Salt Lake City Assault Defense Attorneys

Last updated on September 4, 2026

Utah law defines assault as an attempt, threat or act committed with unlawful force that causes bodily injury or creates a substantial risk of harm (Utah Code § 76-5-102). Depending on the severity of the injury, the presence of weapons, or the victim’s status, assault charges range from minor misdemeanors to severe felonies.

Simple Assault (Class B Vs. Class A Misdemeanor)

A standard simple assault is a Class B misdemeanor and applies to minor physical altercations, threats of immediate violence or attempts to cause harm without causing substantial physical injury. Charges elevate to Class A if the act causes substantial bodily injury, such as temporary disfigurement or impaired organ function. The elevated penalties also applies if the alleged victim is pregnant, an on-duty peace officer, healthcare worker or school employee.

Aggravated Assault (Third- And Second-Degree Felonies)

Under Utah Code § 76-5-103, assault becomes an aggravated felony when the act involves a dangerous weapon, a motor vehicle, choking or strangulation or force likely to produce death or serious injury.

• Third-degree felony: Standard aggravated assault involving a dangerous weapon or choking without loss of consciousness.
• Second-degree felony: Aggravated assault that results in serious bodily injury or causes the victim to lose consciousness.

Utah Assault Penalties And Sentencing Guidelines

Convictions in Utah carry strict legal consequences, including mandatory court fees, probation and potential incarceration:

• Class B misdemeanor: Up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines
• Class A misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail and up to $2,500 in fines
• Third-degree felony: Up to five years in state prison and up to $5,000 in fines
• Second-degree felony: One to 15 years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines

Beyond direct statutory penalties, an assault conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can harm future background checks, job prospects, housing applications and firearm ownership rights.

The typical barroom brawl or fight on the basketball court can result in charges of assault. An assault conviction is a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in jail time and stiff fines. Your best defense is to put our experienced lawyers at Salcido Law Firm on your side. Our Utah violent crimes lawyers will do everything possible to protect your rights.

Heightened penalties attach when the victim is pregnant or when the aggressor actually causes serious bodily injury. In such instances the aggressor can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. When the aggressor actually causes serious bodily injury, that is what is commonly referred to as “battery,” but it is typically still called “assault.”

Often, someone will be charged with assault even if they were protecting themselves from the attack of another. You need to make sure to protect yourself by hiring an intelligent and aggressive Utah assault attorney.

Let Us Defend Your Utah Assault Case

The criminal defense team at Salcido Law Firm is ready to fight for you. We will give you a free consultation at any time Monday through Saturday and let you know exactly how your case will stand up against the prosecution. Call us at 801-810-2045 or email us, and we will get back to you within an hour.