Salt Lake City Violent Crimes Lawyer

Sometimes arguments escalate, and fights break out. Situations that could have been resolved differently may end in an arrest, leaving people wondering what happened and worrying about the future. Not all violent crimes are committed intentionally or maliciously, and my job is to prove that.

If you have been arrested for a violent crime, it is okay to worry. But you should also take action and contact me, Salt Lake City violent crimes attorney Catherine Cleveland to best prevent serving time behind bars. At my law firm, I represent people who have been accused of non-death penalty violent crimes and offer free phone consultations to discuss the situation.
Arrested for a violent crime? Call Catherine Cleveland Attorney at Law, today at 801-936-0870 or contact us online for a free consultation with a dedicated Salt Lake City violent crime attorney.

What Is a Violent Crime?

In Utah, a violent crime is any criminal offense that involves the use of physical force or the potential threat of physical force against another individual. Examples of violent crimes in Utah may include assault, battery, rape, robbery, and murder. It is vital that you consult with a skilled violent crime attorney as soon as possible, as violent crimes are severely punished under Utah law.

Types of Violent Crimes I Defend Against

No matter how complex your accusation may seem, my team of Salt Lake City violent crimes lawyers and I can diligently examine the details of your case to strategize a hard-hitting defense on your behalf. I defend clients against a range of charges in Utah state and federal courts, including:

• Assault and battery
• Domestic assault
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Attempted murder
• Murder
• Weapon violations/gun charges
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated assault
• Restraining order
• Unlawful discharge of a firearm
• Arson

Violent crimes come with harsh penalties, as they are some of the most serious offenses a person can be accused of. Thus, the state does everything in its power to make you suffer the maximum penalties to teach you a lesson. At Catherine Cleveland Attorney at Law, I believe there are alternatives to severe consequences. As such, I will fight to reduce or dismiss your charges, as well as obtain rehabilitative and community programs instead of prison and fines.

What Are The Penalties For Violent Crimes in Utah?

I, Catherine Cleveland, can advocate for your best interests and fight to protect you from suffering the following violent crimes penalties:

• First-degree felony: Five years to life in prison and up to $10,000 fines
• Second-degree felony: One to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines
• Third-degree felony: Up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 fines
• Class A misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail and up to $2,500 fines
• Class B misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and up to $1,000 or compensatory service
• Class C misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in jail and up to $750 in fines or compensatory service

Penalties for violent crimes also may include restitution, which is money paid to the victim to compensate him or her for the damage that was experienced. Additionally, alleged victims of violent crimes sometimes file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their medical bills and pain and suffering.

Common Defense Strategies for Violent Crimes

When facing charges for violent crimes, building a strong defense is critical to achieving the best possible outcome. Defense strategies are tailored to the specific circumstances of the case and often include claims of self-defense. For instance, a violent crimes attorney may argue that the accused acted in response to imminent danger, without provocation, and used only proportional force to protect themselves or others.

In cases of mistaken identity, a violent crime defense attorney will meticulously challenge the prosecution’s evidence. This often involves scrutinizing eyewitness testimony, identifying flaws in forensic analysis, or presenting alibi evidence that disproves the allegations. A successful defense can hinge on undermining the reliability of key evidence presented against the defendant.

Procedural defenses also play a crucial role. Violent crime lawyers may uncover instances of unlawful arrest, improper handling of evidence, or violations of the defendant’s constitutional rights. These issues can lead to evidence being excluded or charges being reduced or dismissed altogether. A comprehensive approach to defense often makes the difference in violent crime cases.

Understanding the Pre-Trial Processes

The pre-trial stage in a violent crime case is a crucial time to lay the groundwork for the defense. During this phase, a violent crimes attorney will review the charges and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully, such as through illegal searches, can significantly impact the outcome of the trial.

Additionally, pre-trial negotiations often take center stage. Violent crime lawyers may engage in plea discussions with the prosecution to reduce the severity of charges or penalties. Bail hearings are another critical aspect, as securing the client’s release allows them to actively participate in their defense strategy. These pre-trial processes provide an opportunity to shape the trajectory of the case early on.

The Importance of Early Legal Representation

Securing a violent crime defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest or investigation begins is vital. Early legal intervention ensures that the defendant’s rights are protected during police interrogations and that potentially exculpatory evidence is preserved. Quick action can also prevent authorities from exploiting procedural vulnerabilities to build their case.

Violent crime lawyers often address pre-charge investigations, working to dissuade prosecutors from pursuing charges when evidence is insufficient. By intervening at this stage, attorneys can help clients avoid the stress and consequences of formal charges. Taking immediate steps to build a solid defense strategy can ultimately change the trajectory of a case, emphasizing the need for timely legal assistance.

Contact Our Salt Lake City Violent Crimes Attorney Today

Many people have never been in trouble with the law before being arrested for a violent crime. Often, people face allegations of violence after a fight escalates or are involved in a bar fight that suddenly broke out. But they have never gone to court before and don’t usually know what to expect.

Thankfully, I have a 15+ year-long track record for successfully protecting the rights of those accused of violent crimes in Salt Lake City. I can help you feel confident and hopeful in your case by pursuing your best interests, guiding you through the legal system, and helping you understand what will happen before, during, and after your court hearing.

I can also help you understand what penalties you may face, such as restraining or protective orders, jail time, or probation, as well as anger management classes.