Facing an assaulting an officer charge? Branson K. West can defend your rights and fight for the best outcome.
What is an "Assaulting an Officer" Charge?
Branson West Law
Assaulting an officer is the crime of committing assault against a law enforcement officer or a military service member in uniform. In Salt Lake City and across Utah, it is a serious violent offense that carries stiff penalties. This charge is often added alongside other primary charges, meaning any penalties can be combined with those from related convictions.
If you are facing these charges, it is crucial to hire an experienced assaulting an officer criminal defense attorney in Utah like Branson West Law. A skilled attorney will investigate the circumstances of your case and develop a strong defense strategy to minimize the potential consequences.
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If you're facing criminal or DUI charges, don't wait. Branson West offers free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights, the charges against you, and what steps to take next. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Utah court system, Branson provides honest, straightforward legal insight, whether you choose to move forward with him or not.
Potential Penalties for Assaulting an Officer in Utah
Assaulting an officer is a serious crime, and the penalties can escalate with repeat offenses:
A first-time assaulting an officer charge is typically classified as a misdemeanor. Conviction can result in up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500. Even a first offense can have lasting consequences on your record and may affect employment and other opportunities.
A second offense is treated as a third-degree felony. Conviction can carry up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000, in addition to any penalties from related charges.
We've Helped People All Over Utah Reduce, Drop and Clear Charges
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Miranda rights for each citizen and non citizen are guaranteed by the United States Constitution. They are not required to be issued by police at the time of arrest. If this happens, your attorney may ask that any statements made to the police not be used against you in a Utah Court.
These rights include:
- the right to remain silent
- the right to a lawyer present while you are questioned
- the right to an appointed lawyer if you cannot afford one.
An arrest can be frightening and stressful. Don't hesitate to call {phone} for a free and confidential consultation or to get all your questions about your rights answered.
Even if your significant other does not testify, there can still be a case against you. If they refuse to testify, they become unavailable witnesses, but their previous statements can still be used against you. If they filled out a report on the date of your arrest, that report can be entered against you, and may be worse than if they testified at your criminal trial.
Unfortunately, the victim does not represent the government or Utah Courts. Although they are required to consider the victim's circumstances and wishes, the prosecutors ultimately represent the people of Utah and the respective cities--not the victim. They are not paid by, nor do they represent the victim, or the police, for that matter. Even if the victim, or any other involved individual wanted the prosecutor to drop a case, the decision to do so still belongs to the prosecutors.
Unfortunately, providing character witnesses won't convince a prosecutor to drop your criminal or DUI charges. Most people can find someone to vouch for them if it comes down to it. Whether or not you are a good person is not the question. You may be a valuable contributor to society, but that ultimately will not matter to the prosecutor. Their job is to evaluate the evidence and get a conviction where possible. Save your breath and hire an experienced criminal defense attorney!
This is something I hear all too often. Sometimes well-meaning cops make mistakes and sometimes they let their emotions get the best of them. Either way, this is a great reason for a criminal defense trial in Utah. Just because they said you did something, doesn't make it true! Assert your rights and fight for the truth at your trial! You would be surprised how often a jury won't believe a policeman. Do they face consequences for lying? Not unless you fight them. Make them come to court and defend their lies. You have a right to testify, if you choose, and your word is just as valuable as theirs!
Unfortunately, many people arrested feel they have been arrested unjustly. That's the reason a trial in Court is required. Under the 6th Amendment to the United States Constitution, that right is guaranteed to you. However, under the 8th Amendment, the government can hold you pending the outcome of a trial unless you post a "reasonable bail". Once bail is set, and you are able to post bail, you can be released.
