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 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Chris | May 12, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Clayton Simms review

I came to Clayton about two years ago with a slew of charges including six felonies. I was looking at doing some prison time of I didn't get into an alternative court program. There were few spots and Clayton got me into the felony program I wanted. Clayton worked with me every step of the way at eve...ry court appearance and would always keep me informed about what's going on and what to say. Now here I am two years later and all of that never happened, my record has been expunged completely with all the charges removed and I am a free man now with no criminal history whatsoever. I would have never imagined I would get to this point when I was sitting in jail two years ago and I owe a lot of that to Clayton. I highly recommend Clayton to anyone he has been phenomenal.

Posted by Wayne | March 04, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Criminal Mischief Case

Mr. Simms was courteous, competent, and effective in his defense. He was recommend highly by a larger law firm who touted his experience and effectiveness. He clearly explained a legal strategy, and carried it out to successful conclusion. We trusted him completely, and he did not disappoint. He ob...viously knew his way around the criminal system, and seemed to be well-respected by the city attorneys and court officials. No doubt that because of his expertise and professionalism, an unjustified charge was reduced, minimized, and eventually dismissed.

Posted by Tayler | December 04, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Call Clayton!!

Clayton is awesome!! .. I wouldn't of wanted to spend my money anywhere else.. I'm a average Utah citizen with not much money I took a gamble looking for the right lawyer and I found Clayton... I was charged with retail theft in Layton city.. I wasn't taking any offers and Clayton knew that.. It took... about 6 months but we took this case all the way to trial with the layton city having video footage, pictures, a few witnesses and a 4 person jury judging me... Clayton rocked this case.. He is very good with his words and a very convincing man.. He won my case on November,13th,2014... If I have anymore conflicts with the law or know somebody who does I would definitely recommend Clayton Simms.

Posted by Colleen | April 28, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Thanks to Clayton Simms

Have you found yourself charged with a crime and you are innocent? Have you been a good citizen all your life and never needed an attorney before? Do you feel you have nowhere to turn? This is what happened to my niece. We were referred to Clayton Simms by a prominent Utah criminal attorney, when... my niece was charged with a crime she did not commit. He told us Clayton was trustworthy, reasonable, and an excellent criminal attorney. He was right. We were very fortunate. Clayton's expertise was instrumental in working with the courts to get resolution of my niece's charges. Without Clayton, I don't think we would have had such a favorable outcome. Clayton puts his heart and soul into helping his clients and is excellent at keeping the family and his client informed of what is going on with their case and their options. I pray we will never need a criminal lawyer again, but if we do, Clayton Simms is the attorney we will turn to for help.

Posted by Beth | December 06, 2012 | DUI & DWI

Clayton Sims

Clayton handled my son's misdemeanor DUI case in a very professional manner. I don't live in UT but Clayton would call and update me on every step of the process. Clayton is not your typical attorney..he treated us like friends and showed genuine concern for our situation. He has a soul! He fought fo...r my son and even when time had passed and we were still having issues with the state of UT, I phoned Clayton and he discusssed the situation at length with me. If I could use Clayton for any legal needs that may arise in my life I would...even though we live far away from each other! He is very knowledgeable and proficent...I have the utmost confidence in his abilities and think the world of him! I can't say enough good things about Clayton...and would refer absolutely anyone searching for legal council directly to him!

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

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2015

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2012

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2012

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2011

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2011

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2010

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah, National Trial Lawyers Association

2010

Legal Elite in Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine

2010

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer in Criminal Law, Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, 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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