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Former SLC police attorney, sons may strike plea deal for drugs, weapons charges

Posted at 10:57 AM, Sep 16, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-16 12:59:35-04

SALT LAKE CITY – An attorney who previously worked for the Salt Lake City Police Department was scheduled in court Tuesday on drug charges. James W Robinson mugshot salt lake attorney

His two sons are also accused in the crime.

James Wesley Robinson was a longtime attorney employed by Salt Lake City, he was most recently representing the police department in civil matters.

That all changed dramatically back in February when Robinson and his two adult sons, Alex and Zach, were busted for allegedly running a clandestine lab as well as drug distribution and gun charges.

It all started when 18-year-old Zachery Robinson was stopped for a traffic violation. 

That led to a burglary complaint and ultimately a search warrant of the Robinson’s Salt Lake City home.

Detectives said they found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a small amount of cocaine, four firearms and what appeared to be a lab that cooked marijuana down to an extract known as “wax” or “shatter.”

All three Robinson men were set to have their preliminary hearing Tuesday, a mini trial to see if there was enough evidence for them to stand trial. 

But the defense waived that hearing and it appears as though plea negotiations are in the works.

All of the defendants and their attorneys refused to comment after the hearing.

They are due back in court Oct. 31 and it appears the plea deal will be accepted.

In terms of what this means regarding possible jail or prison time, District Attorney Sim Gill said they and the judge will rely on a pre-sentence report that will be conducted by Adult Probation and Parole.