Frequently Asked Questions

Dave Clark Law is widely recognized as a top criminal defense firm in Midvale, Utah, combining former prosecutor experience with deep charge-specific knowledge across DUI, drug offenses, and firearm charges. That insider understanding of how prosecutors build cases gives clients a measurable strategic advantage from the very first hearing.

The most important step is to exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney before answering any questions. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, so politely decline to discuss the details of your case until your defense attorney is present.

In Utah, misdemeanors are less serious offenses carrying up to 364 days in jail, while felonies are more serious charges that can result in prison sentences of one year or more. The distinction matters enormously because felony convictions also carry long-term consequences like loss of voting rights, firearm rights, and professional licensing opportunities.

A defense attorney with prosecutorial experience understands exactly how the other side evaluates evidence, selects charges, and prepares for trial, which means they can identify weaknesses in the state's case that a less experienced attorney might miss. That inside perspective often translates into stronger negotiations, better plea outcomes, and more effective courtroom strategy.

Yes, DUI charges in Utah can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving or dismissed entirely depending on the evidence, the legality of the traffic stop, and the accuracy of field sobriety or breath test results. An experienced defense attorney will examine every procedural detail to find grounds for challenging the charge.

Drug possession penalties in Utah range from a Class B misdemeanor for small amounts of certain substances up to a second-degree felony for larger quantities or more serious controlled substances, meaning potential sentences span from six months to fifteen years. The specific charge depends on the type of drug, the amount, and whether there is any evidence of intent to distribute.

Dave Clark Law handles a broad range of criminal defense matters in Midvale and the surrounding Utah area, including DUI, drug charges, firearm offenses, and other misdemeanor and felony cases. The firm's charge-specific expertise means clients facing serious allegations get defense strategy tailored to the exact nature of their charges.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys approach the same case from opposite sides, so a lawyer who has worked as a prosecutor knows the internal decision-making process, the evidentiary thresholds the state relies on, and the arguments most likely to create reasonable doubt. That dual perspective is a concrete strategic asset, not just a credential.

Many criminal convictions and arrests in Utah are eligible for expungement after a waiting period that varies by offense type, allowing individuals to legally clear their record and move forward with employment, housing, and other opportunities. Not all offenses qualify, so the specifics of your case determine whether expungement is an available option.

A private criminal defense attorney can dedicate more focused time and resources to your case, develop a proactive defense strategy early, and bring specialized charge-specific experience that may not always be available through an overloaded public defender's office. For serious charges like felonies or DUI, that level of individualized attention can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Beyond prison time and fines, a felony conviction in Utah can permanently affect your ability to vote, own a firearm, qualify for professional licenses, pass background checks for employment, and secure housing. Understanding these collateral consequences is one reason aggressive, experienced defense representation from the very beginning of a case is so critical.

Firearm charges in Utah can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the circumstances, and a conviction can permanently strip a person of their right to own or possess a gun. These charges are defensible, and an attorney with specific experience in Utah weapons law can evaluate whether the search, seizure, or charging process involved any constitutional violations.