Most Utah residents who encounter the legal system do so through the Utah County Justice Court, which handlesthe majority of criminal cases in the state. Compared to District Courts or Utah Appellate Courts, Justice Courts deal with less severe offenses, including misdemeanors and infractions.
Utah County Justice Courts serve specific cities and unincorporated areas. Notable examples include:
Cities like Cedar Hills and Vineyard defer their Justice Court cases to the Utah County Justice Court.
Justice Courts handle:
Felonies, Class A Misdemeanors, and cases carrying life imprisonment are handled by Utah District Courts.
Justice Courts also hear small claims cases involving disputes under $10,000.
Charges frequently seen in these courts include:
Many of these offenses, like DUI or drug possession, can result in driver’s license suspension.
Defendants retain all constitutional rights, including:
Unlike District Court appeals, Justice Court appeals are de novo, meaning the case is retried from the beginning in District Court. This unique feature gives defendants another opportunity to present their case.
However, once a Justice Court case is appealed to District Court, further appeals are limited to constitutional issues.
Not all Justice Court judges are licensed attorneys. Smaller cities and rural areas, like those in southern Utah, may have non-law trained judges. Larger cities like Salt Lake City and West Valley are required to appoint licensed attorneys as judges.
Having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney can:
If you’re facing charges in a Utah County Justice Court, don’t leave your future to chance. Attorney Jake Gunter offers expert legal defense for criminal charges and small claims cases. Call or text (801) 373-6345 today for a free consultation.
For additional insights on Criminal Defense Law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:
These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.
