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What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?

The City Attorney is the attorney for Sandy City in all of its functions as a municipal corporation. The role of the City Attorney is similar to that of the general counsel of a large private corporation. The attorneys in the office provide legal advice and services to the mayor, the City Council, City officials, staff, departments, boards and commissions but not to the Justice Court.

The District Attorney is an elected official of Salt Lake County government serving all of Salt Lake County. You can reach that office at (801) 468-3300.

Can the City Attorney's Office represent private citizens who do not have funds to hire an private attorney or give legal advice?

No. The City Attorney's Office may not represent individual members of the public in private legal matters nor is it permitted to make referrals to citizens for attorneys. If you need legal advice, you should seek the advice of a private attorney. You may consider the lawyer referral service LegalMatch (www.utahbar.org or call 1-866-678-5342) or other available sources.

What is the difference between the City Attorney's Office and the City Prosecutor's Office?

The City Prosecutor's Office is part of the City Attorney's Office but it handles only criminal law matters, primarily misdemeanors (no Class A, felony or juvenile cases) in Sandy City Justice Court as well as appeals to the Third District Court, (801) 233-9700. The other part of the City Attorney's Office works with "civil law" matters and does not become involved with criminal law cases.

Who do I call to report a potential City violation or press charges against another person?

Reports of possible crimes/charges should be made to the Sandy City Police Department, (801) 568-7200, 10000 Centennial Parkway, Sandy, UT 84070.

Reports of possible building or zoning code violations should be made to Sandy City Community Development, (801) 568-7275, 10000 Centennial Parkway, Suite 210, Sandy, UT 84070.

How do I file a claim against the City?

If you believe that the City was negligent and you wish to pursue the matter, you must file a notice of claim against Sandy City. Please contact the City Recorder's Office at (801) 568-7135 to obtain the appropriate information.

How can I get a copy of the City Code or a City Ordinance?

Hard copies of the codes or a particular ordinance may be obtained from the City Recorder's Office locate at Sandy City Hall, Suite 311, (801) 568-7135.

How do I obtain a copy of documents the City has in its files?

The Government Records and Management Act is designed to give the public access to most information in possession of public agencies. The Act also provides that the public records shall be open for inspection during regular office hours of the agency. The public can inspect any record unless the record is exempted from the disclosure under the Act.

If you are a defendant, not represented by an attorney and would like to get a copy of the report, citation or other additional information regarding your case, you have to request that through Discovery. You can bring (or mail or fax) a request to our office and we will prepare the response for you. It usually takes five to seven days.

If you would like to obtain a copy of the police report or citation but you are not a defendant, you may request it from the Sandy Police Department/Records at (801) 568-7200.

What is a plea by affidavit (plea by mail) and how do I obtain one?

A plea by affidavit is entering a plea to the court system by a written statement. You must live out of state and meet qualifications determined by our office in order to enter a plea by affidavit. The Prosecutor's Office prepares the plea by affidavit for you if you qualify.

Can I discuss my case with the prosecutor before the hearing date?

Ordinarily, the prosecutor is present at your arraignment or at a Pre-Trial conference prior to your trial and will meet with you at that time. If you're represented by an attorney, our office can not speak with you about the case and it would be inappropriate and unethical to provide any legal advice.

If you are the defendant and would like to change your court date or to know the fines, jail time for certain offenses or clear a warrant, please contact the appropriate court and ask a court clerk for this information.

If you are a victim of violent crime, including domestic violence, you may contact the Victim Advocate Services at (801) 568-6099.

Does the City Attorney handle landlord/rental issues or other non-criminal disputes?

No. Non-criminal disputes are called "civil" matters. For these types of problems or complaints the city has no jurisdiction and you may want to contact a private attorney.