How To Avoid Jail Time in Utah

"I have fought over 5,000 DUI charges in every city in Utah." - Branson K. West

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1. Have an attorney!

Having an attorney makes all the difference in the world, even if you're guilty. Most people think that if they committed the crime there is nothing an attorney can do. They're wrong. If you choose to give up your constitutional rights, you should get something in return. Often times, even if your case is bad, an attorney has control over sentencing and can keep you out of jail. Having the right person fighting for you is critical.

2. Do not plead guilty!

If you plead guilty, a judge is required to sentence you, and may impose harsh punishments, including jail time. The judge will have very little opportunity to get to know you or know why you deserve a break. The only way you can avoid this is by pleading NOT GUILTY. Do not be fooled. Pleading not guilty does not mean that you didn't break the law. It doesn't mean that you are lying or not accepting responsibility for your actions. It simply means that you are exploring your alternatives and making sure you get the best possible outcome. You can still plead guilty later, if you change your mind. But if you plead guilty up front, you can never go back! Don't give your rights up!

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3. Beat the charge!

By hiring the right attorney, you can get charges reduced or dismissed. This is usually one of the best ways to avoid jail time. You need someone who knows the prosecutors and the judges and will know what to expect for you. If they won't give you the deal you need, you need someone who will fight until they do, or you beat the charge!

4. Get an evaluation!

If all else fails, get an evaluation. Most cases involving drugs or alcohol will require a substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment, regardless of how the case is resolved. If you proactively get that done it will accomplish two things;

  1. it will allow you to pick the place you want based on location/price/people/ etc.
  2. it will show the judge and prosecutor that you are not a danger to yourself or the community, that you are responsible, and will never be in trouble again. It's a GREAT way to convince a hesitant prosecutor to give you a deal, including no jail time.
  3. Find out a little more here: The Agape Center

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The Cost of DUI in Utah
with Branson K. West

KUTV 2 News Interview with top Utah DUI and Criminal Defense attorney Branson K. West.

"I learned a lot by talking to this attorney."

Brian Mullahy of KUTV

We've helped people all over Utah reduce, drop and clear charges. Look what our customers have to say about us.


Branson is very good at what he does. He is extremely professional and has a well-received presence in the courtroom. His communication with me was always immediate and efficient. One of the things I was most impressed with was his ability to separate facts from opinion. Branson played out the possible scenarios of what I was to expect He asked me what MY goals were and what MY best case scenario was. I felt like I was a part of my own case and defense. He got the state to waive jail time. I am happy with the result Branson achieved for me and thankful I chose him as my lawyer.
- Derrick Phillip, Posted March 13th 2024 on google
An excellent experience all around. I have been working with Branson for the past 11 years and I only have good things that I can say. Great in the courtroom, great communication skills, well respected by the judges, and went above and beyond for my case. This guy is great. Definitely recommend him to anyone who needs a criminal defense lawyer.
- Adonis Jameson, Posted March 13th 2024 on google
Branson and his team were great to work with. They helped me understand the complicated legal system and we're always available for questions.
- Conner Fordham, Posted March 5th 2024 on google
I had a great experience working with Branson. He always responded within a business day (usually within minutes/hours) and was courtius and professional at all times. Cost of representation was given to me upfront, and was reasonable. I also feel confident that he found the best possible resolution for my charges.
- Ryan Perez, Posted November 2nd 2023 on google
Great guy! Very professional. Would highly recommend:)
- Shellie, Posted October 13th 2023 on google
Great attorney and very intelligent. Very honest and trustworthy. He called me back literally with in 2 hours of calling his office. I believe him to be very qualified to represent me in the legal matters I was in. I trust him and most attorneys don’t even call you back ,but Mr. West will. Very good man.
- Brian Riley, Posted June 9th 2023 on google
Called Branson and left a message. Within minutes received a text that he was in court and would call later. An hour later he called, gave me great advice, and said he didn't want to charge me for something he felt I could do on my own. I followed his advice and things went pretty much exactly as he had explained. The outcome was better than I dared hope. I would highly recommend Branson West!!!
- Darin Clark, Posted May 24th 2023 on google
Very honest firm, can't say enough positive things about them. This is a law firm I would trust to represent me and my family members to protect our rights.
- Lucas Osborne, Posted March 6th 2023 on google
Very helpful and friendly. Always available or will call you back shortly.
- J MacNeal, Posted March 2nd 2023 on google
Branson is one of the most kind and loyal attorneys. He gave me great advise on a case. He took the time to answer my phone calls and texts. He really cares for his clients: and getting the best resolutions. I would recommend him to anyone in the Utah area. When you are going through a hard time----he really takes the time to coach you and listen. He is kind and I treats his clients with such good care.
- Emily Chu, Posted March 1st 2023 on google
Branson took care of my case exactly the way I thought it should have been. He and his team aka Hailee were and have been all I could have hoped for. I think I found him after a simple search brought his name up when he was doing an add or promotion. Sometimes things just click and this was one of those times. I would recommend him to anyone. If you find yourself in need of a fighter in your corner Branson is a good choice.
- Todd Macfarlane, Posted February 26th 2023 on google
Thank you man! Very grateful for your hard work.
- Tyrell Denton, Posted February 23rd 2023 on google
This guy goes above and beyond! Picked up the phone the first time I called, and gave me the best advice took care of everything quickly and there were no surprises. Couldn’t be happier!
- Cassia Leigh, Posted February 23rd 2023 on google
Articulate, friendly and well versed in criminal law. I’m a very anxious person which makes my speech terribly convoluted and even then he understood me perfectly. I’m very thankful for his patience and expertise, and I’m also very satisfied with the outcome.
- Salvador Villanueva, Posted February 13th 2023 on google
Thank you for all your help, very knowledgeable and attention to detail. laid out all my options very clear and met to his end of the agreement. 10/10 service! thanks again man!
- Cash Brown, Posted November 2nd 2022 on google
Definitely the best attorney I could have chosen, very professional and great to work with. For 5 months of working with me, he communicated very well
- Jacy Wadhams, Posted October 19th 2022 on google
Branson is very knowledgeable and great to work with
- Robert Douglas, Posted June 28th 2022 on google
Absolutely wonderful, very knowledgeable and professional. Would highly recommend to anyone.
- Jay Digdog, Posted May 11th 2022 on google
Excellent advice and help with my case. Thank you!
- Josh Jenkins, Posted May 4th 2022 on google
Brandon West is the best attorney I could’ve picked to handle my case. He was professional and pleasant to work with and definitely went the extra mile to make sure I was taken care of. 10/10 recommend
- Matthew Pierce, Posted April 14th 2022 on google

Thousands of Utah DUI Charges Dropped or Reduced

Branson has handled thousands of Utah DUI charge cases in Salt Lake City and the local court systems. He KNOWS Utah's judges and he knows the prosecutors who handle the DUI cases in Utah. Most of all, he knows how to defend you against DUI charges in Utah successfully. If you find yourself charged with drunk driving or a DUI, call Branson, the best DUI lawyer in Utah, at 801-285-5550. For those facing DUI charges in or around SLC, Branson K. West is the DUI attorney with the experience to win.

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