Bluffdale, Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Jake Gunter has been advocating for the accused for nearly 20 years. Let his experience work for you if you have a Bluffdale City Justice Court case.
DUIs.
A very common criminal charge that carries mandatory licensing suspension and jail time. Every year the Utah Legislature amends the DUI statutes, nearly always increasing penalties. Knowing the most updated penalties and defenses can really help your Bluffdale City DUI case.
Retail Theft can be charged as a Misdemeanor to Felony depending on the dollar amount that was allegedly stolen.
–Retail Theft is a Class B Misdemeanor if under $500.
–Retail Theft is a Class A Misdemeanor if $500 but under $1,500. Any Class A Misdemeanor or above is not charged in the Bluffdate Justice Court, but in the 3rd District Court.
–Retail Theft is a Third Degree Felony if $1,500 but under $5,000.
–Retail Theft is a Second Degree Felony if $5,000 plus.
All Retail Theft charges are enhanceable offense. Meaning that prior Utah Retail Theft convictions within the 10 year lookback window can be used to enhance the current offense up a degree.
Nearly all wildlife code convictions carry hunting and fishing suspensions through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The primary Utah law on wildlife criminal charges is found at Utah Code 23-20-1—The Wildlife Resources Code of Utah. Don’t be fooled that Plea in Abeyance or Diversion Agreement will save your hunting license. You are still subject to a suspension for a hunting violation with a Plea in Abeyance or Diversion Agreement. There are still some tricks where Pleas in Abeyances or Diversion Agreements will not trigger a license suspension.
23-20-4. Wanton destruction of protected wildlife — Penalties.
Wanton destruction can be poaching, leaving the carcass or injuring wildlife. This criminal charge is written very broadly.
Domestic Violence tagged crimes in Utah carry serious jail time and you become a restricted person. Meaning you can’t carry guns or dangerous weapons (knives, bat, etc). See Utah Code 76-10-503. There are some exceptions to domestic violence charges that will not restrict you, but you need to proceed carefully.
Common DV tagged criminal charges: Assault & Battery, DV in the presence of children. Electronic communications harassment, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, harassment, unlawful detention, threatening violence and sexual battery to name a few.
Dog at large tickets, or dog attack tickets can be defended and avoid having your dog put down.Animals Running at Large, Failure to License Dog, Rabies Control Violation or Dogs Attacking Person or Animal are common animal citations and misdemeanors and require mandatory court appearances.
Traffic Offenses. Avoid points on your Utah driving record. You only get 200 points before you lose your license or it is disciplined. The lowest moving traffic offense is 35 points on your record. Under 21 year old driver only get 100 points.
Speed Contests. Drag racing, speed exhibition and speed contest charges carry a mandatory 60 day driver license suspension period for a first offense. Second offense is 90 days license suspension.
Reckless Driving. Reckless Driving is 80 points on your Utah driving record. Reckless Driving requires three or more traffic code violation within a 3 mile span. Reckless Driving in Utah can also be where you are completely reckless in a single driving event. Reckless Driving has a bail schedule $690 fine and you are often on court probation for 12 months. Reckless Driving is not like most traffic code violations, it is a Class B Misdemeanor and it goes on your criminal record.
Speeding. (Infractions)
–0-9 Miles over is 35 points.
–10-19 Miles over is 50 points.
–20+ Miles over the speed limit is 75 points and is often charged as Reckless Driving also for excessive speed.
All moving violation carry points assessed against your Utah driver’s license. A master listing of moving offense can be found by Googling “Utah Bail Schedule.”
No Insurance.
No insurance first offense carries a $400 fine and will suspend your license unless you proof to the Utah Driver’s License Division that you are currently insured. Second offense no insurance is a $1,200 fine. No insurance convictions can trigger SR 22 high risk, high rate car insurance requirements. DUIs convictions also incur SR 22 insurance requirements.
No Registration.
41-1a-1303.5. Driving without registration or certificate of title — Class C misdemeanor. No registration tickets carry a $1,000 fine, but it can be reduced to a $200 if you show proof of registration.
Payment Options for Bluffdale Criminal Cases
Online Payments: https://citations.xpressbillpay.com/court-citation/#/bluffdalecoris
Utcourts.gov: https://www.utcourts.gov/epayments/
Payment by Mail:
Please make check payable to: Bluffdale Justice Court
Include on the check, your citation number or the case number if you are on a payment plan.
Personal checks and Money orders are accepted.
Mail payments to:
Bluffdale Justice Court
2222 West 14400 South
Bluffdale, UT 84065
In-Person Payments: Call in advance to ensure the case is processed.
Bluffdale City Justice Court
2222 West 14400 South
Bluffdale, UT 84065
Phone: (801) 849-9418
Fax: (801) 446-5662
Bluffdale City Police Department
Bluffdale City Hall
2222 West 14400 South
Bluffdale, UT 84065-5248
Phone: (801) 254-2200
Fax: (801) 446-5662
