Utah Hate Crimes Lawyer
Many crimes can be enhanced in Utah. That means the penalties can be increased if certain factors are present. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible if you suspect that your criminal charges may result in enhancements.
Examples of Criminal Enhancements
For example, a petty theft is a misdemeanor in Utah, unless it happens for a third time. At that point, it becomes a felony.
A person’s first DUI is usually a class B misdemeanor, but a third one is a felony.
If you push a person, that would be an assault, a misdemeanor. But if you push that person because he or she is going to testify against you, it is a third-degree felony.
These examples illustrate what it means to have a crime enhanced. Skilled, insightful defense attorneys will review all aspects of the first offense as well as the enhanced charges in search of the key to a favorable outcome.
There may be cause to ask the courts to revisit your original offense. Or there may be reason to argue that the current charges are unfounded, perhaps based on evidence that police obtained without a search warrant or because the conduct does not meet the evidence of the crime charged.
Whatever the circumstances of your prior conviction or your current legal challenge, we are confident in our ability to help you discover the most promising path forward if you face potential criminal enhancements such as hate crime charges.
Contact Greg Smith and Associates, Criminal Law Attorneys
We welcome inquiries at any time of day and on any day of the week. We encourage you to contact us as soon as you realize that you may be in trouble with the law — even if you have not been arrested yet. Email us or call us 24/7. We are a law firm committed to helping you 24 hours a day, even on holidays. A lawyer will promptly respond when you call us at 801-651-1512.
