Assault & Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child
Violent Crimes
HOYER LAW FIRM
51 E. Main St.
Lehi, UT 84043
(801) 901-0797
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A violent crime happens when an offender uses or threatens to use force on a victim. In this kind of crime, the culprit may or may not use a weapon.
Violent crimes are considered crimes against humanity, and they carry some of the harshest penalties. The punishment of violent crimes varies from one state to another. But a conviction in Utah can lead to punishment such as lengthy imprisonment, fines, and victim restitution.
Violent Crimes in Utah
According to SafeWise, Utah’s violent crime rate is below the national average (2.3 as opposed to 3.7) as of May 2020.
There was a 13-point increase in the percentage of people reporting personal experience with a violent crime over the past year. That makes Utah’s violent crime rate higher than the national average of 12%.
Below are some of the most common violent crimes that occur in Utah every year:
- Rape
- Murder/Homicide
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Manslaughter
- Negligent Homicide
- Kidnapping
- Harassment/Stalking
Each of these crimes features unique elements the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. It takes a refined violent crimes attorney to analyze every element of the crime and identify gaps in the state’s evidence.
So, if you’re facing charges for a violent crime, it’s important to enlist the services of an experienced and competent Utah crimes attorney to ensure all your rights are protected.
Utah Penalties for Violent Crimes
The penalties for violent crimes in Utah vary based on the circumstances and the victims involved. Violent crimes, though, often attract a prison sentence.
If you have been charged with domestic violence or domestic violence in the presence of a child, you can suffer addditional consequences besides jail time and fines. A conviction can lead to such consequences as job loss and the loss of your right to possess a firearm.
Less serious situations may lead to fines and short jail times. If you’re guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, you can receive a sentence of up to one-year jail time and/or up to $2,500 in fines.
A third-degree felony conviction would lead to up to five years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $5,000. Second-degree felonies carry a penalty of anywhere between one and 15 years of imprisonment and/or fines of up to $10,000.
If you’re guilty of a capital offense, you’ll suffer the harshest penalty of life imprisonment with or without parole. It’s worth noting that Utah reserves the death penalty for aggravated murder.
Expert Legal Help and Defense in Utah
If you’ve been accused of a violent crime, the entire process can be petrifying and draining. Understanding the legal aspects of a situation is often difficult, and many people make mistakes that could result in costly consequences.
A conviction for a violent crime can have a devastating impact on your career, education, and other critical aspects of your life. It’s imperative that you understand your basic rights and get proper legal representation to prevent yourself from being wrongly convicted.
When you learn that the police are investigating you for a violent crime, contact Hoyer Law immediately. Our experienced violent crimes attorney can evaluate your case and determine the most effective defense strategy for your situation.
Hoyer Law has had tremendous success defending violent crime cases. Our team of defense attorneys is committed to fighting for your rights while keeping costs in mind. You can trust us to communicate with the authorities on your behalf and offer a comprehensive representation during legal procedures.
