Criminal Defense in Washington County, Utah

Posted by Stone River Criminal Defense Team

Last Updated: January 30, 2025

Washington County’s criminal cases are handled by the St. George District Court for felonies and serious misdemeanors, while justice courts manage lower-level misdemeanors. Knowing which court is handling your case depends on the charges and location of the incident.
attorney meeting with client at desk

Understanding Washington County’s Courts 

Washington County falls within Utah’s Fifth Judicial District, with St. George as its largest city. The St. George District Court and the Washington County Justice Court handle the majority of criminal cases in the county. Additionally, there are justice courts in the nearby cities of Hurricane, Santa Clara, Washington City, Enterprise, and Hildale.

Where Will My Case Be Filed?

The St. George District Court is a court of general jurisdiction, meaning it handles a wide range of criminal charges, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Felony charges and class A misdemeanors must be filed in district court. Class B and class C misdemeanors may also be handled in district court if they are part of a case involving more serious charges.

Justice Courts in Washington County, including those in St. George and surrounding cities, are limited to hearing class B and class C misdemeanors, as well as infractions. Common class B misdemeanors handled in justice courts include DUI and domestic violence, while class C misdemeanors often include charges like retail theft, drug paraphernalia, open container violations, and minor in possession of alcohol.

How to Determine Which Court Is Handling Your Case

If your case involves a felony or class A misdemeanor, it will be filed in the St. George District Court. For class B and class C misdemeanors, the case may be filed in either district court or a local justice court, depending on the circumstances. Generally, justice courts only handle cases when the incident occurred within the city limits where the court operates. However, the Washington County Justice Court has broader jurisdiction and can hear cases from across the county.

The best way to find out which court is handling your case is to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can provide specific guidance based on the details of your situation.

Originally Published: November 20, 2023

How can we help you?

Call us at 801-448-7451, or use this contact form.

    Related Articles

    Case Brief: State v. Johnson, 2025 UT App 13
    In a significant decision for Utah’s self-defense jurisprudence, the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the murder conviction of Daniel Lee Johnson in...
    February 5, 2025
    The Gray Area of Drug Paraphernalia in Utah
    In Utah, the concept of drug paraphernalia is not as black and white as many might assume. While most people envision glass pipes and syringes when...
    February 4, 2025
    Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in Utah
    In a state where firearm ownership is deeply ingrained in both culture and identity, Utah’s laws aim to strike a balance between Second Amendment...
    February 4, 2025

    Ready to explore our other articles?