Assault & Domestic Violence Defense in Utah
When an argument escalates into police lights and handcuffs, the fallout is immediate: mandatory no-contact orders, the threat of jail, and a stain that can derail careers, child-custody rights, and gun ownership. Morrise Thompson Foresta Legal builds rapid, strategic defenses to protect your freedom—and your future—after an assault or domestic-violence charge.
Why Clients Call Us First
24/7 Crisis Response. Arrests can happen at midnight, and so can our legal guidance.
Deep Local Experience. We know how Utah judges interpret §76-5-102 (Assault) and §77-36-1 (Domestic Violence).
Protective-Order Defense. We fight the civil restraining orders that can bar you from home, work, or parenting time.
Forensic Evidence Advantage. Texts, CCTV, 911 audio, body-cam footage—our in-house digital team preserves and analyzes the proof that can exonerate you.
Flat-Fee Transparency. Clear written pricing; no surprise hourly bills.
How We Build Your Defense
Immediate Protective-Order Hearing – Contest no-contact orders to preserve access to home and children.
Scene & Witness Investigation – Interview neighbors, gather CCTV/doorbell video, document injuries (or lack thereof).
Digital Timeline Reconstruction – Pull phone metadata, social-media logs, and 911 transcripts to test the prosecution’s story.
Legal Motions & Negotiation – Challenge probable cause, push for dismissal or reduction, or secure diversion programs.
Trial-Ready Representation – If prosecutors won’t back down, our litigators present a clear narrative of self-defense, consent, or mistaken identity.
Assault and Domestic Violence - FAQs
Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Do I really need an attorney?
When you are charged with a crime, the government has extensive resources all directed at reaching the outcome it wants, and usually that means obtaining as many convictions, the highest fines, and the longest incarcerations as it can reasonably get. Knowledge of law, the legal rules, and a quality investigation are the resources you need to stand up against the government. That is what good lawyers can do for you.
What happens next?
You’ve been charged with a crime, now what? Depending upon the level of the offense there are different processes for taking a case forward. In most cases you will have an initial appearance, where the judge will inform you of the charges and potential penalties. At that hearing the judge may ask you to enter a plea, either guilty or not guilty. At that same hearing the judge might ask what you plan to do about an attorney. That is when you should tell the judge that you are hiring Morrise Thompson. After we have been retained, we will file an appearance of counsel, informing the judge and the prosecutor that you are now represented by our office. Then we will file a demand for discovery, forcing the prosecutor to provide all the evidence they have collected to that point, the police reports, any written statements by witnesses, any recordings, etc. We will review that evidence with you and begin considering what defenses might apply to your case, what motions could be filed, and what other investigations need to be performed.
Can the alleged victim simply “drop the charges”?
Not in Utah. Once police file a report, the State prosecutes—often even if the accuser recants. Our job is to present exculpatory evidence to the prosecutor (and the court) to secure dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Call An Assault and Domestic Violence Attorney Now
Don’t wait. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of success. Contact Morrise Thompson Foresta Legal today to protect your future.