Gov. Cox said Tony Graf brings the kind of steady temperament, ethical grounding and measured decision-making that Utah residents should be able to count on from the courts. He pointed to Graf’s extensive experience handling complicated prosecutions, as well as his role in mentoring and training less-experienced lawyers, as evidence of a long-standing dedication to public service and the pursuit of justice.
Before joining the judiciary, Graf worked as a deputy county attorney in Davis County, focusing largely on cases involving physical and sexual abuse. Earlier in his career, he led the Special Victims Unit in the Utah County Attorney’s Office and served as a deputy district attorney in Salt Lake County. His legal experience also spans positions as an assistant attorney general in American Samoa, a deputy district attorney in Lincoln County, Nevada, and a special assistant United States attorney in Washington, D.C.
Tony Graf Background and Education
- Education: Holds degrees from Salt Lake Community College, University of Utah (BA, JD), and Weber State University (MS).
- Experience: Previously worked as a prosecutor in Utah (Davis, Utah, and Salt Lake counties), an Assistant Attorney General in American Samoa, and in positions in Nevada and Washington, D.C.
Beyond the courtroom, Graf has developed a significant background in legal education and professional training. He has presented at a variety of legal and child advocacy conferences and has served on faculty for statewide training initiatives. He has also volunteered as a judge pro tempore in Salt Lake City Justice Court and sits on the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Evidence.
Graf’s public service has extended into civic leadership as well, including time as a Tooele City planning commissioner, service on the Tooele City Council and a term leading the Utah Minority Bar Association as its president.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Graf earned an associate degree from Salt Lake Community College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in history and a juris doctorate from the University of Utah. He later received a master’s degree in criminal justice from Weber State University.
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- Evidence Handling: During July 2026 hearings, he restricted public viewing of graphic shooting footage, observing it privately while allowing audio in the courtroom.
- Legal Rulings: He denied a request to force a key witness to testify in person, deferring credibility assessments to a future trial jury.
- Proceedings: He has maintained open, though sometimes restricted, hearings, balancing public interest with the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Tony Graf Salary
As a district judge, Tony Graf receives an annual salary of $247,400.
Tony Graf Political Party
Graf was appointed to the position by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox.
