Salt Lake City, Utah, Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
Unfortunately, today's social climate causes many people to automatically consider a person accused of domestic violence to be guilty. We know there is always another side to the story - your side - and we are ready to listen to you, and believe you. Even if you are technically guilty, we can still do a lot for you. We always presume your innocence.
We are attorneys Greg Smith (former prosecutor) and Steven Russell, and while we certainly don't condone unlawful violence in any form, we have protected the rights of many clients accused of domestic violence in Salt Lake City, Provo, Orem, Park City and surrounding communities in Utah. Domestic violence charges can be leveled for blocking someone's exit, or grabbing someone's wrist as he or she is walking away. However, if a domestic violence charge or conviction appears on your record, it will be a huge red flag. A conviction can affect educational, career and housing opportunities for the rest of your life.
Mitigating circumstances
A domestic violence charge can result from any cohabitant situation: women, sons, daughters, mothers, husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends. Any of them can be a victim, any can be a perpetrator. We have defended them all.
There are often mitigating circumstances in domestic violence cases. Often the situation is not as black and white as it may seem: the accused is not as guilty or the accuser not as innocent as he or she may appear. Many times, a domestic violence situation is the result of months or years of frustration, provocation and name-calling. Often the perpetrator has been verbally abused and finally snaps. These stories have to be told to prosecutors who are willing to listen.
We work with prosecutors before the trial
A domestic violence arrest or conviction on your record will follow you for a lifetime, and can even affect your right to carry a firearm. Regardless of whether you face domestic violence or assault and battery charges, our excellent reputation for success gives us the opportunity to negotiate with prosecutors to get your charges reduced or dropped. There may also be alternative programs like entering into counseling for alcoholism or drug abuse or taking anger management classes that may also alleviate some penalties.
Expungement
If you have been convicted of domestic violence or other charges, it may be possible to have that conviction cleared from your record by the process of expungement. In addition to convictions, we may also be able to help expunge records in Utah of charges for which you were never convicted.
Call us for help
Being charged with domestic violence does not have to ruin your life and your future. Contact us for a free initial consultation of your case. We are effective, affordable, experienced lawyers and we're ready to work with you.
