Charged with Assault in Salt Lake City?
Facing an assault charge in Salt Lake City can be one of the most stressful and uncertain moments in your life. The thought of jail time, massive fines, and a permanent criminal record can weigh heavily on you. But here’s the truth—you have options. You have rights. And most importantly, you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Benjamin Durham Law Firm, we understand that people make mistakes, false accusations happen, and sometimes, things aren’t as black and white as they seem. Our job is to give you the strongest defense possible, protect your future, and ensure your side of the story is heard loud and clear.
What Does Utah Consider Assault?
The Utah Code defines assault as attempting or threatening to cause bodily harm to another person using unlawful force or violence. But not every case is the same—some incidents are misunderstandings, others involve self-defense, and some are outright false accusations.
If you’re facing an assault charge in Utah, it will typically fall under one of two categories:
Simple Assault: A Misdemeanor with Serious Consequences
A simple assault charge in Utah is classified as a Class B misdemeanor and typically involves:
- An attempt or threat to cause bodily harm.
- No use of a dangerous weapon.
- No serious bodily injury to the other party.
While a misdemeanor assault charge might sound minor, don’t be fooled—it still carries serious consequences. A conviction can lead to up to six months in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a criminal record that can follow you for years, making it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or even obtain professional licenses.
Aggravated Assault: A Felony That Can Change Your Life
Aggravated assault is a whole different level. It’s typically charged as a third-degree or second-degree felony and involves:
- Serious bodily injury to another person.
- The use of a dangerous weapon (such as a firearm, knife, or blunt object).
- Prior criminal charges or a history of violent offenses.
A felony assault conviction can lead to years in prison, high fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that can strip you of your rights, including the ability to vote or own a firearm. If you’re facing this charge, you need an experienced defense attorney in Salt Lake City on your side immediately.
What You’re Up Against: Potential Penalties for Assault in Utah
The legal fallout from an assault conviction depends on how the charge is classified:
| Assault Charge | Classification | Possible Penalties |
| Simple Assault | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 fine |
| Aggravated Assault | Third-Degree Felony | Up to 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 fine |
| Aggravated Assault (causing serious bodily injury) | Second-Degree Felony | Up to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine |
An assault conviction in Utah isn’t just about jail time and fines—it can mean probation, anger management classes, and a criminal record that makes finding a job, housing, or owning a firearm much harder for years to come.
How an Assault Conviction Can Wreck Your Life
When people think about assault charges, they often focus on the immediate penalties—jail time, fines, and court dates. But the long-term consequences can be just as devastating:
- Jail or Prison Time: From six months for simple assault to fifteen years for aggravated assault.
- Fines and Legal Costs: Assault convictions can result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, plus court fees.
- A Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction could follow you for life, making it harder to get a job, secure housing, or apply for loans.
- Probation and Community Service: Even if you avoid jail, you might have to complete anger management courses, perform community service, or face strict probation conditions.
- Loss of Rights: Felony convictions can strip you of rights, including the ability to own a firearm or vote.
That’s why it’s critical to fight back—not just for your freedom, but for your future.
Building a Strong Defense Against Assault Charges
At Benjamin Durham Law Firm, we know that no two cases are alike. We take the time to understand your situation, gather the facts, and build a defense strategy that fits. Here are some of the most common defenses against assault charges:
Self-Defense or Defense of Others
If you were acting in self-defense, you have a right to fight back—both in the moment and in the courtroom. We will prove that you were simply protecting yourself or another person from imminent harm.
Lack of Intent
Did things get out of hand during a heated moment? Was it an accident? If the prosecution can’t prove that you intended to cause harm, then there is no basis for a conviction.
False Accusations
Unfortunately, false accusations happen all the time—whether it’s during a domestic dispute, a child custody battle, or a heated argument. We will investigate inconsistencies in witness statements and expose any fabricated claims.
Insufficient Evidence
A prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there’s not enough solid evidence, we will challenge their case and push for a full dismissal of charges.
Why You Need an Aggressive Salt Lake City Assault Lawyer
When you’re charged with assault in Utah, the prosecutor’s job is to convict you—their focus isn’t on hearing your side of the story. That’s why you need a criminal defense lawyer who will fight aggressively on your behalf.
Here’s why clients trust Benjamin Durham Law Firm:
- We Have a Proven Track Record: We’ve helped countless clients avoid convictions and get charges reduced or dropped.
- We Fight Harder Than the Prosecutors: Our team doesn’t settle for weak plea deals—we build defenses that hold up in court.
- We Offer Personalized Defense Strategies: No two cases are the same, so we craft a defense strategy that’s tailored to your unique situation.
- We’re Courtroom-Ready: If your case goes to trial, we’re prepared to fight—and win.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with Assault in Utah
If you’re facing assault charges in Salt Lake City, you need to act fast. Here’s what you should do immediately:
- Stay Silent: Do not answer police questions without an attorney present.
- Do Not Resist Arrest: Resisting could lead to additional charges.
- Document the Incident: Write down everything you remember, including witness names and potential evidence.
- Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP: The sooner you get a Salt Lake City defense attorney on your case, the better your chances of winning.
Contact Us Today – Your Future Is at Stake
Facing assault charges is overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this alone. At Benjamin Durham Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced Salt Lake City assault defense attorney. Let’s start building your defense—because your future is worth fighting for.
