AGENCY: District Court (Fourth District : Wasatch County)
SERIES: 17481
TITLE: Criminal case files
DATES: 1900-
ARRANGEMENT: Numerical by case number.
DESCRIPTION: Case files are made up of the various documents filed with the Fourth District Court in Wasatch County pertaining to each specific case. The records usually contain information such as the case number, and the names of the defendants, counsel, jurors, and witnesses. The case file may include complaints, indictments, subpoenas, verdicts, warrants of arrest, execution or confinement, warrant returns, affidavits, orders, judgments, appeal notices. Files rarely include transcripts of testimony.
First, second, and third degree felony cases are the predominant case file type within this series (a major crime for which the maximum imprisonment is more than one year in a state correctional institution). This would include first degree offenses such as murder, rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary and robbery, arson, and possession with intent to distribute drugs. Second degree offenses include: manslaughter, robbery, residential burglary, kidnapping, perjury, forgery, theft of property valued over $1,000.00, forcible sexual abuse, and intentional child abuse. Third degree felonies include: burglary of non-dwellings, theft, aggravated assault, forgery, unlawful sexual intercourse, joyriding, possession with intent to distribute marijuana or cocaine, and false or forged prescriptions.
This series also contains misdemeanor cases which are punishable by a county jail term of up to one year and/or a fine. Misdemeanors include: negligent homicide, driving under the influence, theft, assault on a police officer, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, reckless driving, possession of marijuana, shoplifting, trespassing, and possession of a concealed weapon.
Juvenile cases tried prior to 1907 can also be found in this series. In 1907, a separate statewide juvenile court was established allowing juvenile court jurisdiction in all matters involving children 18 years of age and younger, including parents and guardians of juvenile delinquents.
Missing cases should not be found in appellate court records since the Supreme Court is required by law [Rule 76 (d)] to remit their decision to the District Court "together with such papers transmitted to the Supreme Court on appeal." Furthermore, Rule 75 (n) states that after the appeal has been disposed of, any original papers should be returned to the custody of the district court. Cases which are appealed to the District Court from lower courts will be found in this series.
RETENTION
Permanent. Retain for 30 year(s)
DISPOSITION
Transfer to Archives.
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Paper: Retain in Office for 5 years and then transfer to State Records Center. Retain in State Records Center for 25 years after being microfilmed and then transfer to State Archives with authority to weed.
APPRAISAL
Historical
Disposition based on documentation about individuals, legal procedure, court history and functions. Case files have legal and administrative value to the court through dismissal or satisfaction of the final judgment. They enforce or protect private rights and prevent or redress private wrongs. The value of the judge's decrees and final judgments to parties in an action may well extend beyond their immediate administrative use.
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Public