What is a constable in Utah, and why is one looking for me?

What does a constable do in Utah?

A constable serves court papers and carries out civil court orders. In Utah that means delivering summonses, subpoenas and divorce papers anywhere in the state, enforcing eviction orders, and carrying out writs that collect a judgment, like a writ of garnishment or a writ of execution (Utah Code 58-91-301). Under a writ, a constable can take and sell personal property such as a car. Writs against land or a house go to the sheriff instead.

Is a constable a real officer?

Yes. A Utah constable is a certified peace officer, the type the law calls a special function officer, trained through Utah POST. A county or city council selects the constable and signs a contract for up to four years (Utah Code 17-78-601). Starting January 1, 2027, every constable also needs a state license from the Division of Professional Licensing.

Why would a constable be looking for me?

What happens if I avoid the constable?

Avoiding service does not stop the case. Under Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 4, papers count as served when the server tells you what they are and offers them, even if you refuse to take them, and they can be left at your home with an adult who lives there. If you can’t be found, the court can approve another method, such as text, email or posting. If you don’t respond by the deadline in the papers, the court can decide the case without you.

How do I know the constable is real?

A real Utah constable tells you out loud that they are a constable, wears visible ID with their name and agency, and prints their name, county and business phone number on the first page of the papers (Utah Code 58-91-305). No real officer will ask you to pay by phone, gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency to stop an arrest. If you are unsure, look up the office’s number yourself and call it, or call the court clerk named on the papers.

Constable, sheriff or process server: what’s the difference?

Any adult 18 or older who isn’t part of the case can deliver a summons, complaint or subpoena, and that is all a private process server does. Court orders and writs, such as an eviction order or a garnishment, need an officer: a sheriff, a constable, another peace officer, or a licensed private investigator (Utah Code 78B-8-302). Only a sheriff or constable can carry out a lockout. Compare all three side by side.

Is it Wasatch Constables at my door?

If the card or papers name Wasatch Constables or Constable Matt Jennings, call our Murray office at 801-392-9400, weekdays 8:30 to 5, and have the name on the card ready. Matt Jennings is a Salt Lake County constable, and our deputies identify themselves and carry ID.