The Davis County Attorney's Office remains focused on its mission to uphold public trust through law enforcement and the pursuit of justice, according to information released by the county on July 21, 2026.
Prosecutorial Scope and Jurisdiction
The office's prosecutorial responsibilities include handling felony crimes that occur within Davis County. For cities such as Bountiful, Woods Cross, and Layton, the office handles misdemeanor crimes in Justice Court that take place within the county but outside those specific incorporated city boundaries. The office also manages the prosecution of juvenile delinquency and juvenile crime throughout the county, with the exception of minor traffic offenses which are handled by city justice courts.
Government Legal Services
Beyond criminal prosecution, the Davis County Attorney's Office provides essential legal services to the local government. These duties include offering legal advice and representation to Davis County government officials and departments, assisting in the preparation and review of contracts entered into by the county, and helping to draft county ordinances as requested. Additionally, the office is responsible for managing claims filed against the Davis County government.
Specialized Legal Units
The office maintains several specialized units and programs designed to address specific legal and social needs. The Conviction Integrity Unit investigates claims of factual innocence presented by defendants who have been convicted in Davis County. For victims, the office provides various resources and assistance for those involved in cases prosecuted by the office.
Drug Court and Diversion Programs
Long-standing diversion programs continue to play a role in the county's justice system. The Davis County Drug Court Program, which began in July 1999, utilizes an intensive treatment schedule, weekly court appearances, and random drug and alcohol testing for non-violent adult men and women with prior drug convictions. This program reports a retention rate of over 70% and a recidivism rate of approximately 30%, which is about half that of the general drug-offending population.
Similarly, the Davis County Drug Plea In Abeyance (PIA) and Diversion Program, established in June 1993, serves first-time drug users who are not dealers. This program focuses on accountability through treatment and court fees, offering participants the opportunity to have charges dismissed upon successful completion of the program.
Legal Standards and Compliance
The office also manages a Non-Drug Case Plea in Abeyance Program for non-violent offenders with no prior convictions. This program is used during plea negotiations based on the severity of an offense, allowing first-time offenders to avoid misdemeanor or felony convictions through treatment and fee payments. To ensure transparency and standards, the office's prosecutorial activities are guided by the United States and Utah Constitutions, the Utah Code, and the Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure, while also adopting standards from the American Bar Association and the National District Attorneys Association.
Public Resources and Support
For matters involving domestic violence, the office provides contact information for the Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter and assistance with protective orders. The office also maintains resources for identity theft reporting through the Identity Theft Reporting Information System (IRIS) and provides links to the Utah State Court System and the Utah Attorney General's office.
