EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS REPRESENT PEOPLE RESTRICTED BY A NO-CONTACT ORDER IN UTAH

Supporting Defendants Facing Criminal Charges and Order Violations in Salt Lake City

If you have been charged with violating a no-contact order in Utah, the consequences can be far-reaching. Our criminal defense lawyers at Intermountain Legal in Salt Lake City help you make sense of what is happening and plan your next steps. Our attorneys have experience with the criminal laws underlying a protective order, as well as orders themselves, and have developed relationships with local prosecutors and judges that enable us to get the results a defendant is unlikely to get while working on his or her own.

What Is a Utah No-Contact Order?

A no-contact order is an order issued by the court in conjunction with a criminal case in which there were allegations of a violent or threatening act, most commonly domestic violence. It expressly requires the alleged abuser to have no personal contact with the victim, not threaten or harass the victim or go onto the premises of the victim’s residence or anywhere the victim is temporarily living. The prohibition on personal contact includes sending messages through third parties.

Utah law requires that a no-contact order be issued at the time an alleged perpetrator is released from jail after an initial arrest for domestic violence. The purpose of the order is to allow the victim time to obtain a civil protective order. A no-contact order may also be issued when an alleged perpetrator is first booked into jail to prevent him or her from harassing the victim. Although it is not required, Utah courts may even issue a no-contact order if the alleged perpetrator is never taken to jail when a prosecutor requests it, either to protect the victim or to prevent the alleged perpetrator from trying to influence the victim not to testify.

What Are the Differences Between a No-Contact and Protective Order?

A Utah no-contact order is similar to a protective order. The major difference between the two is that a protective order is a civil order initiated by the victim who therefore retains some control over the terms of the order and how long it lasts. In contrast, a no-contact order is ordered by a criminal court in conjunction with a criminal case, sometimes even against the wishes of the victim.

Getting a Utah No-Contact Order Dismissed

When a no-contact order is issued against the wishes of the victim, the most effective way to attempt to remove it is to seek the help of knowledgeable Salt Lake City lawyers. A criminal defense attorney can file a motion with the court and petition to have the order dismissed. If hiring a defense lawyer is not an option, there are additional possibilities for the victim:

  • Contact the victim’s advocate assigned to the criminal case, if there is one.
  • Contact the prosecutor and ask him or her to request the judge to dismiss the order, although the prosecutor is not required to do so.
  • Write a letter directly to the judge who issued the order, explaining why it should be dismissed, although judges may or may not have the time or inclination to respond.
  • Wait for the order to expire.

If an order was issued at the time of booking or release from jail, it usually expires at the end of the day of the perpetrator’s first appearance in court. If the order was issued at the request of the prosecutor, it is usually lifted when the case is resolved.

Utah No-Contact Order Violation Consequences

Utah imposes severe consequences for no-contact order violations. Contacting a victim from jail if an order in place is a Class B misdemeanor, that may be penalized by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Once the alleged perpetrator is released from jail, the criminal consequences depend on the original underlying criminal charge. If the original charge was for a misdemeanor, then a violation results in re-arrest for a Class A misdemeanor with penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the original charge was a felony, then a violation results in a re-arrest for a third degree felony with mandated consequences of up to five years in prison and a fine of up $5,000. Additionally, the perpetrator can be held in jail without bail.

 

Contact a Utah Lawyer for Assistance With Your Criminal Case Today

At Intermountain Legal, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. If you have been charged with a violating a no-contact order in Salt Lake City, Park City or anywhere in Utah, contact us online or by calling 801-970-2800. We offer a free initial consultation where we discuss the circumstances surrounding your charge and the first steps you need to take.

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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.

JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

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.

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.

HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.

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 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.

 
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.

 
JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

 
HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.