Carbon County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Carbon County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Carbon County.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Carbon County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.
Jury by Trial Right
The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.
Carbon County Criminal Court
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
Who is the prosecutor for Carbon County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Carbon County criminal cases will either be a representative of Carbon County or a representative from Utah. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.
Required Court Appearances in Carbon County
Any required court appearances in Carbon County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
Carbon County Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Carbon County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Carbon County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
I need help for my Carbon County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Carbon County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Carbon County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
Carbon County Arraignments
An arraignment is a court hearing. In Carbon County this is the first thing that will happen in a criminal case. The defendant will be brought before a judge in Carbon County Criminal Court and the judge will read the charges that were filed against the defendant. The judge will also read the rights the defendant has and ask the defendant if they understand both the charges filed against them and their rights as a defendant in the case. In Carbon County a plea of Guilty, Not Guilty or No Contest may be entered. In a guilty or no contest plea the sentencing of the defendant may take place at the same arraignment hearing or a later date may be scheduled for sentencing. For a not guilty plea, a date will be set for a trial.
Appealing a guilty verdict
A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.
Sentencing in Carbon County
In Carbon County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
Carbon County Criminal Court Locations
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7th District Court – Carbon County
Address: 149 East 100 South, Price, UT 84501
Phone: 435-636-3400 Fax: 435-637-7349 -
7th District Juvenile Court – Carbon County
Address: 149 East 100 South, Price, UT 84501
Phone: 435-636-3434 Fax: 435-637-2102 -
Carbon County Justice Court
Address: 120 East Main, Price, UT 84501
Phone: 435-636-3289 Fax: 435-636-3209 -
East Carbon City Justice Court
Address: 101 West Geneva Drive, PO Box 70, East Carbon City, UT 84520
Phone: 435-888-6613 Fax: 435-888-2146 -
Helper Justice Court
Address: 73 South Main, PO Box 221, Helper, UT 84526
Phone: 435-472-3039 Fax: 435-472-0498 -
Wellington Justice Court
Address: PO Box 559, Wellington, UT 84542
Phone: 435-637-5353 Fax: 435-637-1586