Facing criminal charges of any kind can be an overwhelming experience, especially when considering the consequences that a criminal record will have on your future — specifically, from getting a job or whenever you undergo a background check. Having a conviction on your permanent record may result in more serious penalties if you are charged with another crime in the future.
The Utah criminal defense team of Dennis Pawelek & Richard Gale has a winning track record of developing intelligent, creative and effective defense strategies to help secure an outcome for your criminal case that you will be satisfied with.
Criminal Defense Attorneys Salt Lake City
Experience Matters Most when Handling Criminal Cases in Salt Lake County
- Assault Charges
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes including Possession and Distribution
- DUI
- Fraud Crimes
- Gun Crimes
- Murder & Homicide
- Sex offenses
- Theft and Property Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
Choosing the right Salt Lake County Criminal Defense Attorney for your case is crucial
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime in Salt Lake County it’s important to have a criminal defense attorney on your side who can help determine the best course of action for your situation and fight to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Here are just a few things to keep in mind as you search for the right lawyer to represent you.
- Does the attorney have the appropriate level of experience in handling criminal defense cases similar to yours?
- How comfortable do you feel that the attorney will provide good communication and keep you informed throughout the case?
- Will the attorney you spoke to initially be the one handling your case? Unfortunately, some Utah law firms will pass you off to a younger inexperienced associate following retention.
I was accused and charged with a horrendous case. Four 1st degree felony charges. Dennis and Richard helped me achieve a livable solution to a huge mistake and overinflated charges. They weren’t afraid to ask for more leniency than was customary and worked hard to get an out-of-the-box result. I appreciate them and owe them for the rest of my life. They gave me my life back.
– Rick R.
Penalties for felony convictions in the state of Utah
Criminal penalties differ from offense to offense. According to the Utah criminal code, criminal offenses are divided into three categories: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor, and if you’re convicted of one, it could impact your life for years to come. The exact penalties associated with a felony will vary based on your particular crime and whether or not you have had previous convictions on your record. Felony convictions almost carry punishments including imprisonment, fines, or both. There are four categories of felonies: Capital, First Degree, Second Degree, and Third Degree. The following is a breakdown of each type of crime: Felony – A felony is considered one of the most serious types of crimes because it carries up to 5 years to life in prison and/or $10,000 in fines. Examples include assault with intent to commit rape, aggravated assault, and theft. Depending on the level of offense, here are the maximum penalties:
- 1st Degree Felony: 5 years to life in prison, $10,000 fine.
- 2nd Degree Felony: 1-15 years in prison, $10,000 fine.
- 3rd Degree Felony: 0-5 years in prison, $5,000 fine
Penalties associated with Misdemeanors and Infractions
In most cases, a misdemeanor is a crime for which a person may be sentenced to no more than 1-year imprisonment and or up to $2500 in fines for each charge. While misdemeanors are generally considered less serious than felonies, the state of Utah differentiates between upper- and lower-level misdemeanors (such as Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors). Many criminal offenses (including most traffic violations) are classified as infractions. For further information such as what category your associated criminal charge falls into, see Utah Code §76-3-203 and §76-3-301.
In need of an experienced and aggressive criminal defense in Salt Lake City Utah?Contact Us Today
Hire Pawelek & Gale to Successfully Resolve Your Criminal Case
Your path to success begins with a simple free phone consultation. Following our initial meeting, the partnership of Pawelek and Gale will gather and thoroughly examine the details surrounding the arrest and begin an in depth investigation and start formulating a winning defense strategy on your behalf. Call 801-362-9996 and remember when your freedom is at stake we are the best decision you’ll make.
