The Utah County Attorney's Office maintains a dedicated Criminal Division responsible for prosecuting felony and misdemeanor crimes throughout the county, according to information released by the office on July 12, 2026.
Division Structure and Oversight
The Criminal Division operates under the leadership of Chief Deputy Chad Grunander, who oversees all personnel and operations within the division. The division reports directly to the elected County Attorney.
To manage the volume of legal proceedings, the office utilizes five distinct trial teams. These teams are tasked with prosecuting criminal cases across multiple judicial levels, including the Utah County Justice Court, district courts, and appellate courts. Additionally, these teams handle the prosecution of criminal or delinquency matters within the juvenile courts.
Law Enforcement Liaison Roles
Beyond courtroom litigation, the trial teams serve a critical role as liaisons for local law enforcement. The office provides essential advice and assistance to all Utah County police agencies regarding their ongoing criminal investigations.
The scope of prosecutorial authority includes all felony-level crimes occurring within Utah County. Furthermore, the office is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes that take place within the county but fall outside the boundaries of any incorporated city.
Commitment to Individualized Justice
The office also provides specialized victim assistance services for cases prosecuted by the County Attorney. In its pursuit of justice, the office emphasizes that each criminal defendant and the specific facts of every case are unique.
According to the office, while policies and larger issues may inform their approach, they do not define the cases. The division aims to use wisdom and good judgment to ensure that the rights of all parties are safeguarded and that every case remains independent of outside influences or forces.
Ethical Standards and Accountability
The County Attorney holds the ultimate charging authority for the jurisdiction. Deputy County Attorneys are tasked with finding solutions that are both tough and compassionate, seeking the appropriate resolution for every criminal case.
The office maintains a commitment to high ethical standards and responds to information requests in a timely manner. Officials noted that the filing of felony charges carries significant weight, affecting thousands of lives within the community each year.
