Taylorsville Assault and Domestic Violence Lawyers

The legal sanctions that come with a conviction for assault and domestic violence are serious enough in their own right. These are also charges that can tar people’s reputations, even if the accusation is unproven. If you or someone you love is facing an assault and domestic violence charge, what’s needed is a lawyer who will unequivocally stand for their rights to fair treatment and due process. That kind of advocacy is exactly what we pride ourselves on at Melton Law. 

Call (801) 781-5803 today. We serve defendants in Taylorsville, South Jordan, and throughout The Salt Lake City Area.

Penalties for Assault and Domestic Violence in Utah

Assault is classified in two different ways under Utah law. There is simple assault and aggravated assault. 

Simple assault can be actions that cause bodily harm to the alleged victim, or even a credible threat of harm. Depending on the circumstances, a convicted defendant could get six months to one year of jail time. 

Aggravated assault is when a deadly weapon is involved. It can also involve cases where attempted strangulation or suffocation is alleged. This will likely be charged as a 2nd-degree or 3rd-degree felony. A jail sentence could be as long as 15 years. 

These are crimes regardless of who the victim is. The relationship of the victim to the accused determines whether or not it is domestic violence. 

Utah defines domestic violence as being when the above crimes are directed at a cohabitant. Spouses, children, and other family members are prime examples of this. 

The consequences of domestic violence can be enhanced charges. While the potential jail time and fines will likely stay the same as with a standard assault charge, domestic violence convictions can lead to mandatory counseling, protective orders, restrictions on one’s use of firearms, and it can impact any applicable child custody and visitation arrangements. 

All of this is in addition to the lasting stigma of a domestic violence conviction on your record, which can impact the search for employment and housing even after any penalties have been served. It’s a charge worth fighting, and we’re here to help. 

Protective Orders and No-Contact Orders in Utah

Assault and domestic violence situations often lead to both protective and no-contact orders. While they sound similar, there are important differences in how they are issued and what they entail. 

A protective order is usually issued in conjunction with criminal charges filed by the District Attorney’s office. No-contact orders—generally what people refer to when they use the term restraining order are requested by a private individual. 

If issued, both orders will prevent the defendant from contacting the person involved, but protective orders are typically broader. The defendant may be barred not just from contacting the person but from even frequenting places they know that person might be. 

The assault and domestic violence lawyers in our Taylorsville office can help you fight these orders. We’ll represent you in court hearings and help gather evidence that can challenge the necessity of the order or its terms.

We’ll also work to help you lift an existing order. This is done by filing a motion with the court and then presenting evidence that the order is no longer needed. Our office understands the best forms of evidence and arguments to use in these situations, and we’ll leverage all our knowledge and skill on your behalf.