Criminal Mischief Lawyer in Utah

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

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An image of handcuffs - if you are facing criminal charges, contact Branson West Law for an expert criminal mischief lawyer in Utah.

Find An Experienced Criminal Mischief Lawyer in Utah

Criminal mischief is taken very seriously and can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. With the potential consequences looming, from fines to incarceration, working with a skilled criminal mischief lawyer in Utah is crucial for protecting your rights. Don't face criminal mischief charges alone—empower yourself with the support of an experienced lawyer who can navigate the legal terrain and guide you through the complexities of the judicial process.

Recent Case Results


Leaving the scene of an accident
Case Dismissed!

Client was accused of leaving the scene of an accident in Riverton, case dismissed.
SLC DUI
Dismissed!

Client's 2nd offense. Argued suppression motion, case dismissed.
Davis County Assault
Dismissed

Client charged with assault in Davis County. Cased was dismissed.
West Jordan Burglary
Burglary Case Dismissed

Client accused of breaking into vehicle, stealing items, then fleeing the scene.
Draper DUI
Dismissed

Client charged with DUI. Case Dismissed.
Draper DUI
Reduced

DUI charge dropped to reckless
Provo DUI
DUI Dismissed

Client was stopped at DUI check point, failed FSTs, blew below the legal limit, but had other substances in his system.
Draper DUI
DUI Dismissed

Client found in car, passed out, alleged drugs in system.
Domestic Violence, Midvale
Case Dismissed

Domestic Violence case in Midvale, case DISMISSED.
Domestic Violence and Burglary, Salt Lake 3rd District
Case Dismissed

DV and Burglary case dismissed in Salt Lake 3rd District
DUI - South Jordan
Dismissed

Accused of DUI with prescription drugs with an accident in South Jordan, case dismissed.
Dog Attack, Salt Lake County
Case Dismissed

Dog attack case in Salt Lake County
Domestic Violence, Sandy
Case Dismissed

DV in Sandy, client accused of fighting with girlfriend, case dismissed.
Domestic Violence, Salt Lake County
Case Dismissed

DV in Salt Lake County, client accused of attacking her daughters boyfriend, case dismissed.
DUI, West Jordan
THC DUI Dismissed

Kira Eoff, West Jordan, THC DUI dismissed
DUI - West Jordan
Dismissed

DUI in West Jordan, pulled over for swerving, dismissed.
DUI - Provo
Dismissed

DUI dismissed in Provo, bad driving pattern, thought it was drugs, failed FSTs, and DRE exam.
DUI - Holladay
Jury Verdict of Not Guilty

DUI charge, client had actual physical control with a high BAC, verdict not guilty.
Theft - Layton, UT
Case Dismissed

Target employee charged with theft in Layton, case dismissed.
Murray, UT - DUI.
Case Dismissed!

Stopped for speeding, failed FSTs.
West Jordan, Ignition Interlock Violation
Case Dismissed!

Client accused of driving with an ignition interlock device.
Herriman, DUI
Case Dismissed!

Client accused of DUI, had a blood draw result of .08, got a second opinion that showed .075.
West Valley City, Domestic Violence Assault
Case Dismissed!

Client was accused of assaulting her husband.
Murray, UT - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Case Dismissed!

Cops found items in the car, claimed there was a drug deal.
Lehi, Child Abuse
Case Dismissed

Client was accused of hitting son.
West Jordan, Seven 2nd Degree Felony Counts of Check Fraud
Case Dismissed!

Client was accused of fraudulently writing checks on accounts that were closed.
Provo, UT - DUI
Case Dismissed!

Client drinks at party, comes back and falls asleep in car, fails FSTs, arrested for DUI.
Murray, UT - Retail Theft
Case Dismissed

Client was in Costco, put item in purse, security claimed she was stealing property.
SLC, UT - Domestic Violence Assualt
Case Dismissed

Client was in a fight with boyfriend, charged with Domestic Violence (DV).
Holladay, UT - DUI
Case Dismissed!

Ran from a DUI checkpoint. Failed FSTs.
Salt Lake City - Felony Child Non-Support
Case Dismissed

Client owed over $55,000 in child support arrears.
Theft - Provo Justice Court
Case Dismissed

Client was buying bikes off KSL and ended up with stolen bikes.
Theft - Taylorsville Justice Court
Case Dismissed

Client was accused of stealing supplies from a salon.
Aggravated Assault Charge - Salt Lake 3rd District Court
Case Dismissed

Client was accused of pulling a gun on his girlfriend and threatening to kill her.
Provo, UT - Theft
Case Dismissed!

Client was buying bikes off KSL and ended up with stolen bikes.
American Fork, UT - DUI
Case Dismissed

Client was stopped for a registration issue, failed the field sobriety tests and blew in the intoxilyzer twice.
Alcohol Restricted Driver and Driving on a Suspended License - Sandy Justice Court
Case Dismissed

Client was accused of driving on a restricted and suspended license.
DUI - Salt Lake County
Jury Verdict of NOT GUILTY

Client failed field sobriety tests, had a poor driving pattern, & refused breath test.
DUI - Clearfield, UT
Case DISMISSED!

Client was driving a big rig, and we were able to save his job.
Possession of Drugs - Utah County
Case DISMISSED!

Client was stopped and improperly searched.
Assaulting an officer, resisting arrest - Salt Lake City, UT
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was investigating friend being restrained by cops and cops attacked him.
DUI, Lehi
DUI dismissed

Client was charged wrongfully. Restored his license, got the charges dismissed!
DUI, Midvale
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client blew a .80.
DUI, Midvale
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client claimed he was not the driver, even though cops thought he was.
DUI, Draper
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was driving the wrong way on a one-way road, failed FSTs.
DUI, St. George
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was asleep in his car, with stereo on. Cops came and called it
Aggravated assault, Salt Lake 3rd District.
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was accused of pulling a knife on a man in a Wal-mart parking lot.
Retail Theft, Orem
Plea in Abeyance

Client had stolen items from a local retailer, had admitted everything to police and was able to keep her record clean.
Under age consumption, Davis 2nd District
Plea in Abeyance.

Clients were at a party when all were caught drinking. Were able to keep records clean.
DUI, Vernal
Case DISMISSED!

Client was stopped for license plate light being out and for having it improperly displayed. Had a BAC of .17.
Possession of Drugs, Salt Lake City
Case DISMISSED!

Client was at a pizza place, eating in the parking lot when cops arrived, suspicious of their activity.
Domestic Violence, Taylorsville
Plea in Abeyance

Client called the police when upset, didn't mean to get cops involved, but we were able to save his record.
Domestic Violence, Lehi
Plea in Abeyance to disorderly conduct as an infraction

Client was going through a divorce, his spouse would not allow him to see their child or leave. Cops blamed him.
Stalking, Park City
Plea in Abeyance

Charges reduced, and offered in abeyance, so client's record would stay clean. She was accused of stalking a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, was a teacher, and was able to keep her record clean.
Aggravated Assault, Davis 2nd District
Charges reduced to disorderly conduct as an infraction, no jail time, minimal fine

Client was seen entering Wal-mart with a gun after making apparently threatening phone calls to his former manager.
Retail theft, Salt Lake
Plea in Abeyance.

Client was a college student, accidentally walked out of the store without paying for a cup of soup, but had paid for everything else. Was able to keep her record clean.
DUI, West Valley
Jury Verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was a former ski patroller and hopeful to get on with an ambulance crew. He was accused of driving off the road with prescription medication in his system. He suffered from strokes.
Traffic violation, Spanish Fork
Verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was a truck driver and had been in an accident. The judge found him not guilty as charged.
Theft of services, Salt Lake 3rd
Case DISMISSED!

Client was accused of stealing services from a shop. Were able to prove that her signature had been forged.
DUI, South Salt Lake
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was accused of driving with alcohol in her system on a second offense, then subsequently refusing the breath test.
DUI, Salt Lake Airport
Case DISMISSED!

Client was accused of driving through the airport while DUI, was arrested prior to field sobriety tests being administered.

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

Branson West Law is experienced with the following areas of violent crime cases:

A man in handcuffs with his head in his hands, in need of a criminal defense attorney.

What Is Criminal Mischief?

Criminal mischief, also known as vandalism, refers to the crime of damaging or destroying someone else’s property. Often, people face criminal mischief charges in addition to other violent crime charges such as domestic violence or assault. In order for an act to be defined as criminal mischief, it must be proven that:

  • The act was reckless or intentional. The crime of criminal mischief does not apply to accidental property damage such as hitting a golf ball through a car window unintentionally.
  • The damage occurred without consent. For example, if a homeowner hires a junk removal company and they break an item as they throw it away, this is not criminal mischief.

In addition to clear cases of property damage and vandalism such as graffiti, criminal mischief can also encompass crimes like:

  • Throwing something at a car
  • Causing or threatening a disruption to banking or communication systems
  • Endangering the safety of others as a result of tampering with property

Potential Penalties for Criminal Mischief

Depending on the details of the case, criminal mischief may be charged as a felony or as a misdemeanor. Depending on the monetary damage inflicted and the amount of damage done, criminal mischief may be classified as a:

  • Class B Misdemeanor (for less than $500 worth of damages)
  • Class A Misdemeanor (for $500-$1,500 worth of damages)
  • Third Degree Felony (for $1,500-$5,000 worth of damages)
  • Second Degree Felony (for damages in excess of $5,000)

In the state of Utah, the classification of the crime will dictate the potential penalties for criminal mischief. Penalties can include:

  • Significant fines ($5,000 or higher for felonies)
  • Restriction of rights like owning a firearm
  • Jail time ranging from 3 months to over a year (usually over a year for felonies)
  • Permanent criminal record

These penalties can cause lifelong struggles for those convicted of criminal mischief. Working with an experienced lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and preserve your way of life.

FREE Consultation

Finding a Skilled Lawyer for Criminal Mischief

Whether you are facing criminal mischief charges as the result of a misunderstanding or a mistake, working with a skilled and experienced Utah is the best way to protect your lifestyle.

With more than 16 years of criminal defense experience, Branson West Law is an expert in defending clients facing charges of criminal mischief. His compassion and understanding for his clients means he will fight for your rights and do all he can to defend your case. Branson West Law offers free consultations to help you get started in the daunting legal process.

No matter the circumstances of your case, Branson West Law is ready to put his expertise to work for you. Schedule your consultation today!

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Local experience and knowledge of Utah’s prosecutors and judges leave Branson West Law well-prepared to help you as a battery lawyer.

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