Clayton A. Simms

Clayton A. Simms

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Salt Lake City, UT
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Unknown

9 Exchange Place, Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT

About Clayton

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 90%

Criminal Defense. Internet Crimes, Murder, Distribution and Possession of Controlled Substances, including Marijuana, Oxycontin, Heroin, Cocaine or Illegal Prescription Drugs, Sex Offenses, Rape

90%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Utah for 27 years

State: Utah

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Clayton A. Simms

9 Exchange Place, Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111

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Clayton A. Simms's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

38 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (38) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 36 - 38 of 38 reviews

Posted by R.Manz | June 17, 2011 | DUI & DWI

Clayton Simms is the defense attorney you need!

I recently was found not guilty in jury trial of DUI and other serious charges including causing a car accident, fleeing the scene and failure to control my vehicle and failure to leave my information at a sonic in West Valley City. Without Clayton Simms I would of not have won my case. This man work...s in only one gear, and that is AGGRESSIVE CRIMINAL DEFENSE! I recommend his counsel and expert legal advise to anyone serious about having a chance in winning their case or getting you the best result possible. If you are struggling financially and have considered obtaining a public defender to handle your case, I recommend that you NOT trust your future and good name for an attorney that is not interested in defending you at all. I can't say that all public legal defenders are bad to work with, but the ones that I had mishandle my case for 10 months was the worst expirience i ever had! They are not there to save you money! They are there to save the courts money by convincing folks to give up their rights! IF YOU DO NOT KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS AT ALL!!! Talk to Clayton about your case. I am so thankful that i had him in my corner. West Valley Prosecuters will have to change the way they persue certain cases because of Clayton Simms!!!

Posted by Brad | April 25, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Precision

Clayton Simms was so friendly and helpful. He not only handled my case superbly, he also became a friendly face for months and years afterwards. I would contact Mr. Simms first for any criminal legal matter. He is a lifesaver!

Posted by Beth | April 24, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Criminal Case Defense for a Sensitive Situation

Our family pooled funds to hire Clayton to represent our brother who got himself into some "trouble" online. Other than do some curiosity-based searches for some stuff online that we (and he) are embarrassed to admit, my brother is a fantastic man, a great father, a wonderful uncle, and a hard workin...g citizen. His out-of-character online indiscretion was flagged during a federally-funded, internet sting operation. Due to the high-profile nature of the sting operation, and the media attention that the prosecution was enjoying for their pathetic "crack-down" efforts, we don't believe that the prosecution ever had the intention of seeking "justice" in this case. They weren't interested in the punishment fitting the crime in this case. They completely ignored the fact that that their extensive investigation into his family and activities yielded ZERO improprieties of any sort. They grand-standed and flat out lied about the details of the case in the courtroom. They wanted to throw the book at one case in an attempt to hide the fact that their expensive, publicly funded attempts to thwart unsavory online activities aren't effective at catching the REAL perpetrators of heinous online crimes. Clayton did an admirable job defending our brother in court, and managed to convince our judge that our brother did not deserve the maximum (15 yr) sentence in a maximum security facility. All things considered, we believe that Clayton fought for and got us the best possible result. Clayton is adept at handling cases of a sensitive nature, and also delicately handled a "high maintenance" family-of-client. We very much appreciated his patience with us, and his work on our brother's behalf. Clayton isn't the kind of lawyer they make jokes about -- he will really do the job you need him to do. We can recommend him wholeheartedly.

See All Client Reviews

Clayton A. Simms's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Clayton
Philip Laurence Wormdahl headshot
Philip Wormdahl

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I saw Clayton successfully defend an assault case in Salt Lake City and was very impressed by his courtroom demeanor and skills as a trial attorney. Since then, I have discussed trial strategy and other legal issues with him. I have found him to be very sharp and creative in his approach. I recommend Clayton without hesitation."

J. Edward Jones headshot
J. Edward Jones

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. We have worked together on two cases where we represented co-defendants with similar charges, including co-defendant's charged with aggravated murder. Mr. Simms has a strong knowledge of criminal law, and conducts his representation in a highly professional manner. Like myself, Mr. Simms one of the few lawyers in Utah who is qualified for appointments on death penalty murder cases. Mr. Simms is a good lawyer, and I am happy to endorse his work."

Preston D Koerner headshot
Preston Koerner

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I first met Clayton about 12 years ago while we worked in the same building. Although I'm a corporate lawyer, I picked Clayton's brain on trial advocacy and client defense, and I learned a lot about what makes him so good in his work. He's a thought leader in his space, and he knows the criminal justice system in and out. Any time I know of someone touched by the criminal system, I send them to Clayton, and he takes care of them. He always takes care of them."

Walter F Bugden Jr headshot
Walter Bugden

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an experienced attorney with a lot of trial experience. He is well respected by judges and prosecutors. He obtains great results for his clients."

David Pedrazas headshot
David Pedrazas

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Clayton and I have worked together on cases. Clayton always does an exceptional job for his clients, and works well with other attorneys."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Clayton. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Nathaniel Shafer headshot
Nathaniel Shafer

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Clayton Simms is a talented defense lawyer. He is one of the lawyers I consult when I have questions about the best strategy or tactics for a case. He knows so much about every phase of the criminal justice system. Your future is in good hands when you select Mr. Simms to represent you."

Josie E Brumfield headshot
Josie Brumfield

Unknown lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Melissa Fulkerson headshot
Melissa Fulkerson

Unknown lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Russell Stephen Pietryga headshot
Russell Pietryga

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Simms is an excellent attorney. I have worked on several matters with Mr. Simms over the years and I am impressed with his legal knowledge and how hard he works for his clients."

Lisa Douglas headshot
Lisa Douglas

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard Robert Roitman headshot
Howard Roitman

White collar crime lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua S. Baron headshot
Joshua Baron

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Clayton is an articulate advocate. He brings common sense to bear on every case. At the same time, he understands the nuances of criminal law and procedure. He is an excellent lawyer."

Yossof Sharifi headshot
Yossof Sharifi

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Clayton is a reputable attorney with sharp, aggressive courtroom skills. I highly endorse him."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Terrific lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Mark J. Edwards headshot
Mark Edwards

Criminal defense lawyer

Martin T. Stolz headshot
Martin Stolz

Criminal defense lawyer

David R. York headshot
David York

Estate planning lawyer

Melissa Fulkerson headshot
Melissa Fulkerson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Morgan D Diment headshot
Morgan Diment

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2015

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2014

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2012

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2012

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2011

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2011

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2010

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2010

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2010

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2009

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2009

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2008

Lawyer of the Year, UMBA Association

2008

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2007

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2006

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2005

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2004

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

Work Experience

2001 - 2016

Trial Attorney, Clayton Simms LLC

1999 - 2001

Trial Attorney, Salt Lake Legal Defender Association

Associations

2008 - Present

American Board of Criminal Lawyers

Fellow

2003 - Present

David K. Watkiss - Sutherland II American Inn of Court

Barrister

1998 - Present

Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Education

1997

University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

University of Houston

Bachelor of Business Administration

Speaking Engagements

2015

Westminster College: Sexual and Dating/Domestic Violence on College Campuses

Ensuring Due Process in Title IX (Sexual Assault) Investigations

2015

Utah State Bar

Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL) and Criminal Law

2014

Utah State Bar

Anything you NSAy Can Be Used Against You: How Technology and Social Media Create Ethical, Professional, Civility and Confidentiality Issues.

2013

Utah Student Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Frank Discussion of Criminal Defense: A Lifestyle. A Calling. A Vocation

2013

University of Utah, Judicial Process Class

Criminal Law in State and Federal Court; Utah State Board of Pardons; and State and Federal Sentencing Guidelines

2012

Utah State Bar's Spring Convention

Ethics In Criminal Plea Bargaining

2012

University of Utah, Judicial Process

Criminal Law in State and Federal Court; Utah State Board of Pardons; and State and Federal Sentencing Guidelines

2010

Current Issues in Immigration

Criminal Law & Immigration

2009

What Every Civil Attorney Should Know about Criminal Law

Criminal Law for the Civil Attorney

2009

Utah State Bar's Fall Forum

Immigration & Criminal Law Issues

2005

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

The Day in a Life of a Criminal Defense Attorney

2003

MECHA Conference

Illegal Police Stops

2003

Criminal Law

Criminal Law and Illegal Searches & Seizures

2003

Basics of Criminal Law

Basics of Criminal Law

2001

I Fought the Law and I Won, DUI Defense

DUI Defense

Languages

English

Activity

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