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Can I discuss my case with the prosecutor before the hearing date?
Ordinarily, the prosecutor is present at your arraignment or at a Pre-Trial conference prior to your trial and will meet with you at that time. If you're represented by an attorney, our office cannot speak with you about the case and it would be inappropriate and unethical to provide any legal advice. If you are the defendant and would like to change your court date or to know the fines, jail time for certain offenses or clear a warrant, please contact the appropriate court and ask a court clerk for this information.
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Can the City Attorney's Office represent private citizens who do not have funds to hire an private attorney or give legal advice?
No. The City Attorney's Office may not represent individual members of the public in private legal matters nor is it permitted to make referrals to citizens for attorneys.' If you are unable to afford a legal attorney, you can receive legal advice from the public defender.
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How do I apply for restitution?
Restitution must be requested through the criminal case. So, if restitution is needed for an item that was stolen, the request must be submitted through the theft case filed against the defendant. If it was a domestic violence case, restitution can be requested through the prosecutor's victim advocate program. A formed called a "Victim Impact Statement" will be provided which needs to be completed, signed and returned with copies of receipts or other documents that support the claim. You can contact Taylorsville's Victim advocate at 385-468-9446. Restitution can also be requested by submitting a letter to the court that includes the court case number, the amount of restitution requested and copies of receipts or other documents that support the claim.
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How do I find out my court date?
You may call the court at 801-963-0268
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Should I report possible crimes or code violations to the City Attorney's Office?
No. Reports of possible crimes should be made to the Unified Police Department at 801-743-7770. Reports of possible violations of building/housing codes, land-use and or zoning laws, or public nuisances should be made to the Code Enforcement or Building & Safety Department.
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What is "restitution"?
Utah Code 77-38a-102(14)(a)'defines a victim as any person whom the court determines has suffered pecuniary damages as a result of a defendant's criminal activities. A victim does not include any codefendant in the defendant's criminal activities.
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What is a "public defender?"
A 'public defender' is an attorney appointed by the court to represent a defendant in a criminal case when that defendant is found to be unable to pay for legal representation. Because the City accepts the responsibility to prosecute criminal cases, the City must also accept the responsibility of providing a public defender for those that cannot afford an attorney. The City does this by entering into a contract with a law firm or attorney to provide these services. The public defender for Taylorsville is Stowell Crayk & Bown PLLC , who can be contacted at (801) 944-3459
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What is the difference between the City Attorney's Office and the City Prosecutor's Office?
The City Prosecutor's Office is part of the City Attorney's Office but it handles only criminal law matters, primarily misdemeanors (no Class A, felony or juvenile cases). The other part of the City Attorney's Office works with "civil law" matters and does not become involved with criminal law cases.
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Who does the City Attorney work for?
The attorneys in the City Attorney's Office represent the City of Taylorsville.' They perform legal services for City officials, departments, agencies, and employees in the course of their official acts or business.
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Why can't I 'drop the charges' against someone who has committed a crime against me?
Charges are filed at the discretion of the City Prosecutor. The City presses charges, not an individual. However, if you are the victim of a crime, you are entitled to give input to be considered by the Prosecutor and/or the Judge about your case. If you wish to do so, you should contact the Taylorsville City Victim Advocate at 385-468-9446.
