Utah is an extensively explored state and traveled to the vacation destination. Individuals come from all over the globe for our winter sports and cultural destination. Most of the time, people do not travel to Utah with the intention of committing a crime, then go back to their home state. A non-resident’s criminal offense, unless it is an outstanding instance, will almost certainly be treated under Utah Law, not by the state they are a resident of. Non-residents of Utah that are accused of a crime will face the same penalties and consequences just like a Utah local.
If you have been accused, arrested, or detained for a crime in Utah, yet reside in another state, you need a reputable defense law firm on your side. The attorneys and legal staff at The Ault Firm can help you understand your legal options while browsing court proceedings and charges. Get in touch with Salt Lake City defense lawyer Christopher Ault at 801-987-8409 to address any questions or concerns with a criminal charge in Utah, yet you don’t live in Utah.
Misdemeanor and Felony Offenses for Visitors
Whether the accused party will be able to leave Utah and return for court depends on the severity of the criminal offense that they have been accused of. If the offender has been arrested for a misdemeanor (which includes minor crimes such as traffic violations, petty theft, or a small possession of marijuana) may not even have to come back to Utah to receive repercussions. If the defendant has been charged with a smaller offense, they can certainly hire a Salt Lake City defense attorney to participate in court in their place. This attorney needs to be licensed to practice law in the state of Utah.
If the defendant has been charged with a felony (which includes more serious criminal activities, such a robbery, rape, murder, or kidnapping), the accused can post bail. This may allow them to leave the state of Utah with the guarantee that they will return for their court date. If they fail to appear in court, the bail will not be refunded, and they will be charged with an additional bench warrant.
Extradition costs (e.g., a flight and hotel) should be covered initially by the state treasury. Nevertheless, if you are found to be guilty, the cost will need to be paid back to the state on top of various other penalties and charges.
Exactly how to React to the Issuance of a Court Date After Devoting a Criminal Offense in Utah.
All criminal offenses committed in Utah by citizens and non-residents alike will result in a court date in which the defendant is expected to show up. Defendants that live in a far distance area form Utah might be encouraged to believe that they might be able to ignore these charges. This is not in their best interest as it is likely that these consequences will likely catch up with them in one way or another in the future. If, for any reason, a person fails to appear in court, they will be considered a “fugitive from justice,” and an arrest warrant will be issued. These warrants will electronically follow that person where they go and can be followed up with by cops in their home state. The warrant will likely be recognized during a traffic stop or search. Extradition back to Utah can also happen if the crimes are of a serious enough nature.
It should also be noted that these warrants will show up on a background check when applying for a job or housing. It should be noted that, although there may be a statute of limitations on prosecution for the crime itself, there is no statute of limitations in place for warrants of arrest; they never expire and can follow you around for the rest of your life.
