was involved in a mutual fight with another person.

A defendant is typically charged with aggravated assault if they cause another person a severe bodily injury or utilize a weapon when attacking another person.

Drug Crimes

We defend you from a variety of drug charges, including drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, drug distribution, and DUI by metabolite. It is important to remember that drug charges stem from the type of drugs a defendant possessed, and the quantity of drugs possessed. For example, if a defendant was arrested for possession of marijuana, they will likely receive lesser charges than a person arrested with the same amount of heroin.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes like rape, solicitation of a prostitute, unlawful sex with a minor and sexual assault are serious crimes with severe penalties. Further, these crimes typically have a strong stigma associated with them that may make employment and even a place of residence difficult to obtain. For example, a defendant convicted of a sexually-related offense may have to register as a sex offender once they complete their sentence.

White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are crimes where a fraudulent or dishonest scheme deprives people of their money. Fraud, embezzlement, insurance fraud, and RICO charges are all examples of white-collar crime.

Our attorneys can defend you from a broad array of criminal charges by preparing for trial from day 1. While we are certainly are open to plea bargain negotiations, preparing for trial at the outset permits us to negotiate more aggressively. These are just some types of criminal cases that our firm can litigate for you. If you were arrested for another crime that is not listed above, you should waste no time in retaining a lawyer.

To learn more about the penalties for misdemeanors and felonies in Utah, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Sandy criminal defense attorney today.

Criminal Penalties for Misdemeanors and Felonies in Sandy, UT

Criminal offenses are typically graded as misdemeanors and felonies, and infractions for minor offenses like speeding tickets. When a defendant is charged with a misdemeanor, it means they can face no more than one year in prison. On the other hand, felonies carry a minimum of one year in prison if convicted.

Misdemeanors range from Class C to Class A. Class C carries the least severe penalties with up to 90 days in jail and $750 in fines. Class A misdemeanors carry up to 364 days in jail if convicted and $2,500 in fines.

Felonies range from third degree to first degree. Third degree felonies are punished by up to five years in prison while first degree felonies can result in a life sentence. The fines for a felony conviction can also reach up to $10,000. Additionally, if a defendant is convicted of a capital crime like murder, life in prison is the minimum sentence recommended.

A defendant should also be aware that there are multiple factors that can affect sentencing. For example, if a defendant worked with law enforcement during their case, the prosecution may recommend a more lenient sentence. Alternatively, if a defendant was convicted of an extremely heinous crime, this would also affect sentencing.

Our firm can help you fight for the desired outcome in your criminal case.

Put Our Experienced Sandy Criminal Defense Lawyer to Work for You

If you or a family member was arrested and charged with a crime, you should contact an experienced Sandy criminal defense attorney immediately. At Overson & Bugden, we are dedicated to providing you the aggressive legal defense you deserve to fight your criminal case. For more than 15 years, Darwin Overson of Overson & Bugden, has defended residents of Utah and many other states from serious state and federal criminal charges. To see if our services are a match for you, call Overson & Bugden at (801) 758-2287, to schedule your free legal consultation. You may also contact us online to schedule your consultation.Top of Form

“If someone is making allegations against you, you really should talk to Darwin.”

I was charged with domestic violence and the allegations were that I abused my husband. Truth is, my husband was abusive to me. I hired Darwin and we had a trial. During the trial, Darwin was able to show the jury that it was my husband that was abusive and was trying to manipulate the process of our divorce. The jury found me not guilty and after the trial one of the jurors approached me and told me how impressed the jury was with the way Darwin presented the defense. Before the trial, my now soon to be ex-husband tried to convince me to plead guilty. So going to trial was really the first time I was able to stand up to him and not let him manipulate my life anymore. Darwin really helped me with that process and I can’t express how empowering it has been. If someone is making allegations against you, you really should talk to Darwin.

T.W.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“If you or a loved one is in trouble, Darwin is your guy.”

“I was arrested for DUI. From the very beginning Darwin was very professional and supportive. Throughout the court process I was scared. I kept telling Darwin that wanted to plead guilty just to end it but Darwin encouraged me to stick with it and take the case to trial. The morning of trial, Darwin was able to cross examine the (arresting) officer in such a way as to show the jury that there was reasonable doubt as to the accuracy of the breathalyzer machine. That was important because they were saying my BAC was .182. Darwin walked me through my testimony so that the jury understood what happened from my point of view. I think if he hadn’t been able to help me through my testimony the way he did that the jury wouldn’t have understood and they would have convicted me. The jury deliberated for two hours and then returned a verdict of not guilty.I am really thankful that Darwin was my attorney and that I took his advice to take my case to a jury. If you or a loved one is in trouble, Darwin is your guy.”

T.C.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“The jury found my husband not guilty and I credit Darwin for making that happen.”

“My husband was charged with a first degree felony sex crime against our granddaughter. Anyone who knew my husband knew he didn’t do it. He was the type to protect children not hurt them. We had been represented by another attorney who just couldn’t get the prosecutor to see that the charges weren’t good. When it came time for trial, that attorney was scared to try the case. We were referred to Darwin and I am so grateful. Trial was a week long and by the end, Darwin had shown the jury how our grandchild had been manipulated by the social workers and her mother to say things that were not true. Darwin was careful and thorough in his investigation and preparation before trial and it really showed in court. The jury found my husband not guilty and I credit Darwin for making that happen.”

S. R.
Google Reviews - September 2022

“I thank Darwin …had it not been for him, things would have turned out very differently for me and not in a good way.”

“Several years ago, I was having troubles in my marriage. There were lots of arguments and it was clear that we were headed for a separation. One night I was woke up by six West Valley Police officers standing around my bed with flashlights shining in my eyes. It was 3:00 in the morning and they drug me to the police station where they informed me that I was being arrested for engaging in sexual relations with my baby girl. I could not believe it. Over the next several days I lost my job because of these allegations and a protective order issued against me preventing me from seeing my wife and child, and even from going to the house to get my things. My world was turned upside down. I hired Darwin to represent me. He helped me get my job back, over turned the protective order and through his own investigation was able to uncover enough about my wife to convince the prosecutor to drop all charges against me. About six months later my wife was arrested for possessing thousands of dollars of fake checks. I have moved on and remarried. I thank Darwin for helping me through an incredibly difficult part of my life and I think had it not been for him, things would have turned out very differently for me and not in a good way.”

B.N.
Google Reviews - September 2022

Sandy, UT Criminal Defense Lawyers