Salt Lake City Personal Injury & Criminal Lawyers

Our Process: What to Expect

1. We Step In Immediately
   Once you hire us, we file a Notice of Appearance with the court and prosecutor. From that moment, you no longer need to speak with law enforcement or prosecutors — we handle everything.
2. We Gather the Evidence
   We request discovery — all police reports, witness statements, photos, and video footage (dashcam or bodycam). We review every piece of evidence with a critical eye to find inconsistencies or violations of your rights.
3. We Build Your Strategy Together
   We schedule a private strategy call with you to review the evidence and discuss goals. We explain the legal options clearly so you can make informed decisions about your defense.
4. We Fight for the Best Possible Outcome
   Whether through skillful negotiation or aggressive trial representation, we pursue the best resolution for your case. Some cases resolve quickly; others take time and persistence. Either way, you’ll be informed every step of the way.

At Liberty Law, our goal is simple: protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Cases We Handle at Liberty Law

At Liberty Law, we defend clients facing the most serious criminal charges in Utah. Our firm is committed to protecting your rights, challenging the government’s evidence, and pursuing the best possible outcome in every case. Below are examples of major case types we have handled.

Homicide Defense in Utah

Homicide, also known as murder, is the intentional killing of another person. In Utah, homicide is charged as a first-degree felony, meaning a conviction carries a potential sentence of 5 years to life in Utah State Prison.

To convict you, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to cause the victim’s death. This requires evidence showing the killing was not accidental, reckless, or the result of self-defense.

Challenging the Intent Requirement (Mens Rea)

Your mental state—known as mens rea—at the time of the incident is critical. Even if a death occurred, it does not automatically mean you committed murder. If the evidence shows the death resulted from negligence or recklessness rather than intent, the charge may be reduced to a second-degree felony, significantly lowering the potential penalties.

Self-Defense and Justification Hearings

A powerful defense in homicide cases is self-defense. Utah law allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, when reasonably necessary to protect themselves. Courts may hold a justification hearing specifically to determine whether your actions were legally justified. If successful, the charge may be dismissed.

If you are facing homicide charges, it is essential to have an experienced Utah homicide defense attorney advocate for your rights from the very beginning.

Rape and Sexual Assault Defense

Rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person without their consent. In Utah, rape is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 years to life in prison.

The prosecution must prove that sexual activity occurred and that the other person did not consent. Importantly, lack of consent does not require physical force or violence. It can simply mean the individual did not want to engage in sexual activity.

Why Rape Cases Are Challenging

Rape allegations are among the most difficult to prove—and to defend. Often:

• There are no witnesses other than the two individuals involved.
• There may be no physical or forensic evidence, such as DNA or signs of injury.
• The case may rest entirely on conflicting statements—commonly referred to as “he said, she said” situations.

In Utah, the accuser’s statement alone can be sufficient for the state to file charges and proceed to trial.

Statutory Rape

Utah law states that individuals under 18 years old cannot legally give consent. Therefore, sexual activity with a minor can result in rape charges, even if the minor willingly participated. This makes statutory rape a highly technical and serious offense requiring skilled legal representation.

If you are accused of rape or sexual assault, contacting a knowledgeable Utah sex crimes defense lawyer is critical to protecting your future.

Domestic Violence (DV) Charges in Utah

Domestic violence refers to crimes committed against family members, cohabitants, current or former romantic partners, or individuals who share a child. Many ordinary offenses—such as assault, criminal mischief, or threats—can be elevated to domestic violence charges solely because of the relationship between the parties.

For example, punching a stranger constitutes assault, but punching a spouse or partner becomes DV assault.

Key Differences Between DV and Non-DV Charges

1. DV Charges Are Enhancable

Domestic violence offenses escalate with repeat allegations. For instance:

• A first DV assault is typically a Class B misdemeanor.
• A second DV assault within 10 years is automatically enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor.
• Further offenses may be charged as felonies.

2. Domestic Violence Carries Serious Collateral Consequences

A DV conviction can lead to consequences far beyond jail time, including:

• Loss of firearm rights under federal law
• Mandatory treatment or counseling programs
• Protective orders impacting your home, family, or custody rights

Because of these high stakes, it is crucial to consult an experienced Utah domestic violence attorney as early as possible.