Legal Support
Understanding Victims Rights
Often, legal definitions and laws protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault do not include all of the types of controlling behavior abusers may use in a relationship. However, there are many ways that individuals can protect themselves, we do not provide legal advice or representation, please see the list below for legal assistance.
The Utah Legislature passed a victims’ bill of rights in 1987 and constitutional legislation in 1994 to ensure all victims and witnesses of a crime, especially children, are treated with courtesy and sensitivity.
There are victims rights in Utah which include:
- The right to privacy
- The right to be heard at sentencing
- The right to be informed and assisted
- The right to a speedy resolution of their case
- The right to be free from threats and intimidation
- The right to restitution and reparations for their losses
- The right to notice of all important criminal justice proceedings
- The right to be present in the courtroom for all important hearings
- The right to be treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity
- The right to an explanation of the legal proceedings & plea negotiations
Child Victim Rights:
- The right to have the process conducted in the most effective and least traumatic, intrusive, and intimidating manner
- The right to have interviews related to criminal prosecution kept to a minimum and conducted in an age-appropriate way
Additional Resources
Legal Representation
1. Utah Legal Services, Inc.
Free legal assistance for those who qualify. For information or to apply for services:
(1) Internet: http://www.utahlegalservices.org
(2) By phone: 1-800-662-4245 toll-free outside of Salt Lake County.
(3) By phone: 801-328-8891 within Salt Lake County.
Hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
2. Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake County (Petitioner or Respondent lives in Salt Lake County or abuse occurred in Salt Lake County)
Free and low-cost legal assistance for those who qualify. For information or to apply for services:
- Internet: http://www.legalaidsocietyofsaltlake.org
- By phone: 801-328-8849 x 3107
- Protective Orders only, in-person: Room W17, Matheson Courthouse, 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114
3. Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic
Provides free legal representation to crime victims when their rights are at stake. The Legal Clinic is available to serve victims of all types of crime and has a statewide focus
For information or access services:
- Internet: http://www.utahvictimsclinic.org/
- By phone: (801) 746-1204
For help with preparing your documents.
https://timplegal.com/
Hotline: 801-649-8895
Monday through Friday
9:00 am – 2:00 pm (After hours leave a message)
Orders of Protection
Orders Of Protection in Utah
There are protection provisions for those impacted by violence which are court-ordered documents that will place restrictions on individuals who committed violence, threatened violence, and/or attempted violence. Please visit THIS website for the most updated comprehensive information and resources on the various forms of protection available.