Park City Criminal Defense Attorneys
Being charged with a criminal offense is an extremely frightening experience. You may be anxious about your future, unsure of what you need to do, and overwhelmed by what you are facing. While all these feelings are very normal, the single most important thing you can do right now is to contact an experienced Park City criminal defense attorney. You need someone in your corner who knows the laws related to your particular criminal offense, but more importantly, you need an advocate who will fight for you every step of the way. You need a Park City criminal defense attorney from Conyers & Nix who will answer your questions, explain your options, evaluate your case, and search for evidence that will put you in a better position.
At Conyers & Nix, we believe that one mistake should not define you. Good people make mistakes and need someone who will zealously fight for them. We will look at your initial arrest to determine whether the police made mistakes during or after your arrest. While we will aggressively pursue a reduction in charges or penalties, or a dismissal of charges if at all possible, we will thoroughly prepare your case for court. In the event that your case does go to court, we will strongly defend your charges. Criminal charges are stressful; let us shoulder some of that stress for you. The legal team of Kate Conyers and Jesse Nix is waiting to help you through this difficult time with the goal of a positive outcome.
Overview of Conyers & Nix Practice Areas
Following criminal charges, you are likely wondering what your future looks like. Will you have to spend time in jail or prison? Will you lose your right to vote, or have your parental rights taken away? Will you ever be able to secure employment after your conviction? At Conyers & Nix, a Park City criminal defense attorney can answer all these questions and more. We know how difficult your life is right now.
We have represented hundreds of clients who have found themselves in the same situation you are now facing. No matter what criminal charges you are facing, our team will stand by your side as fierce advocates, both inside and outside of the courtroom. While we don’t promise a specific outcome, we do promise to fight hard for you while keeping you informed about everything related to your case. If you are facing criminal charges in any of the following areas, we can help!
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
DUI charges are troubling for several reasons. Not only could you spend time behind bars, but your driving privileges could also be taken away. Most Americans drive to and from work or school or to take their children to school, run errands, visit friends for recreational purposes, and even go on vacation. Being without a driver’s license significantly hinders your life. If you are charged with a Utah DUI, we will represent you at your driver’s license hearing as well as for your criminal DUI charges. We will look for any mistakes that might have occurred during your initial traffic stop, during your field sobriety test or breathalyzer test, and during and after your arrest. We know that officers are not always properly trained in the administration of the breathalyzer or field sobriety tests and that breathalyzers are not always properly maintained. The officer may not have had sufficient probable cause to pull you over in the first place or may have otherwise violated your rights during your arrest. While most first DUI charges are charged as a misdemeanor, subsequent charges or an extremely high BAC could result in felony DUI charges. We can also assist you with related charges, such as public intoxication.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a serious charge that is often added to DUI charges. It is a Class B misdemeanor which could result in up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Reckless driving occurs when an individual operates their vehicle in a manner that exhibits willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or the safety of property. This can include driving 105 mph or more or committing three or more traffic violations in a series of acts occurring within a single, continuous driving period.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is another very serious criminal offense that essentially looks at the underlying offense (like assault, stalking, etc.), then determines whether the offense was committed in the context of people who cohabitate. Family members that live together, spouses, partners, or the parents of a child together all fall under the same category and are charged according to domestic violence laws. Penalties for a domestic violence conviction will depend on the underlying charges. As an example, after being charged with simple assault—a Class B misdemeanor—against a household member, you might be given up to six months in jail and fines. If, however, you have a prior conviction for a domestic violence offense within the past ten years, the charges are bumped up to a Class A misdemeanor.
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes are prosecuted vigorously in Utah. That said, Utah drug laws also tend to be more focused on treatment than on incarceration—at least for first-time offenders—so when you have the right lawyer, your penalties and charges can be significantly reduced. If you are charged with possession of marijuana, you may only face a Class B misdemeanor charge for a first-time offense; however, a second offense will move you up to the next level—a Class A misdemeanor, and a third offense will place you in the felony category. Possession of a Schedule I or II drug is a third-degree felony, which also moves up in severity for repeat offenders. A Class B misdemeanor can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, while a Class A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to a year in jail. A third-degree felony can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Those on probation may be able to reduce their jail time based on a closely supervised release, when they take substance abuse classes or join a recovery program.
Rape and Other Sex Crimes
Sex crimes, such as rape, can be extremely difficult charges to face. Those charged with sex crimes are often deemed guilty in the court of public opinion long before they’ve had the opportunity to present their side in court. A further complication of sex offense allegations is that a conviction not only usually results in prison time, but the offender must also register as a sex offender for ten years to life. As an example, rape is a first-degree felony with a potential sentence of five years to life. It is essential that you have a top-notch Park City criminal defense attorney from Conyers & Nix to help you through your charges in the best way possible.
Simple and Aggravated Assault
Assault can be charged as simple assault or aggravated assault. Simple assault is either a Class B or Class A misdemeanor (depending on the circumstances) that could result in up to a year in jail for a Class A misdemeanor and up to six months in jail for a Class B misdemeanor.
Aggravated assault usually involves a weapon and more severe injuries. Aggravated assault is typically charged as a third-degree felony that can result in up to five years in prison for a conviction.
What Questions Should I Ask My Park City Criminal Defense Attorney?
When you are facing criminal charges and begin your search for a Park City criminal defense attorney, you need to ensure that the lawyer you choose has significant experience in the specific crime you are charged with. Ask your attorney whether criminal defense is their primary or only specialty and how many cases like yours they have successfully defended. You should also ask what the policy is on communicating with clients—i.e., how soon someone will get back to you if you have questions, and whether the attorney you meet with will be the person you talk to. At Conyers & Nix, we strive to stay in communication with every client, answering questions in a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand manner. You will deal directly with attorneys Kate Conyers and Jesse Nix. We work as a cohesive team, giving you the benefit of the knowledge, skills, and experience of both attorneys.
How Conyers & Nix Can Help You With Your Park City Criminal Charges
No matter what criminal charges you are facing, having a strong Park City criminal defense attorney from Conyers & Nix by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your charges. We will gather all the facts and evidence associated with your case, then begin building a defense on your behalf. We will look at everything—no detail is too small—in order to find a hole in the prosecutor’s case. It is normal that you are anxious and unsettled right now, as well as worried about your future. At Conyers & Nix, our attorneys will do everything in their power to alleviate some of your worries as we work for the most positive conclusion to your charges. Contact Conyers & Nix today!