Utah Criminal Defense Legal Questions

It depends on the court. Many courts do arraignments on certain dates and times. People may be able to show up on certain days and, assuming their bond-factors are favorable, they will receive either a cash/surety bond they could either post directly with the court or hire a bondsman to post, or some may be fortunate enough to get a "PR" or "Personal Recognizance" bond. If everything goes well, yes, it's possible to be arraigned and out on the same day. If you hire a lawyer prior to going to court, your lawyer may be able to give you specific advice and increase your odds of getting out. Some judges, though, may be a little tougher in terms of bond.... Read More

Your problem is likely less with the penalties for OWI than with your probation officer. If you did drive drunk, you probably violated your Rules of Probation. As to the courts, the fact that you were on probation would normally not, of itself, affect the penalty. The accident whilst driving drunk will likely drive the penalty up. The range of penalties depends upon just how much alcohol you had in your system, and how many prior convictions you have had. Talk to a skilled lawyer.... Read More

The time spent in jail is not related to your bail. Bail has two purposes: to guarantee that you will appear at the next hearing, and to make sure you do not violate the law before the nest hearing. Bail will depend on the kind of crime you are charged with, and what the judge believes will guarantee you appear again without committing another offense.... Read More

If jail time is not an issue with you, then you probably don't need an attorney. However, if going to jail or the thought of doing jail time is something that concerns you, then you definitely need an attorney. You can be charged with either a felony or misdemeanor depending on the D.A. My advice is get an attorney now.... Read More

Depending on what kind of charges you get, you will probably prison time. If the charges are first degree felonies, you may get prison time, but it is unlikely with the information that you have provided that you will get prison time. At the very most, you might get some jail time just a few months, if that but are likely to get fines, probation and counseling. The fact that you are working with the police, and that no charges have been filed yet, is a good indication that you will not get maximum charges available, but that the prosecutor will give you a break.... Read More

Your problem is that the police and prosecutors, in a criminal action, must have proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence you can provide may be enough for a civil action, but apparently the prosecutor and police officers do not believe it is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. You can institute a civil case for recovery of the ATV, and seek criminal responsibility.... Read More

The time in detention will depend on a lot of factors. What kind of prior record does he have? He may be placed in a foster home or some other program. Certainly, some kind of counseling will be required. Other programs may be required as well. Everything depends on what the juvenile judge believes he needs.... Read More

If you have a plea in abeyance, that will be set aside and a conviction entered. The judge will then be entitled to sentence you according to the statutory guidelines. You will have 36 months of supervised probation, if the conviction is for a felony. You cold get more jail, or prison, depending on your prior history.... Read More