There are 29 counties in the state of Utah. Most of Utah’s population, roughly 75 percent, is concentrated along the Wasatch Front in the counties of Salt Lake, Davis, and Weber.

While each county faces their own specific issues regarding criminal and juvenile justice, generally counties outside the Wasatch Front face challenges regarding a lack of access to resources and services. Sometimes these challenges are simply due to their geographic location in the state.

Defense specialists provide vital perspectives to the legislature about the specific challenges faced by both urban and rural Utah and what services are needed to promote public safety and help rehabilitate adults and children who find themselves in Utah’s justice system.