Criminal Defense

Charged in Utah? Protect Your Record and Your Livelihood.

A criminal charge threatens your job, your license, your family, and your future. Our defense team includes former prosecutors and current and former officers who know how these cases are built — and how they fall apart.

Former prosecutors on the defense side of the table
Misdemeanors, felonies, and appeals
Protective order and license consequences addressed early
Clear, honest advice about plea vs. trial

Get a Free Case Review (385) 275-6812

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What does a Utah criminal defense matters attorney do for your case?

Where we practice: All Utah courts, statewide
Consultation: Free and confidential
Office: 1085 W 9000 S, Suite #300, West Jordan, UT
Phone: (385) 275-6812

Written by Jeffrey C. Jensen, Attorney · J.D., Utah State BarLegally reviewed by Bret RawsonPublished January 15, 2025 · Last reviewed July 15, 2026

Charges we defend

We represent Utah clients across the full range of state and municipal charges.

DUI and impaired driving
Assault and domestic violence allegations
Drug possession and distribution
Theft, fraud, and white collar charges
Weapons offenses
Probation violations and expungement

What happens first

We review the charging documents, body camera footage, and reports before your next court date, then give you a candid assessment of exposure and the realistic paths forward. No scare tactics, no false promises.

Time matters. Don't wait to call.

Evidence disappears, witnesses move, and statutes of limitation start ticking the moment something goes wrong. Talk to a Utah attorney today.

Free Case Review Call (385) 275-6812

Sources and Utah legal authority

1.Utah Code § 41-6a-502 — Driving under the influenceUtah State Legislature
2.Utah Code § 41-6a-505 — DUI penaltiesUtah State Legislature
3.Utah Driver License Division — Administrative license hearingsUtah Department of Public Safety
4.Utah State Bar — Licensed attorney directoryUtah State Bar
5.Utah State Courts — Find a courtUtah State Courts

This page is general information about Utah law, not legal advice. Statutes and court rules change; confirm current text at the linked source or speak with a licensed Utah attorney about your situation.

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Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to police before hiring a lawyer?

No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Politely decline questioning and call us before you say anything on the record.

Can a charge be reduced or dismissed?

Often, yes. Suppression issues, charging errors, weak evidence, and diversion programs all create leverage. We evaluate every angle before advising a plea.

Will a conviction stay on my record forever?

Utah allows expungement for many offenses after waiting periods. We plan for the record consequences from the first meeting, not after sentencing.

Where We Handle These Cases

Criminal defense matters across Utah

Nelson Jones handles criminal defense matters from our West Jordan office and in courthouses statewide. Choose your community below for local detail, or call (385) 275-6812 for a free, confidential review.

Also serving

Locally Owned. Utah Strong.

Facing charges anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley?

Nelson Jones Legal represents Utahns in criminal defense matters from the Wasatch Front to Washington County. Our roots are here, our team lives here, and our courtrooms are the same ones you drive past on your way to work. When you hire us, you hire neighbors who know the local judges, insurance adjusters, and opposing counsel — and who treat your case with the seriousness it deserves.

We proudly serve clients across West Jordan, Salt Lake City, St. George, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Herriman, Ogden, Provo, Layton, Davis County, Utah County, and Washington County. Whether you live in a small Davis County neighborhood or run a business along the St. George corridor, our attorneys travel to you when it matters and stand beside you in every courtroom we enter.