Criminal Justice Lawyers in Utah

Attorney Susanne Gustin and her staff primarily focus on criminal defense. Her firm defends clients throughout northern Utah including the following counties:

Susanne Gustin is a member of the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (UADCL), the most respected legal organization for criminal defense attorneys in the state of Utah. In addition, Attorney Gustin has previously served as a Utah State Bar Commissioner and the president of the UADCL.

What do Criminal Defense Attorneys Do?

A criminal defense attorney should zealously represent their client at every stage of a case, from start to finish. Some defenders are retained by clients (private sector attorneys) and others are employed by the government (public defenders).

These attorneys are tasked with defending individuals or entities charged with criminal conduct. Their primary role is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they receive a fair trial.

Attorneys are responsible for filing and litigating viable motions on behalf of their client. These motions could include suppressing illegally obtained evidence, excluding evidence, or dismissing spurious charges.

Attorneys (and their teams) are also responsible for preparing cases for bench and jury trials, and for negotiating plea bargains if applicable. Plea bargains are agreements to admit guilt in exchange for reduced or alternative sentencing.

If the client is still convicted, despite the attorneys best efforts, then the attorney will advocate for a fair and reasonable sentence during the sentencing phase. They also evaluate the possibility of appealing the verdict or sentence if there were legal errors during the trial.

Throughout the entire legal process, the attorney keeps the client informed about the progress of the case and explains their legal options and potential outcomes. They also provide emotional support and guidance.

To be effective, a criminal defense attorney must have a deep understanding of criminal law, strong analytical skills to develop defense strategies, and excellent communication skills for advocacy and negotiation. They must also adhere to ethical standards and be committed to upholding the rights of the accused.

Additional Resources

Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – The UACDL is an established organization of attorneys in the state of Utah. The UACDL supports and educates criminal defense attorneys throughout the state via networking opportunities and seminars.

Utah Office of Professional Conduct – The OPC serves the public by regulating attorneys and licensed paralegal practitioners. Follow the attached link to learn more about what an attorney can and can’t do, and to file a complaint if needed.


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