Criminal Defense Attorney in Southern Utah
If you've been arrested or charged with a crime in St. George, Hurricane, Cedar City, or anywhere in Southern Utah, what you do in the next 24 hours can shape the rest of your life. Don't talk to police again until you've talked to us.
Just arrested? Stay silent and ask for an attorney. Call (435) 635-7737 24/7.
Being arrested or charged with a crime is one of the most frightening experiences a person can face. Whether it's a DUI, drug charge, domestic violence allegation, or felony investigation, your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line — and the choices you make in the first few hours often determine the outcome.
At Ruesch Reeve Werrett & Jones, PLLC, our Southern Utah criminal defense attorneys represent people accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout Washington and Iron counties. Nathan C. Reeve and Tony Jones lead our criminal defense practice, with extensive experience in the Utah Fifth District Court and local justice courts.
If You've Been Arrested in Utah — Do This Now
- Stay silent. Say only: "I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney."
- Do not consent to any search of your person, vehicle, or property — even if police say it'll be "easier."
- Do not explain, justify, or apologize. Anything you say will be used against you.
- Do not post about it on social media. Prosecutors read posts.
- Call a criminal defense attorney immediately. The earlier we get involved, the more options you have.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney Now
Our team can take your call quickly and walk you through your next steps — confidentially and without obligation.
Call (435) 635-7737Criminal Charges We Defend in Utah
Our criminal defense attorneys handle a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases throughout Southern Utah:
DUI & DWI Defense
Standard DUI, extreme DUI (BAC 0.16%+), drug DUI, and refusal cases under Utah's strict 0.05% law.
Domestic Violence
Assault, threats, stalking, and protective order violations between cohabitants or family members.
Drug Charges
Possession, possession with intent, distribution, paraphernalia, and prescription fraud charges.
Assault & Battery
Simple assault, aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon charges in Utah.
Theft & Property Crimes
Shoplifting, burglary, retail theft, identity theft, fraud, and criminal mischief defense.
Weapons Charges
Unlawful possession, concealed carry violations, and firearm-related offenses.
Traffic Offenses
Reckless driving, hit-and-run, driving on suspended license, and serious moving violations.
Expungements
Clearing misdemeanor and qualifying felony convictions from your Utah criminal record.
Utah DUI Defense: The Nation's Strictest Law
Utah has the toughest DUI law in the United States. In 2018, the state lowered the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08% to 0.05% — and in 2026, new legislation added additional penalties for high-BAC offenders.
Utah's Standard DUI Threshold
Under Utah Code § 41-6a-502, you can be charged with DUI if:
- Your BAC is 0.05% or higher at the time of driving or chemical testing
- You're under the influence of alcohol, drugs (including prescription medications), or any combination — even if your BAC is below 0.05%
For most adults, a 0.05% BAC can be reached with as little as one or two drinks depending on weight, food intake, and other factors. This means many drivers can be charged with DUI when they didn't even feel impaired.
Utah's New 2026 Extreme DUI Law (HB 437)
Effective January 1, 2026, Utah enacted significant changes to its DUI law under the Interdicted Person Amendments (HB 437):
- Extreme DUI is defined as a BAC of 0.16% or higher, or alcohol combined with illegal substances
- Anyone convicted of extreme DUI is automatically classified as an "interdicted person"
- Interdicted persons are prohibited from purchasing alcohol anywhere in Utah
- They must obtain a new state ID marked "NO ALCOHOL SALE"
- Retailers must verify status before selling alcohol
- Judges may also apply this restriction to standard DUI offenders at their discretion
Charged with DUI in Southern Utah?
The window to mount your strongest defense is short. Evidence becomes harder to challenge as time passes. Talk to a Southern Utah DUI attorney about your case today.
Call (435) 635-7737Utah Domestic Violence Charges
Utah takes domestic violence allegations extremely seriously. Under Utah's domestic violence statutes, once law enforcement is called to a domestic dispute, officers are often required to make an arrest — sometimes even without visible injuries or clear evidence.
Domestic violence charges in Utah can include:
- Assault between cohabitants, spouses, or family members
- Threats or harassment
- Criminal mischief involving shared property
- Violation of a protective order
- Stalking
- Child endangerment in connection with a domestic incident
A domestic violence conviction in Utah can result in jail time, loss of your firearm rights under federal law, mandatory anger management or counseling, no-contact orders, and major consequences in any pending child custody or divorce proceedings.
Utah Drug Charges
Utah enforces its drug laws strictly. Even simple possession of a controlled substance can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with potential consequences including jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
Common drug charges in Southern Utah include:
- Possession of a controlled substance (marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, prescription drugs without a prescription)
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Distribution or trafficking
- Manufacturing or cultivation
- Drug paraphernalia possession
- Prescription fraud
- DUI involving drugs (separate from alcohol DUI)
Many drug cases involve constitutional issues — questions about whether police had probable cause to search, whether your Miranda rights were properly given, or whether evidence was lawfully obtained. These issues can often form the basis of a strong defense.
Utah Criminal Record Expungements
A criminal record can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and family relationships for years after a case is closed. Utah law allows many convictions and arrests to be expunged — sealed from public view — after specific waiting periods and eligibility requirements are met.
Who's Eligible for Expungement in Utah?
Eligibility depends on the offense and your record:
- Class B/C misdemeanors: typically 3-4 years after sentence completion
- Class A misdemeanors: typically 5 years
- Most felonies: typically 7 years
- DUI convictions: 10 years, with limited eligibility
- Violent felonies, sex offenses, and certain other crimes: not eligible
- Dismissed charges or acquittals: usually immediately eligible
We help Southern Utah clients evaluate their eligibility, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), and petition the appropriate court for expungement.
Why Hire a Local Southern Utah Criminal Defense Attorney?
Criminal defense isn't just about knowing the law — it's about knowing the local system. Outcomes can be dramatically different depending on:
- Which judge hears your case
- Which prosecutor is assigned
- Local court procedures and unwritten norms
- Plea negotiation practices in Washington and Iron counties
- Relationships with the court clerks, bailiffs, and probation officers
We're a Hurricane-based firm. Our attorneys appear in the Fifth District Court and local justice courts — including St. George Justice Court, Hurricane Justice Court, and Washington City Justice Court — regularly. We know the system because we live in it.
Related Practice Areas
- DUI Defense — Utah's strict 0.05% law and 2026 extreme DUI changes
- Domestic Violence Defense
- Drug Offense Defense
- Family Law — when criminal charges affect custody or divorce
Serving Southern Utah Criminal Defense Clients
Our office is in Hurricane, Utah. We represent criminal defense clients throughout Washington County and Iron County, including:
- St. George criminal defense cases
- Hurricane criminal defense cases
- Cedar City criminal defense cases
- Washington, Ivins, Santa Clara, and Kanab cases
Most felony cases are heard in the Utah Fifth District Court, while misdemeanors may be heard there or in local justice courts depending on the charge and location.
Utah Criminal Defense FAQ
What should I do if I'm arrested in Southern Utah?
Stay calm, do not resist, and exercise your Miranda rights immediately. Tell the officer clearly: "I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney." Do not answer questions, consent to searches, or provide any explanation of your actions. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Call a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible — the earlier we get involved, the more options you have.
What is Utah's legal BAC limit for DUI?
Utah has the strictest DUI law in the United States with a legal BAC limit of 0.05%, lowered from 0.08% in 2018. As of January 1, 2026, Utah also has an "extreme DUI" category for drivers with a BAC of 0.16% or higher, which triggers mandatory penalties including an alcohol purchase ban under HB 437 (the Interdicted Person Amendments).
What is the new Utah extreme DUI law (HB 437)?
Effective January 1, 2026, anyone convicted of extreme DUI in Utah (BAC 0.16% or higher, or alcohol combined with illegal substances) is classified as an "interdicted person" and prohibited from purchasing alcohol anywhere in Utah. They must obtain a new state ID marked "NO ALCOHOL SALE," and retailers are required to verify status before alcohol sales. Judges can also apply this restriction to standard DUI offenders at their discretion.
Can I get a criminal charge expunged in Utah?
Yes, Utah law allows many criminal convictions and arrests to be expunged from your record after specific waiting periods. Misdemeanor convictions generally require 3-7 years of completed sentence and clean record, while felony convictions require longer periods. Some offenses (such as violent felonies and certain DUI charges) are not eligible. We help Southern Utah clients evaluate eligibility and pursue expungement of qualifying records.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Utah?
Criminal defense fees vary significantly based on the seriousness of the charge, complexity of the case, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases are typically less expensive than felony cases. We discuss fee structures openly during your initial consultation so you understand exactly what your defense will involve before making a decision.
Will a DUI charge stay on my Utah record forever?
A Utah DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless expunged. It also remains on your driving record for 10 years for enhancement purposes — meaning a second DUI within 10 years carries significantly higher penalties. Some first-offense DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement after a 10-year clean record, but expungement is not guaranteed.
Can I be charged with domestic violence in Utah even if no one was hurt?
Yes. Utah's domestic violence statutes cover a broad range of conduct, including threats, harassment, criminal mischief, and verbal disputes between cohabitants. Once law enforcement is called to a domestic dispute, Utah's mandatory arrest policy often requires officers to make an arrest, even without visible injuries. Domestic violence charges carry serious consequences including loss of firearm rights and impact on custody cases.
Where are criminal cases heard in Southern Utah?
Most felony cases in Washington, Iron, and Beaver counties are heard in the Utah Fifth District Court. Misdemeanor cases may be heard in district court or in city justice courts (St. George Justice Court, Hurricane Justice Court, Washington City Justice Court, etc.) depending on where the charge originated. Cases in Kane and Garfield counties are heard in the Sixth District Court.
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