Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Salt Lake City

Protecting Your Rights & Guiding You Through the Legal System in Salt Lake County, Davis County, Weber County, Morgan County, & Box Elder County

Being accused of a crime can be overwhelming and intimidating. You could possibly be facing criminal charges, as well as civil penalties, depending on the crime. Let our attorneys at Jardine Law Offices P.C. represent you and give you peace of mind. With over 15 years of experience with the criminal justice system, Jardine Law Offices P.C. will work diligently on your case to protect your future. Call our office today at (801) 396-9993. If you are considering using a public defender for your case, please understand that public defenders are typically responsible for dozens of cases at a time and will not be able to devote their full attention to your case. When you work with an attorney at Jardine Law Offices P.C., your attorney will be devoted to your case.

What Will an Attorney Do to Help Your Case?

It cannot be overstated that anybody charged with a criminal offense needs to seek assistance from a skilled criminal defense attorney. A criminal conviction, whether a felony or a misdemeanor, can have a significant impact on your life. 

At Jardine Law Offices P.C., our Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyers can:

  • Conduct a complete investigation into your case. Our attorneys will not rely solely on the evidence presented by prosecutors and law enforcement. We will dig into your case and work to uncover any evidence that will help build your defense.
  • Remain in open communication with the prosecutors involved with your case so we know what is going on and can pass that information on to you. We have experience working with prosecutors and judges in the Salt Lake City area, and these working relationships will benefit your case immensely.
  • Negotiate with every party involved when it comes to securing a possible plea deal or reduced sentence. We will even work to get the charges against you dismissed altogether.

Types of Criminal Offenses

After being charged with a crime, your life could face some pretty significant and possibly destructive changes. Depending on the type and severity of the crime, you could be facing consequences as small as fines or as severe as incarceration. Being found guilty would go on your personal criminal record and could hinder or even prevent you from employment and qualifying for loans. A guilty verdict will also make it impossible for you to pass background checks. Do not gamble with your future. Let the Jardine Law Offices P.C. team give you and your loved ones comfort knowing your case is being given the attention it deserves.

Criminal offenses can usually be categorized into these five different types of crimes:

Personal Crimes

Personal crimes are defined as those that result in physical or mental harm to other individuals. These crimes are taken very seriously because they involve actions taken against another person without their consent.

Property Crimes

Property crimes are exactly what their name suggests. These crimes may involve the physical or mental harm of another person, but these primarily result in the deprivation of the use of property.

  • Theft
  • Burglary
  • Larceny
  • Robbery
  • Auto theft
  • Shoplifting

Inchoate Crimes

Inchoate crimes are those that were initiated but not fully completed, as well as actions that assist in the commission of another crime. Inchoate crimes require more than somebody simply intending or hoping to commit the crime. Individuals charged with this offense typically take substantial steps towards the completion of a crime.

  • Aiding and abetting
  • Attempt
  • Conspiracy

Statutory Crimes 

Statutory crimes are defined as those that are proscribed by the statutes in Utah. This includes the crimes mentioned above, as well as many others. There are a few main types of statutory crimes: Alcohol-related crimes, drug-related crimes, traffic offenses, and white-collar crimes.

  • Driving under the influence
  • Open container violations
  • Minor in possession of alcohol
  • Public intoxication
  • Underage DUI
  • Boating DUI
  • Selling and supplying alcohol to minors
  • Refusing to perform a field sobriety test
  • Refusing to perform a breathalyzer or provide a blood sample

Financial & Other Crimes

Financial and other white-collar crimes typically involve fraud or deception by one person against another individual or business for financial gain. While these crimes are typically thought of as deriving from corporate officials, a person in any industry can commit white-collar crime.

  • Fraud
  • Blackmail
  • Embezzlement
  • Money laundering
  • Tax evasion
  • Cybercrime

There Are Three Basic Classifications of Crimes in Utah

When a person is facing a criminal offense in Salt Lake City, they are going to face one of the three following types of charges:

  • Felonies
  • Misdemeanors
  • Violations/infractions

Salt Lake City has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation — higher than the national average. These violent crimes include rape, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon. Criminal offenses can range from misdemeanors to murder. Contrary to popular belief, property crimes are reported 10 times more often than violent crimes in the U.S. As the defendant, depending on the crime and circumstances, you will need to prepare a criminal defense with your attorney. 

Some of the criminal defense options are as follows:

  • Affirmative criminal defense
  • The insanity defense
  • Coercion and duress
  • Abandonment and withdrawal
  • Self-defense
  • Consent
  • Intoxication
  • Statute of limitations

Some possible consequences if convicted are:

  • Loss of driving privileges
  • House arrest
  • Community service
  • Probation
  • Fines
  • Imprisonment
  • Court-mandated drug or alcohol rehabilitation

When you are accused of a criminal offense, you will need the very best representation as soon as possible. You should know your rights and what choices are available to you. Having an attorney will get you the best possible outcome. 

Call Jardine Law Offices P.C. at (801) 396-9993. You should feel confident that our Salt Lake City criminal defense attorneys are qualified and proficient. In criminal cases, time is always of the essence. Contact us today to request a free consultation.

Our Client Testimonials

  • I felt like a priority from the beginning and highly recommend their counsel.

    “Everyone was extremely helpful and I was able to talk to Joseph immediately after calling. He provided me with excellent advice and information for my case. I felt like a priority from the beginning and highly recommend their counsel.”

  • They are honestly the best attorneys ever.

    “I have been represented by Joseph and Peter 3 times already. They are honestly the best attorneys ever. They were really helpful and got me the best deals. They are really flexible and informative... 100% would recommend to anyone from small claims to criminal cases!”

  • Joseph and Peter are definitely who you want on your side.

    “My family and I are so grateful for the hard work and talent that all was offered in my behalf. Having a scary situation made light by trusting in this law firm was the best decision my family and I made. They were always so prepared and confident. They were always kind and took the time to help me understand what was going on every step of the way. Joseph and Peter are definitely who you want on your side. You can be confident in their intelligence and ability to fight for you.”

Work With Highly Skilled & Experienced Attorneys
  • Phone & Video Conference Services for Clients Who Prefer to Meet Remotely
  • We Offer Free Consultations - Se Habla Español
  • We Have An Aggressive and Comprehensive Approach For Each Case
  • Our Firm Has Been Serving Clients Since 2000
  • We Conduct Thorough & Complete Investigations

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