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South Salt Lake City Defending Your Rights & Protecting Your Freedom

Criminal Defense Attorney in South Salt Lake

Your Ally During Criminal Charges in South Salt Lake

When you face criminal charges in South Salt Lake, your choice of representation has a direct impact on your future. At Melton Law, we fight to protect your rights and provide a steady guide throughout every stage of your case. 

Drawing on our experience across Salt Lake County, we offer every client strong support and practical solutions from the start. We value direct communication and ensure you feel respected and empowered to make informed choices—no matter the charge or the pressure.

Our criminal defense attorneys understand local arraignment schedules, court structures, and Salt Lake County bail practices. We prepare clients for every step and help them manage deadlines confidently, making sure no detail goes overlooked.

If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, get the defense you deserve. Contact a South Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer online or call (801) 781-5803 for a free consultation.

Services Our South Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorneys Provide

When facing any criminal accusation in South Salt Lake, you need defense from a team that understands Utah statutes, local court rules, and the distinct practices that shape your case. 

Clients turn to us for guidance with a range of matters, including:

  • DUI charges: Protecting your license, rights, and record under Utah’s rigorous impaired driving laws.
  • Assault: Developing an individualized legal plan—no matter how complex, from simple assault to higher-level offenses.
  • Drug charges: Navigating the specifics of Utah’s controlled substances laws to limit your exposure to lasting penalties.
  • Sex crimes: Safeguarding your privacy while mounting a diligent, respectful defense against life-changing accusations.
  • Traffic ticket: Clearing your driving record where permitted under Utah law and reducing the impact of past mistakes on your future.
  • Domestic violence: Providing specialized defense for charges arising from disputes involving family members or those who reside together, focusing on protective order issues and minimizing long-term consequences.
  • Cybercrimes: Defending against charges related to internet offenses, including hacking, computer fraud, and identity theft, focusing on the technical and digital evidence aspects of the case.
  • Theft crimes: Addressing all levels of theft, from shoplifting (petty theft) to grand theft, with strategies aimed at reducing or dismissing charges based on the value and nature of the property.
  • Violent crimes: Representing clients accused of serious offenses like robbery, homicide, or aggravated assault, building a robust defense against severe prison sentences and life-altering felony convictions.
  • White collar crimes: Offering sophisticated defense against non-violent, financial-related charges such as embezzlement, fraud, and forgery, often involving complex financial documentation and state or federal agencies.

We understand the procedures at work in Salt Lake County courts and remain ready to help with everything from missed deadlines to unique options like diversion.

South Salt Lake cases follow certain patterns, but prosecutors and judges each bring unique expectations. We constantly monitor developments in the local legal landscape — including changes in plea negotiations, local evidence standards, and case processing timelines — and adjust our work to fit. 

Classification of Criminal Offenses in Utah

Utah categorizes criminal offenses into three main levels, with penalties escalating sharply for felonies. A knowledgeable South Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer will assess your charge to understand the full scope of potential sentencing under the Utah Code.

  • Infraction: No potential jail or prison term; maximum fine of $750; common examples include minor traffic violations.
  • Class C Misdemeanor: Potential jail term of up to 90 days; maximum fine of $750; common examples include public intoxication and driving on a suspended license.
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Potential jail term of up to 6 months; maximum fine of $1,000; common examples include simple assault, theft (under $500), DUI, and drug paraphernalia.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: Potential jail term of up to 364 days; maximum fine of $2,500; common examples include DUI with injury and assault on a police officer.
  • Felonies (3rd, 2nd, 1st Degree): Potential prison term ranges from 0 to 5 years (3rd Degree) up to 5 years to life (1st Degree); maximum fine is $10,000; common examples include drug trafficking, manslaughter, and aggravated assault.

Why Trust Our Team of Criminal Defense Lawyers in South Salt Lake

We have built our reputation on delivering thorough, affordable, and transparent legal representation to people who need strong criminal defense in South Salt Lake and the greater Salt Lake City area. 

Clients consistently choose us because we combine aggressive advocacy with clear, upfront pricing — making quality legal support more accessible when you need it most. 

Our attorneys stay up to date on the latest changes in Utah criminal law, so you always receive guidance grounded in current statutes and procedures. With a record recognized by past clients and reliable sources throughout the region, we offer support you can trust at every point in your defense.

  • Personal attention from day one: We get to know you as a person, not just a case number. Every step reflects your concerns and priorities.
  • Continuous focus on your future: Our strategies always consider your long-term goals, including work, family, and educational opportunities.
  • Success in traffic ticket expungements: The founder of Melton Law has handled more Utah expungements than anyone in the state, defending clients’ driving records and opening doors to better prospects.
  • Supportive, welcoming guidance: We create a confident, approachable environment–because you deserve clarity as you face stressful events.

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What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

Melton Law is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

  • Free Consultations Available
    We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice without upfront costs, which is why we offer free consultations to help you understand your options.
  • Experienced Representation
    With extensive experience in DUI defense and unmatched expertise in traffic ticket expungements, our lead attorney handles more expungements than anyone else in the state.
  • Step-by-Step Support
    We’re here to make sure you feel at ease, with a team that prioritizes professionalism and respect every step of the way.
  • Trusted & Respected in the Community
    With hundreds of positive reviews, we are known for being relatable, confident, and trustworthy—ready to help you through even the toughest legal challenges.

Our Support Process: How South Salt Lake Clients Stay in Control

From your first contact with our criminal defense lawyers in South Salt Lake, we make the legal process as simple and straightforward as possible. Here is what you can expect when you work with our team:

  • Initial consultation: We listen carefully to your unique situation, answer your most urgent questions, and share honest feedback about next steps.
  • Case review: We review the evidence, discuss what matters most to you, and explain the legal strengths and risks you face.
  • Strategic defense planning: We build a defense plan based on facts and your objectives—ensuring you have input at every point.
  • Consistent updates: We keep you informed, provide plain-language answers, and address concerns as they arise—so you always know what to expect.
  • Resolving your case: Whether through negotiation, court, or expungement, we focus on outcomes that align with your best interests and future opportunities.

Utah’s legal system presents tight timelines and sometimes frequent hearings, which can feel overwhelming if you are not prepared. Our criminal defense lawyers keep you informed about every change and requirement, so you feel confident even when deadlines approach. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m arrested in South Salt Lake?

Stay calm and avoid answering questions about your case without a lawyer present. Request legal counsel as soon as possible and do not discuss the incident with anyone but your attorney.

Can a criminal record from South Salt Lake be expunged?

The expungement process in Utah allows for clearing certain offenses from your record, subject to eligibility. Traffic ticket expungements are a strength of our firm and can benefit your long-term prospects.

What are the possible outcomes in criminal cases?

Possible outcomes include dismissal, plea agreements, or proceeding to trial. Each case is unique, and your defense approach may influence the result.

How quickly should I contact a criminal defense lawyer?

Contacting a lawyer soon after learning about an investigation or charges helps protect your rights and improves your options. The sooner you act, the better prepared your defense will be.

Take the Next Step Toward Protecting Your Future

We bring determination, compassion, and local insight to every case, helping South Salt Lake clients feel heard and supported from start to finish. By choosing a criminal lawyer in South Salt Lake who values transparency and proactive support, you protect your rights and gain an experienced team at your side. 

Schedule your confidential consultation today online or by calling (801) 781-5803—and take a confident step toward advocating for your future.

Melton Law Strategic Representation, Proven Results

Take the first step towards protecting your future. Reach out now to speak with an experienced attorney.