Facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful and confusing times in a person’s life. Whether you’ve just been contacted by police or you’ve already received a court date, it’s natural to feel anxious and overwhelmed. The legal system can seem like a maze—but it follows a fairly standard path, and understanding that path can give you some peace of mind.
In Springville and across Utah, the criminal defense process starts the moment a suspected crime is reported and continues through to either resolution or trial. While every case is unique, most follow a general series of events. Here’s what you need to know.
It all begins when someone—maybe a witness, a neighbor, or the alleged victim—reports a suspected crime to law enforcement. Officers from the Springville Police Department or Utah County Sheriff’s Office may respond to the scene, take statements, and begin an investigation. This investigation can take hours, days, or even weeks depending on the nature of the case.
Once police believe they have enough information, they send their report to the Utah County Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors are the ones who decide whether charges should be filed. They’ll look at the evidence and determine if there’s probable cause to move forward. If so, they’ll formally file charges in the appropriate court—either Justice Court for misdemeanors or District Court for felonies.
After charges are filed, the legal process kicks into gear. Some people are arrested right away—especially if the crime is serious, happened in front of an officer, or if the person is considered a flight risk. Others receive what’s called a “summons,” which is essentially a court order sent in the mail requiring them to show up in court. Don’t let the casual delivery fool you: a summons is a serious document. Ignoring it can result in a warrant for your arrest.
Whether you were arrested or summoned, your next step is the initial appearance. This is your first court date. It’s not a trial and it’s not the time to argue your case, but it is important. The judge will read the charges, go over your rights, and decide whether you’ll be released or held in custody while the case moves forward. If bail is involved, your attorney can argue for a lower amount or even request release on your own recognizance.
At this point, the court will also determine whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony. That distinction matters—a lot. Misdemeanors typically carry lighter penalties and are handled in Justice Court, while felonies are more serious and are transferred to District Court. A skilled defense attorney might be able to argue that your charge should be reduced, which can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
If you’re facing a felony, the next possible step is a preliminary hearing. This isn’t a trial, but it does involve some testimony and evidence. The purpose is to let the judge decide whether there’s enough to continue toward trial. It’s also a valuable opportunity for your attorney to cross-examine witnesses and start building a strategy based on the prosecution’s own evidence.
After the preliminary hearing, or if your case skips that stage, you’ll be scheduled for an arraignment. This is when you officially enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Many people plead not guilty at this stage even if they plan to negotiate later. It’s a way to keep all your options open while your attorney investigates and negotiates behind the scenes.
Following arraignment, most cases move into the pretrial phase. This is when a lot of the important work happens behind the scenes. Your attorney and the prosecutor will exchange evidence in a process called discovery. They may meet for one or more “pretrial conferences,” where they’ll talk about potential resolutions. If the prosecutor offers a plea deal, your attorney will explain it to you, lay out your options, and help you make a decision.
Plea agreements are common in Springville and across Utah. They can help you avoid jail, reduce the charges, or even keep a conviction off your record entirely. But they’re not right for everyone. If the deal isn’t fair—or if you believe you’re innocent—you have every right to take your case to trial.
Trials can be bench trials (heard by a judge) or jury trials. They’re more formal and involve opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examination, and closing arguments. The prosecution has the burden of proof and must convince the judge or jury that you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can’t do that, you should be found not guilty and released.
If you’re found guilty—or if you choose to plead guilty—your case will move to sentencing. This is where the judge decides the consequences. That might include jail or prison time, probation, community service, fines, or treatment programs. In Utah, some sentencing decisions are influenced by a pre-sentence report prepared by probation services, which includes background information and recommendations.
At this stage, having an experienced defense lawyer is especially important. They can present evidence of your good character, explain the circumstances of the case, and advocate for the lightest possible sentence. In some cases, alternative sentencing options—like drug court or mental health treatment—can be used instead of jail time.
On the other hand, if you are found not guilty, your case is over. You’re free to go, and your record may be eligible for expungement. That means you could have the charge removed from public view in the future, helping you move forward with your life.
The criminal defense process in Springville isn’t quick or simple. But you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced defense attorney can help you navigate each step, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome—whether that means getting charges dropped, negotiating a fair plea, or taking your case to trial.
What happens after you have the police called on you? This article will help explain the entire journey.
After a case is reported to the police and charges are filed then a person is either arrested or they are sent summons.
If you are arrested then you will be notified that charges have been filed against you. You are then arraigned from the jail on a TV screen with the prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge.
If you are sent summons then. you will be told in the mail of when you need to appear before the judge and be arraigned on the charges filed against you. This is called your initial appearance.
Initial appearance….
Felony/Misdemeanor?
The next step is the decision for a preliminary hearing. You don’t plea innocent or guilty at this meeting. This is where you get to decide if you want a preliminary hearing. What is a preliminary hearing?
It is a short hearing where a lawyer will present evidence about the case to the Judge. The judge after hearing the evidence will decide to have the case go to trial or dismiss the case if there is a lack of evidence. It’s possible at this point, your case is thrown out.
If the judge decides that there should be a case you will then have an arraignment. (What is an arraignment?)