Conyers & Nix
Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorneys
Fierce Advocates. Experienced Defenders. Genuine Representation.
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DUI Crimes
Utah has notoriously strict laws surrounding alcohol. It has the strictest drunk driving limit in the country: 0.05% blood alcohol content (BAC).You cannot drink past 1 a.m. in any establishment and you cannot cross state lines and bring alcohol into Utah. Aside from these laws, there are other alcohol laws you may have violated. If you drive with a BAC above 0.05%, you could be charged with a DUI, or driving under the influence. In Utah, you can get a DUI even if you aren’t driving! For instance, if you were sitting in the driver seat with the car off and you have a BAC over 0.05%, you could possibly get a DUI. An important thing to remember if you are stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence is to politely refuse preliminary breath and sobriety tests. If you are arrested and asked to consent to a breath or blood test, we recommend complying. Breath tests are always preferred for criminal defense purposes, so if you have a choice, choose the breath test.
Alcohol Crimes
Conyers & Nix also represent clients who violate open container laws, which prohibit you from opening or consuming alcoholic beverages in your vehicle. This means that if a cop pulled you over and there was an open beer in your car, you could be charged. If you were under the influence of alcohol in public and you endangered others around you or hurt someone, you could be charged with public intoxication. If you were caught drinking but you’re under 21 years of age, you could also be charged. If you’re dealing with a DUI or any alcohol charge, you need to contact an alcohol crime defense attorney in Utah right away.
Violent Crimes
We can help you if you’re charged with a violent crime, such as domestic violence, which includes physical, sexual, economic, emotional or psychological abuse, along with stalking, threats, and cyberstalking. The alleged victim may have been a spouse, a partner, a child, roommate, or other family members or people who live in the same house. Conyers & Nix also work with clients who are charged with assault or aggravated assault, which is when a person uses force (or attempts to use force) that causes another person bodily harm. While assaults may be charged as misdemeanors, aggravated assaults will be charged as felonies. Our other practice areas in violent crimes include battery, brandishing a weapon, criminal trespass, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, electronic harassment, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, and child abuse. For a top Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney when you need it the most, reach out to us now.
Drug Crimes
While patients may use medical marijuana for medicinal purposes, recreational use of marijuana in Utah is illegal, and possessing and/or selling marijuana as well as other types of illegal drugs could bring about criminal charges. We represent clients who were driving under the influence of drugs and marijuana, driving with a measurable controlled substance (DMCS), running a clandestine lab, furnishing to a minor, having an open container, possessing with the intent to distribute, possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing marijuana (and other drugs), and public intoxication. If you are dealing with drug and marijuana charges and need a helping hand, we are here for you. Get in touch.
Sex Crimes
We represent individuals who are charged with a number of different sex crimes, which involve illegal sex acts or sexual abuse against another person. For most sex crimes in Utah, there is no statute of limitations, so prosecution can happen at any point after the alleged incident. Our practice areas for sex crimes include sexual solicitation, sexual battery, sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a minor, patronizing a prostitute, object rape, rape, no sexually oriented business license, lewdness, forcible sexual abuse, sodomy, revenge porn, voyeurism, sexual abuse of a minor, and sexual conduct with a minor. We are sex crime lawyers in Salt Lake City who can help you figure out the path moving forward for your sex crime charges.
Domestic Violence
Facing domestic violence charges is overwhelming and scary. It's important that you reach out for support and guidance as soon as possible so we can plan your defense.
Our Victories
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Our Team
When you decide to hire us, you hire a team. You will have the support and advantage of two highly experienced and successful legal advocates working on your case and representing you at trial, should it come to that. This collaborative attention to your case is something you will not always find with other firms; we guarantee it at Conyers & Nix.
Kate Conyers
Kate started her career as a civil litigator, but realized that her talents were more suited for the fast-paced atmosphere of criminal defense. Kate joined the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association (LDA) in 2011, representing hundreds of indigent defendants in plea negotiations and trial, before founding Conyers & Nix with Jesse Nix in 2018. In addition to her legal work, Kate provides extensive pro bono work, including spearheading the Veterans Administration Legal Clinic at the VA Hospital on the U campus.
Jesse Nix
Jesse began his legal career working for the Salt Lake District Attorney in 2008, but quickly learned that he’d rather defend someone who made a mistake rather than put an innocent person in jail. His interest in helping people at their worst moments comes from his belief that every person, regardless of their background or crime, deserves the best defense.
What Should I Ask at My First Meeting with My Criminal Defense Attorney?
From your first meeting with a criminal defense attorney, everything you discuss is confidential. There are very strict rules regarding what your attorney can share, and whatever you tell the attorney will never be said to anyone else. Your first question for your criminal defense attorney should be whether they have defended this type of criminal charge.
For example, suppose you are being charged with murder. In that case, you want a criminal defense attorney who has defended those previously charged with murder and is both familiar with and comfortable with the strategies used in murder trials. This is one time when you do not want an attorney who is a “jack of all trades.” You want a criminal defense attorney who does nothing but defends criminal charges.
You will need to discuss fees and how they will be paid. Some criminal defense attorneys will give you a total cost for your defense—one if your case does not go to trial and another if it does. Finally, you will want to ask whether the attorney you are speaking to is the one who will be handling your case—some attorneys at large firms “hand off” cases to paralegals and associates. We never “hand off” a case because when you hire Conyers & Nix, you hire both Kate and Jesse working together as your defense team.
If you are facing criminal charges, contact a Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney from Conyers & Nix today.
Your ADVOCATES
Your ADVOCATES
Our Commitment
TO JUSTICE
Conyers & Nix are passionate about delivering justice for clients. When you set up your initial consultation, we will go over the details of your case and explain the charges you’re dealing with. We ensure that our clients fully understand their charges, our process, and are always kept in the know. We never make any decisions without consulting with you and making sure you are fully aware of what we’re doing and why. We are transparent at all times and only hope to empower our clients with that honesty.
We believe that the more clients know about the process, the better. Often, clients become anxious and stressed when they read incorrect information or think they will be subject to the worst-case scenario. We will calmly and rationally explain your case to you so that you don’t jump to conclusions and can have more peace of mind.
While some lawyers will advise you to plead out and avoid a trial, we take clients to trial as often as we can. Then, our clients have a fighting chance of having their charges reduced or dropped. We aren’t aggressive, but we are assertive, and we’ll advocate for you every step of the way.
Plus, we are personal. Like big law firms, we have extensive experience and outstanding track records to back us up, but unlike big law firms, you will never get lost in the shuffle. We know every client by name and we pride ourselves on knowing the intimate details of every case we’re currently handling.
We are here when you need us, no matter what. When you send us an email or leave us a voicemail, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. We know that time is of the essence with cases, which is why we get back to you usually on the same day or within a day at the latest. And when it’s time to go to court, we remind you and make sure you are prepared for the day so that you can hopefully achieve your ideal outcome.
While we cannot promise specific results, we want you to feel happy and satisfied in your decision to seek out representation with our firm. At the end of the day, we want you to know we did everything possible to help you.
When You Hire Conyers & Nix, You Hire A Team
We, Kate Conyers and Jesse Nix, met while working at Salt Lake Legal Defenders, one of the most recognized criminal defense firms in Utah. After branching out and starting our practice in 2018, we decided to dedicate our practice to helping clients overcome charges.
As a firm, we handle and oversee every aspect of every case together, so when you decide to hire Conyers & Nix, you don’t just hire one of us, you hire both of us. What the means is that you always a team in your corner, ready to fight for you.
With over a decade of experience practicing inside and outside of the courtroom, we’ve represented thousands of clients, working by their side no matter what the scenario. Our fierce advocacy for our clients has cemented our reputation as top criminal defense lawyers in Salt Lake City.
We work to be a trusted resource for our clients in all stages of the process, whether that be prior to being charged, when you are charged, or after charges have been filed. No matter what stage you may be in, we are here to unearth creative solutions to help receive the outcome you are looking for.
We are also incredibly transparent, and will honestly explain your options and how we could help. We do not plead out our clients unless there isn’t another choice. Typically, we examine other options first such as dismissal and diversion, which would mean that your case would be dismissed or you’d perform community service and/go to a treatment program and make restitution for a crime. Ultimately, we fight for our clients so that they can move forward with their lives in the most productive way possible.
We participate in jury trials, bench trials, preliminary hearings, motions, cross-examinations of witnesses, depositions, pleadings, and sentencings, and we’re known for defending clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors in District Courts and Justice Courts.
Kate Conyers is the former President of Women Lawyers of Utah and serves on the board of directors for the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center, YWCA Utah, the Salt Lake County Bar Association, and the Utah Minority Bar Association. She has received many national and state awards, including the prestigious Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Professional Service by the American Inns of Court, Utah State Bar Young Lawyer of the Year Award, and the Utah State Bar Pro Bono Publico Young Lawyer of the Year Award.
Jesse Nix is the former president of the Utah Minority Bar Association. He serves as President of the board of directors for Plan-B Theatre Company, and has served on the board of directors for the Utah Pride Center and S.J. Quinney College of Law Young Alumni Association. He was the intern supervisor at Salt Lake Legal Defender Association, serves on the Utah Supreme Court’s Standing Committee on Model Utah Jury Instructions, and was nominated by Salt Lake County’s Judicial Nominating Commission to become a Judge in the Salt Lake City Justice Court.
What is a Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you face criminal charges in Salt Lake City, you must defend yourself against those charges. Having a criminal defense attorney by your side can significantly affect your future. Your criminal defense attorney will prepare a legal defense on your behalf, defend you against the charges, and help you navigate the criminal justice system. Most importantly, an experienced Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney from Conyers & Nix will ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the defense you deserve.
If you are facing questions from law enforcement without the benefit of a criminal defense attorney, you may be intimidated and you may inadvertently say something that will later be used against you. Although hiring a Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney is a personal choice, when your freedom and your future are on the line, there is no choice.
Do I Need a Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney if I’ve Been Charged with a Crime?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney will always result in a better outcome for people that have been charged than those without an attorney. Consider all the things your Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney will do on your behalf:
•Investigate—Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your charges, review all the evidence and find additional evidence to prove your innocence. Your attorney will speak to witnesses, find expert witnesses to strengthen your case, and gather any and all evidence that could lead to a “not guilty” verdict.
•Guidance—Your attorney will detail how your criminal case can be resolved. Helping you decide how to proceed with your case is one of the primary duties of a criminal defense attorney. If you choose not to take a plea deal, your attorney will develop the best defense strategy to protect your interests.
•Defense—If there is no plea deal, your case will likely go to trial. Your attorney will present your side of the story before a judge and jury. You want an attorney with considerable trial experience who is not afraid to present your case in the most persuasive manner possible. Your attorney will be familiar with the laws and statutes that apply to your particular charges and will advocate strongly on your behalf.
•Appeals—In some cases, a sentence or conviction must be appealed when the law was not properly followed. You want a criminal defense attorney who knows when the law is not being followed and who is familiar with the appeals process.
Because you could potentially spend a significant amount of time in jail or prison, your choice of a Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney is crucial.
How Can I Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me?
Many people ask for referrals from friends, family members, or co-workers when looking for a Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney. If you do not know anyone who has used a criminal defense attorney, look online and browse through websites of criminal defense attorneys or online reviews. Whatever choice you make, you will want to meet with the attorney for an initial consultation to ensure the two of you “mesh” and can work together.