The attorneys at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP, represent clients arrested at the Salt Lake City International Airport, which is the 21st-busiest airport in North America and is served by twelve airlines and their affiliates. Many of our clients arrested at the airport live out of state and traveled to Salt Lake City on business or vacation.
The Salt Lake City Police Airport Bureau is exclusively responsible for law enforcement at the international airport in Salt Lake City. The SLCPD Airport Bureau does everything from enforce regulations on the airfield to supporting federal security directives.
Bringing a Firearm to the Airport in Salt Lake City
One of the most common law enforcement encounters at the airport involves an arrest for bringing a weapon, firearm, or handgun into a secure area of the airport. In many of these cases, the person enters the airport without realizing that the firearm, handgun, or other weapon is located in their carry-on luggage.
When the person enters the screening checkpoint before boarding the flight, the weapon is discovered by the TSA. Even if the person explains that it was an honest mistake and they forgot about the contraband in the luggage, the police will still make an arrest.
Regardless of whether the person holds a permit to carry a concealed weapon, the investigations often result in an arrest for suspicion of possessing a dangerous weapon or carrying a dangerous weapon in a secured area.
Each year, TSA confiscates dozens of weapons and firearms from visitors to the Salt Lake City International Airport. In fact, in 2021, Salt Lake International Airport was in the top 10 airports that had the most confiscated firearms with 115. Under certain circumstances, a passenger may legally transport guns or firearms in their checked luggage, however, firearms, ammunition, firearm parts, and realistic replicas of firearms are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
Firearms and ammunition may be transported in checked baggage if the passenger declares them to the airline during the check-in process. A handgun, for example, must be unloaded and stored in a locked, hard-sided container.
possession of marijuana or other controlled substances or drugs
disorderly conduct or public intoxication
assault or domestic violence
the execution of an arrest or fugitive warrant
a dispatched call
assistance for a stranded motorist
a traffic stop for a traffic violation committed in the airport's parking lot or on the airport's property
an interrogation or interview in the field
an enforcement stop
any crime interdiction stop
It is important after an arrest at the airport to make sure that all video of the incident is preserved including surveillance video and body-cam video worn by officers involved in the investigation. Your criminal defense attorney can help you obtain the release of video captured by body cameras or mounted surveillance cameras through a discovery request.
Encounters with law enforcement officers working for federal agencies are also common at the airport.
Finding an Attorney for an Airport Arrest in Salt Lake City
If you were arrested at the Salt Lake City International Airport, contact an experienced criminal defense attorneyat Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat. Our attorneys are experienced in helping clients living out of state after an arrest for a criminal offense in Utah. We represent clients living out of state with a pending criminal case being prosecuted in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas in Utah.
Our attorneys are also experienced in representing clients with firearm and weapon charges in both state and federal court. Call today to find out more about what we can do to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airport Arrests & Citations
1What are the most common reasons for law enforcement contact at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)?
The leading cause of police contact at SLC is the discovery of a firearm or prohibited weapon at a TSA security checkpoint. While many of these instances are honest mistakes, the Salt Lake City Police Airport Bureau is required to respond. Other common issues include possession of controlled substances, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and the discovery of active out-of-state warrants during passenger screening.
Intentional or knowing possession: This is typically charged as a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and significant fines.
Reckless or negligent possession: If the weapon was brought in error (an honest mistake), it is often treated as an infraction, which is a non-jailable offense similar to a traffic ticket but still appears on your record.
Felony charges: These may apply if the individual is a restricted person (e.g., a convicted felon or illegal drug user) or if the weapon is linked to other criminal activity.
3What are the TSA civil penalties for a firearm at security?
Separate from criminal charges, the TSA imposes heavy civil fines. As of 2026, a first-time violation for a loaded firearm (or an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition) typically results in a fine ranging from $3,000 to $12,210, with a maximum allowable penalty of $17,062. Additionally, any TSA PreCheck® status will be suspended for a minimum of five years.
4As an out-of-state resident, do I have to fly back to Utah for my court dates?
Not necessarily. For infractions and many misdemeanor charges, your defense attorney can often file a Waiver of Appearance or a Motion to Appear via Webex. This allows your legal counsel to represent you at hearings and negotiate with the prosecutor without requiring your physical presence in a Utah courtroom, saving you the time and expense of cross-country travel.
Utah Courts handle many hearings via Webex, allowing participants to appear remotely.
5How can Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat help resolve my airport case?
Our firm specializes in representing out-of-state visitors facing Utah charges. We work to:
Reduce charges: Negotiate class A misdemeanors down to infractions to avoid jail time and heavy criminal records.
Manage TSA correspondence: Advise you on how to handle the Notice of Violation (civil fine) sent by the Department of Homeland Security.
Evidence preservation: Immediately move to secure airport surveillance and body-cam footage that may support your defense or demonstrate a lack of criminal intent.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Contacting Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Our office will contact you as soon as possible to arrange for you to discuss the facts of your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah. The use of this form for communication with our personnel does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
