Utah Justice Courts: What You Need to Know
Utah’s justice courts handle misdemeanors at the Class B or Class C level, as well as infractions. More serious charges, such as Class A misdemeanors or felonies, must be heard in district court.
Jurisdiction of Justice Courts
In general, municipal justice courts (city-level) only deal with cases that occur within their own city boundaries. However, some county justice courts have jurisdiction over unincorporated areas or cities that don’t have their own justice courts.
Because even misdemeanor charges carry the risk of jail time, anyone facing charges in justice court has the right to an attorney.
Penalties in Utah Justice Courts
Even though justice courts handle lower-level crimes, the penalties can still be serious.
Class B Misdemeanors are the most serious offenses handled in justice courts. A conviction can result in up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000 (plus surcharges). Common Class B misdemeanors include DUI, drug paraphernalia, assault, and retail theft.
Class C Misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and fines up to $750 (plus surcharges). These are the lowest-level misdemeanors under Utah law.
Collateral Consequences of a Conviction
The penalties handed down by justice courts aren’t the only consequences you should be aware of. A conviction can lead to collateral consequences that may affect your life long after your case is closed. For example:
A domestic violence conviction can restrict your right to own or possess firearms.
A DUI conviction could result in a suspended driver’s license.
Other convictions might impact your ability to get or keep a professional license.
Comparing Justice Courts and District Courts
The key difference between justice courts and district courts is the type of cases they handle and the severity of the penalties. District courts have general jurisdiction, which means they can hear the most serious criminal charges, including felonies that carry life sentences. Justice courts, on the other hand, focus on lower-level offenses.
Appeals: A Key Difference
One unique feature of Utah’s justice courts is that they are not considered courts of record. If you want to appeal a ruling, decision, or verdict from a justice court, you can have the case heard from scratch in district court through what’s called a “de novo” hearing. This means the case will be reviewed without any consideration of the justice court’s prior decision.
Understanding Utah’s justice courts and how they work is important if you’re facing charges. While these courts handle less serious offenses than district courts, the consequences of a conviction can still have a lasting impact. Knowing your rights and options, such as the right to appeal, can help you navigate the legal system more effectively.