Utah Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is willful intimidation, physical or sexual assault, or other types of abusive behaviors as a means of controlling an intimate partner. Physical violence, sexual violence, emotional and psychological abuse, and economic abuse are all a part of domestic violence.
Perpetrators of domestic violence are often spouses, ex-spouses, dating partners, or live-in partners.
Domestic violence is not limited to only men. However, police often arrest the male partner regardless of whether he harmed the other person. There are also instances where an individual makes false allegations of domestic violence as a means of revenge or getting the upper hand in a divorce or child custody case. If you have been charged with domestic violence, you need to speak to a West Valley City domestic violence lawyer from Conyers & Nix as soon as possible. We will begin building a defense on your behalf, always with an eye toward protecting you now and in the future.
Why Choose a West Valley City Domestic Violence Lawyer from Conyers & Nix?
When you need a West Valley City domestic violence lawyer, you want a highly experienced, professional lawyer and a zealous advocate for their clients. Kate Conyers and Jesse Nix are all these things and more. We provide exceptional representation geared toward achieving your goals. We will examine all the evidence in your case and meticulously prepare a strong case on your behalf. We will treat you with respect, helping you through the many difficulties that come with criminal charges. We will always tell you the truth and be 100 percent transparent—after all, this is your life. We have significant experience defending those charged with domestic violence and will use this experience to your advantage.
If you have been charged with domestic violence, you must act quickly rather than waiting and hoping your charges will somehow go away on their own. They won’t—and waiting deprives your attorney of valuable time they could spend crafting your defense.
About West Valley City
As part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, West Valley City gives you all the benefits of city living while keeping you close to the great outdoors—and several exceptional colleges. West Valley City was incorporated in 1980 from four smaller communities (Granger, Hunter, Chesterfield, and Redwood).
With a population of about 141,000, West Valley City is the second-most-populous city in Utah. West Valley City is home to the Maverik Center and the USANA Amphitheater. In 2002, West Valley City was the official venue for men’s and women’s ice hockey during the Olympic Winter Games. An official plan to create a downtown area for the city began in 2011.
Fairbourne Station consists of 40 acres, including a civic center, an eight-story Embassy Suites hotel, a plaza, and residential development, and is the end of the TRAX Green Line. Valley Fair Mall and Maverik Center are near Fairbourne Station. A (dubious) claim to fame prior to West Valley City’s incorporation is that serial killer Ted Bundy was arrested in Granger in 1975 on a routine traffic stop.
What Happens to a First-Time Domestic Violence Offender in Utah?
Because domestic violence encompasses so many different offenses, it is impossible to say what will happen to you exactly following domestic violence charges. Any of the following criminal offenses can be charged as domestic violence if the offense is directed toward a “cohabitant.”
- Violation of a Protective Order
- Stalking
- Electronic Communication Harassment
- Sexual Offenses
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
- Property Destruction
- Burglary
- Criminal Trespass
- Robbery
- Unlawful Detention
- Unlawful Detention of a Minor
- Mayhem
- Kidnapping
- Child Kidnapping
- Aggravated Kidnapping
- Child Abuse
- Discharge of a firearm
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Assault
- Criminal Homicide
- Disorderly Conduct
A cohabitant can be a family member, a spouse, an ex-spouse, a girlfriend or boyfriend, a former girlfriend or former boyfriend, the other parent of your child, anyone you live with, or someone you lived with previously. If you are charged with rape under domestic violence laws and are convicted, you will likely spend some time in jail or prison. If, however, your domestic violence charge was for electronic communication harassment as a first-time offender, you are much more likely to see fewer penalties following a conviction.
How Long Could I Go to Jail for a Domestic Violence Offense?
The facts of the underlying criminal offense of your domestic violence charges will determine whether you will go to jail or not. If you are charged with a felony, you are more likely to go to jail than if you are charged with a misdemeanor. You are more likely to go to jail if the alleged victim was injured than if the victim was not injured. Every case and client is different, so it is imperative that you have a strong West Valley City domestic violence lawyer from Conyers & Nix by your side. Misdemeanor domestic violence crimes can benefit significantly from having an experienced domestic violence lawyer.
How Can an Experienced West Valley City Domestic Violence Lawyer from Conyers & Nix Help Me?
Kate Conyers and Jesse Nix are well-known for their commitment to fighting for their clients. At Conyers & Nix, we never take the easy way out and never take a plea deal unless it is absolutely in your best interests. We understand that time is of the essence when dealing with your domestic violence charges, and you need help now. To get started with the Conyers & Nix legal team, contact us today to discuss your domestic violence charges.