Domestic Violence Attorney in Utah
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Domestic Violence Attorney in Utah
When it comes to domestic violence, a charge against you can be more than just life-altering as it can lead to serious legal, financial and personal consequences. In cases like these, you need a criminal defense team that will do the most to help you, by either lessening your charge or working to get rid of the charges altogether.
If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence, Branson West Law is the experienced criminal defense and domestic violence attorney in Utah that can help.
"I learned a lot by talking to this attorney."
What Is Domestic Violence?
In the state of Utah, there is one definition for domestic violence: any criminal offense involving violence, or the threat/attempt of violence when committed by one cohabitant against another. Now, this definition is not exactly clear-cut or specific as the vagueness can mean that the cohabitant(s) in question are a husband or wife, brother or sister, roommates, a couple living together, or even two individuals who lived together in the past.
Also, it’s important to note that domestic violence is not a charge in and of itself, rather it is a category that increases the consequences for criminal actions. Depending on the circumstances of the case, your charge may be assault, property damage, etc. but the domestic violence category will enhance any penalties. Penalties and consequences depend on the criminal act(s) involved, past incidents, whether a child was present and other factors. Facing all of this alone can be complicated, so you must look into a competent domestic violence attorney near you to understand the confusing implications of this law.
If You're Faced with a Domestic Violence Charge, What Can Happen?
If you are facing a domestic violence charge and convicted, you could also be facing severe consequences, such as:
- Anger management or other required classes. These classes can be costly and run you thousands of dollars
- Heavy fines and court fees
- Jail time and/or a 12-24 month probation
- Loss of your Second Amendment rights – the right to carry a firearm
- A notice on your criminal record can prevent you from obtaining employment or housing
- Personal consequences, such as a troubled marriage or relationship and familial difficulties
- Damage to personal reputation
What Else You Should Know About Domestic Violence Laws in Utah
In many domestic violence cases, one of the individuals involved in the incident (or a neighbor) calls the police in the heat of the moment. Once the argument has fizzled out, it is common that the accused or caller wishes to have the charges dropped.
Once police are involved, however, the charges cannot be removed. With so much at stake in a domestic violence case, it's important to have a solid defense as Utah takes domestic violence cases very seriously. If you are searching for a domestic violence attorney and have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Branson West Law for a free consultation.
FAQs About Domestic Violence Cases
A protective order may be issued in cases of domestic violence and keeps the two parties separated to prevent any possibility of violence. Protective orders can affect custody and carry serious consequences if violated.
You will not be able to return to the home where the incident took place as you are prohibited from being near the victim. There are a variety of ways you can retrieve personal belongings, such as with a police escort or retrieval by a third party. A DV lawyer can talk you through the options and help you decide which is the best course of action for your particular case.
Once a case is made, it is not possible to withdraw it. A victim's request to drop charges can improve the outcome of your case, however. It takes a talented domestic violence lawyer to be able to turn a case like this in favor of the accused as judges may be skeptical of a victim's change of heart – that’s where Branson West Law comes in.
Spousal privilege protects married couples in court proceedings as it states that spouses cannot be compelled to testify against each other in a criminal trial. An additional marital privilege defined in Utah law states that all private spousal communications are confidential. These privileges can give leverage to a couple that is fighting unwanted domestic violence charges.
Individuals convicted of certain domestic violence offenses are prohibited from possessing firearms under both state and federal law. This prohibition applies to misdemeanor and felony convictions related to domestic violence. Learn more here.
Branson West Law Can Help
When it comes to navigating the complex waters of domestic violence charges, Branson West Law is the domestic violence attorney near you that can help lessen the charges and even make them go away! Branson West Law has fought and won hundreds of domestic violence cases for his clients. He has close working relationships with Utah's judges and prosecutors and is incredibly knowledgeable about the subtleties of domestic violence laws here in Utah. According to Utah law, a heated argument between a couple that resulted in a broken plate is considered domestic violence.
Don't let one heated argument ruin the rest of your life – Branson West Law can provide you with the professional help you need so you can win your case, mend your relationship and look to the future with hope.
Schedule your free consultation about your domestic violence case today.
