Violent Crimes

In Utah, violent crimes are offenses that involve the use of force, the threat of force, or cause physical injury to another person. Common charges handled by Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat include assault, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, stalking, and homicide. Because these charges often carry violent enhancements, they can lead to more severe sentencing than non-violent offenses.

Assault can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. Simple assault is typically a Class B misdemeanor, but it can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor if substantial injury occurs. Aggravated assault — which involves a dangerous weapon or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury — is typically charged as a third or second-degree felony.

Penalties vary based on the severity of the charge. A Class A misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Felonies carry much stiffer penalties — a third-degree felony can lead to up to five years in prison, while a first-degree felony or capital offense can result in life in prison or the death penalty. Convictions also often result in the permanent loss of firearm rights.

Yes. Through a detailed investigation of the evidence, our attorneys can often identify constitutional violations, self-defense claims, or lack of evidence. Depending on the facts of the case, we may be able to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge — such as reducing a felony to a misdemeanor — or seek a full dismissal if the prosecution cannot prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Utah has strong Stand Your Ground laws. If you reasonably believed that force was necessary to defend yourself or a third party against another's use of unlawful force, you may have a valid self-defense claim. Our legal team specializes in gathering witness testimony and forensic evidence to build these types of affirmative defenses.

You should contact an attorney as soon as you become aware that you are under investigation or as soon as an arrest is made. Early intervention allows us to protect your rights during police questioning, preserve critical evidence that might otherwise be lost, and potentially prevent charges from being filed in the first place.

Many violent crimes in Utah are ineligible for expungement, particularly those involving serious bodily injury or capital offenses. However, some lower-level violent offenses may be eligible for expungement after a specific waiting period. It is crucial to consult with our firm to determine the long-term collateral consequences of your specific charge.

With over 20 years of experience, our team of lawyers, paralegals, and investigators provides a high-resource defense that smaller firms cannot match. We have successfully handled everything from misdemeanor domestic violence to high-profile capital murder cases across Salt Lake City and the entire state of Utah.