Below are commonly asked questions about the defense process. These answers will apply in a lot of situations, however, there will often be exceptions in regards to a number of different situations. So it is always best to contact your attorney to get the best possible answers for your specific situations.
- How will I know who my probation officer is? After you attend your first appointment at AP&P they will assign you a probation officer.
- Is bail returned a guilty verdict? Yes, bail is always returned whether or not you are found guilty.
- Is bail always granted? No, the court does not always grant bail and their decision will be dependent on the situation.
- What counts as community service? Community service needs to take place at a non-profit organization or facility. Doing service for a family member or friend will not be accepted
Legal Rights for Criminal Defendants in Utah
- Do I need to speak to law enforcement about my case? You do not need to speak to law enforcement at all, unless its to show ID or identify yourself.
For more information please visit – Legal Rights for Criminal Defendants in Utah
- How do I get started with the pre-sentencing process?When the defendant has been ordered to obtain a pre-sentence investigation (PSI), the defendant will need to contact Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P) within 48 hours of the order. If a defendant does not contact AP&P in the allotted time frame, the judge can order the defendant to be taken into custody.Contact Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P) here.
- How much will a DUI cost? For a first offense, a DUI may cost at least $1300. As the number of DUIs increase, so do the fines and fees.
- Can I request a new public defender? If you have concerns that your interests are not being represented, you may request a new public defender through the judge on your case and they will decide whether to appoint a new attorney or not.
- How long will my case last? Cases can vary on duration but on average can last up to 3 months or more.
- How long are court ordered classes? Court ordered classes will take from one (1) to sixteen (16) hours for completion, depending on the course material offered with the specific classes.
