EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Based in Salt Lake City, Intermountain Legal provides strong criminal defense representation to clients throughout Utah. Our experience includes handling criminal mischief charges, which often arise from a moment of anger, but can result in serious and lasting consequences.

Facing Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief Charges in Utah

Under Utah law, a person commits criminal mischief if he or she "intentionally damages, defaces, or destroys the property of another. Anytime a person intentionally or recklessly breaks something that is partially or wholly owned by his or her spouse (i.e. marital property) or other cohabitant, that person can be charged with domestic violence criminal mischief.

In some cases, a domestic violence classification is appropriate and justified. In others, however, the law is so broadly written and applied that the consequences can be quite severe for very minor criminal charges. For example, if a wife gets angry with her husband and throws his clothes out into the rain, she may be charged with domestic violence criminal mischief. Likewise, if a husband gets angry with his wife and slams the door hard enough to damage it, he can be charged with domestic violence criminal mischief as well.

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Penalties

A domestic violence conviction can mean jail time and large fines, which may be enhanced because of aggravating circumstances. For example, potential penalties are more severe if children were present at the time of the incident. The offense becomes a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and as much as $1,000 in fines.

Intermountain Legal can help you avoid the strict consequences associated with criminal domestic violence charges. In some cases, we may negotiate with the prosecution, looking at sentencing alternatives, such as anger management classes or substance abuse programs, if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the incident. In other situations, it is in the client's best interests to fight the charges. For example, we may be able to show that the destruction was not intended or that it was not directed at the complaining party.

Seek Experienced, Dedicated Defense Representation

As a prosecutor, principal attorney Steven K. Burton oversaw several domestic violence programs in Salt Lake County and cities throughout the Salt Lake Valley. He now uses his experience to give clients the best defense strategy possible. If you face criminal mischief charges, please contact Intermountain Legal for a free attorney consultation to discuss your situation. Do not let a minor incident negatively impact you or your family.

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STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

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JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

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STACI VISSER

Staci has represented clients in nearly every type of criminal case, from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. She has an excellent reputation with her clients and they have repeatedly recommended her to their friends and family. She also practices criminal appeals and family law. For more on Staci's experience, click here.

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MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

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MATTHEW BELL

Matthew's reputation as an attorney is one who thoroughly understands the law and diligently advocates to advance his client's interests. His practice primarily focuses on representing clients in family law matters. He has assisted hundreds of clients in divorce, custody, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. For more on Matthew's experience click here.

steve-bigger
STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

 
justin-cir
JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

 
staci-cir
STACI VISSER

Staci has represented clients in nearly every type of criminal case, from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. She has an excellent reputation with her clients and they have repeatedly recommended her to their friends and family. She also practices criminal appeals and family law. For more on Staci's experience, click here.

 
mark-cir
MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Marks's experience, click here.

 
matt-cir
MATTHEW BELL

Matthew's reputation as an attorney is one who thoroughly understands the law and diligently advocates to advance his client's interests. His practice primarily focuses on representing clients in family law matters. He has assisted hundreds of clients in divorce, custody, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. For more on Matthew's experience click here.