Free, confidential consultation
Provo criminal defense for DUI, drug, and theft charges.
Cited, arrested, or have a court date coming up? Attorney Jake Gunter has spent 20+ years in Utah County courtrooms helping people keep their license, their record, and their job.
“He made sure I was taken care of even when I moved across the country mid case.”
What are you facing?
Pick one to start a free, confidential case review. It takes about two minutes.
How Jake can help
The charges Jake handles every week
DUI
First DUI, metabolite, refusal, and license hearing (10-day deadline).
Drug Possession
Marijuana, paraphernalia, and possession charges, often eligible for a plea in abeyance.
Theft & Shoplifting
Retail theft and theft charges, with a focus on keeping your record clean.
Traffic Tickets
Speeding, no insurance, and points that threaten your license.
Reckless Driving
Reckless and careless driving, including reductions from DUI.
Alcohol & Open Container
Open container, minor in possession, and other alcohol tickets.
First-Time Offenders
Pleas in abeyance and diversion that can lead to a dismissal.
Expungements
Clear old convictions, arrests, and traffic records.
Warrants & Probation
Lift a bench warrant, answer an order to show cause, finish probation.
Also handles: Domestic Violence · Juvenile Defense · Out-of-State Offenders · Hunting & Wildlife Crimes · Professional License (DOPL) · Metabolite DUI · Meth / Heroin · Burglary · Assault · Sex Crimes · Military / Court-Martial
Why Jake
Experience that changes how your case goes.
A trial lawyer, not a plea mill
30 jury trials and 200+ bench and evidentiary hearings. Prosecutors negotiate differently with a lawyer who will actually try the case.
Knows Utah County courts
3,000+ appearances in the Provo and Orem justice courts, the Fourth District Court, and courts across the state.
You talk to Jake
Call or text and ask for Jake by name. He personally reviews every inquiry and tells you where you stand.
Client reviews
People Jake has helped
Howard, Lewis, & Peterson PC law firm is one of the most friendly and competent law firms I’ve ever known. My attorney Jacob Gunter was innovative and knowledgeable. He was always willing and available to meet and kept his costs and expenses down. His staff was exceptional and willing to help in any…
Jake is a wonderful attorney and put my mind at ease with respect to my issues. He was communicative and presented all my options while providing excellent counsel. His recommendations and predictions of how the legal system would react were spot on. I would recommend Jake to anyone in search of a…
Jake Gunter is exceptional, he always follows through on his promises. I've known him for almost two years, and I can confidently say he's the best person to reach out to. I’ve had a few complicated situations, and he’s helped me on more than three occasions to navigate through them. Jake is also…
How it works
Three steps to a plan
- 1
Tell Jake what happened
Call, text, or start the free case review. The charge and your court date are enough.
- 2
Get a straight answer
What the charge means, realistic outcomes, and any deadline you can't miss.
- 3
Know the cost up front
A clear fee before you decide. No pressure to hire.
Meet your attorney
Criminal Defense Lawyer Jake Gunter: Your Advocate in the Legal System
Provo Criminal Defense Lawyer Jake Gunter is dedicated to defending individuals accused of crimes. With a strong belief in the Constitution and its protections, he fights tirelessly for the rights of his clients.
As a partner at Howard Lewis & Petersen, PC, Jake brings over 20 years of legal experience. He has conducted 30 jury trials as lead or second chair, handled more than 200 bench and evidentiary hearings, and made over 3,000 court appearances. That trial experience is crucial when selecting a criminal defense attorney.
- Trial experience to navigate complex legal issues
- Personalized attention and a strategy built around your goals
- Commitment to justice and the best possible outcome
How To Pick a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
Common questions
Before you call
Quick answers to what people ask most. For your situation, the fastest answer is a call.
More FAQsDo I really need a lawyer for a misdemeanor or a first offense?
A misdemeanor can still mean jail, fines, a license suspension, and a record that shows up on background checks. Many first-time cases can be resolved with a plea in abeyance or reduction that leads to a dismissal, and a lawyer is usually the difference in getting one.
I was arrested for DUI. What should I do first?
Request your driver license hearing with the Utah Driver License Division within 10 days of the arrest, or your license is suspended automatically. Then talk to a DUI lawyer before your first court date.
Can my theft or drug possession charge be dismissed?
Often, yes, especially for first offenses. Pleas in abeyance, diversion, and reductions can end in a dismissal you can later expunge. It depends on the facts and your record, which is what Jake reviews on the first call.
I live out of state. Do I have to come back for court?
Not always. Jake regularly handles Utah charges for out-of-state clients, and many hearings can be handled without you flying back.
Free guides
Most-read answers
How to Do a Utah Warrants Search
Having a warrant out for your arrest can be nerve racking. Regularly Utah criminal defense attorney Jake Gunter moves courts to…
Read
Pleas in Abeyance
Learn about Pleas in Abeyance in Utah. Potentially dismiss charges and pursue expungement. Find out the benefits of having an…
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Open Container Tickets
Learn the details of Utah’s Open Container Ticket laws, penalties, and legal exceptions. Protect your record by calling an…
ReadRetail Theft in Utah. What Is It?
(1). Unlikely to get Jail Time. On first time misdemeanor or felony retail theft it is unlikely you will get jail time. This can…
ReadUtah DUI Refusal | Jake Gunter
Learn about Utah’s DUI refusal admonition under Utah Code § 41-6a-520. Discover what implied consent means, the consequences of…
ReadWHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE (Utah Justice Court Case)
First off, you can be thrown in jail for failure to obey a court order. That normally doesn’t happen at the first order to show…
Read
Talk to Jake today.
Free and confidential. The sooner you call, the more options you usually have.