Utah District Attorneys
By Eric Harvey, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed October 11, 2023
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The official who files formal criminal charges against suspects at the district or county level is the district attorney (D.A.). Depending on the state, each D.A. office covers one or more counties. When the D.A. files the information, the criminal case officially begins.
It might also start when a grand jury decides to indict. In Utah, the D.A.s are county attorneys.
There are times when it makes sense to communicate with the county attorney. An example is negotiating a plea bargain. But it's essential to get the legal representation you need. It's important to work with a criminal defense attorney. An attorney will know how to correspond in a way that doesn't expose your legal defense strategy. Remember that the county attorney is trying to get a conviction against you. So, they won't hesitate to use anything you say or reveal against you.
This article gives more information about the role of Utah County Attorneys, the Utah Attorney General, and more.
Utah Attorney General's Office
The Utah Attorney General (A.G.) is the state's top prosecutorial and law enforcement official. The A.G. handles the administration of criminal law and the criminal justice system in the state. This official represents the state as a whole. They do so in matters of litigation. The A.G. also files lawsuits on behalf of Utah residents. They do so for consumer protection violations and other matters. By contrast, county attorneys file criminal charges within their respective districts.
Several departments operate under the authority of the Utah Attorney General's office. These include the following:
SECURE Strike Force — State Enforcement of Crimes Committed by Undocumented Residents.
Special Investigations Division — This division investigates complex white-collar crimes, public corruption, fraud, antitrust complaints, child abuse, etc.
ICAC Task Force — The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigates and prosecutes people who use the internet to exploit children.
Salt Lake Family Justice Center — This organization provides resources to families victimized by crime. It provides legal assistance to such families as long as they qualify as low-income.
County attorneys city prosecutors, and A.G.s handle the prosecution of all crimes. Examples of these include:
- Domestic violence
- Violations of protective orders
- Criminal child custody violations
Often, County Attorneys and A.G.s organize community outreach initiatives. These may relate to the following:
- Supporting victims of domestic violence
- Providing help to other crime victims
- Reducing crime
- A variety of other community services, which may include Pollution reduction productions
- Recycling initiatives
County attorneys and A.G.s also handle expungement. Expungement is the removal of criminal offenses and convictions from criminal records.
Getting the Legal Help You Need
It's important to know that you still have options, even if you can't afford an attorney. You could contact a public defender. Attorneys at the public defenders' office provide free or low-cost legal assistance to qualifying people. You could also contact Utah Legal Services or the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake. These nonprofit firms provide legal and advocacy services throughout the state of Utah. The public defender's office, Legal Aid Salt Lake, and Utah Legal Services firms provide free legal help and free legal services to people in the state. You might also try contacting the legal clinics at law schools in the state.
If you need attorney referrals, you can contact the Utah State Bar Association. It can provide referrals for free. Whatever your circumstances, you have many options for dealing with legal problems. Utah legal services are widely available in the state.
Directory of Utah County Attorneys
Utah has 32 judicial districts, most corresponding to a county and headed by a county attorney, while some have city prosecutors. To learn about your local district or contact the county attorney (or city attorney), click the link below.
Note: We strive to provide the most current contact and website information for the D.A. offices in this state. But this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please contact us.
Get Professional Legal Help With Your Utah Criminal Matter
If someone charged you with a criminal offense in Utah, you should prepare for your case and weigh your options. You must have an attorney if you're dealing with the county attorney's office. You may want to negotiate a plea deal with the Utah county attorney. It's best to do so with the advice and counsel of an experienced legal professional. Contact a local Utah criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case and get some peace of mind. It's vital to get the legal advice you need.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
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