Posted by Bradley Henderson
Last Updated
The Davis County Justice Court handles infractions, class C, and class B misdemeanor-level charges. For more serious felonies and class A misdemeanors that occur in Davis County, the case must be filed in the Second District Court. Most felony or class A cases are filed directly at the Farmington Court, although the district courts in both Bountiful and Layton technically have jurisdiction to handle those cases also.
Jurisdiction of the Davis County Justice Court
The Davis County Justice Court oversees criminal cases that occur within the city limits of Farmington, Fruit Heights, Kaysville, West Bountiful, and West Point, Utah, as well as in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Centerville, Clearfield, Clinton, North Salt Lake, South Weber, Sunset City, Syracuse, and Woods Cross have each established their own justice courts to handle local misdemeanor criminal cases.
Location and Judge
The Davis County Justice Court is in the Davis County Justice Complex at 800 W State St, Farmington, UT 84025. Judge J.C. Ynchausti presides. The court’s phone number is (801) 451-4488, and its office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Common Justice Court Charges and Case Types
- DUI/DWI
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Retail Theft (shoplifting)
- Assault and Domestic Violence.
- Property Crimes
- Traffic Violations
Penalties and Sentencing
- Class B misdemeanor: up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, plus surcharges
- Class C misdemeanor: up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750, plus surcharges
- Restitution, if the court orders it
- Probation conditions, such as treatment or counseling, drug testing and community service
Enhanced Penalties and Collateral Consequences
In the Davis County Justice Court, specific misdemeanor offenses are subject to enhancement. This means that penalties for later offenses can escalate if there’s a previous conviction. Additionally, these misdemeanors can carry collateral repercussions, such as the suspension of a driver’s license, forfeiture of firearm possession rights, among other consequences.
How Cases Are Processed in the Davis County Justice Court
- Arraignment: The charges are read and an initial plea is entered.
- Pretrial hearings: The case may be negotiated, reviewed or resolved.
- Trial: If the case isn’t resolved, it goes to trial. Misdemeanor defendants can ask for a jury trial; otherwise the judge decides the case.
Many cases are resolved before trial, sometimes with a reduced charge or a plea in abeyance that can lead to dismissal.
Common Questions
Which court handles my case if I was cited in Davis County?
It depends on where it happened. Cases from cities with their own justice court, such as Clearfield, Syracuse or Centerville, go to that city’s court. Cases from Farmington, Fruit Heights, Kaysville, West Bountiful, West Point and unincorporated areas go to the Davis County Justice Court. Felonies and class A misdemeanors go to the Second District Court.
Can I get a jury trial in the Davis County Justice Court?
Yes. People charged with a class B or class C misdemeanor can ask for a jury trial.
Can a Davis County Justice Court decision be appealed?
Yes. Justice court cases can be appealed to the Second District Court for a new trial. The deadline is short, so talk with a lawyer right away.
Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’ve been charged in the Davis County Justice Court, call Stone River Law at 801-448-7451. Our Layton office represents clients in justice courts throughout Davis County.