Author: Stone River Law
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State v Johnson, 2025 UT App 13
In Utah, when a criminal defendant requests a jury instruction for an affirmative defense, the court must give that instruction if evidence has been presented providing any reasonable basis for…
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Can You Get a DUI on a Scooter in Utah?
Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in Utah, especially in cities like Salt Lake City and Provo. Their convenience and affordability make them a great alternative to…
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Case Brief: In Re K.M., 2025 UT App 17
Under Utah law (Utah Code § 80-3-409), when reunification services are provided, the court must determine whether the child can be safely returned to the parents
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The Attorney Oath in Utah: A Commitment to Justice
Before practicing law in Utah, every attorney must take an oath to “support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah.”…
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Reckless Driving Charges: Easier to Get Charged Than You Think
A reckless driving charge can show up on a criminal record report, even though it is often considered to be just a “traffic” offense.
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Case Brief: State v Flores, 2025 UT App 15
The prison mailbox rule is for cases where a document actually reaches the court directly through the prison mail system.
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Case Brief: State v Taylor, 2025 UT App 14
Deference is usually given to trial judges but excusing a potential juror is a simple solution when there is concern of improper bias.
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Misdemeanor Assault with a Domestic Violence (DV) Tag in Utah: What You Need to Know
In Utah, assault is defined under Utah Code § 76-5-102 as an attempt to cause bodily injury to another person or an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily…
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Understanding Brady Violations: What Prosecutors Must Disclose and How to Leverage It in Utah
In a legal landscape where justice hinges on the integrity of evidence, Brady violations—the failure of prosecutors to disclose exculpatory evidence—remain a critical issue in Utah’s courts. Named after the…
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Case Brief: State v Schaefer, 2025 UT App 4
This appeal pertains to whether a suspect’s admission at a police station should have been suppressed due to being made during a custodial interrogation without Miranda warnings being followed. Facts…
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Understanding Rule 11: How Pleas Work in Utah’s Criminal Courts
Rule 11 of the Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure governs how defendants enter pleas in court. It ensures that guilty and no-contest pleas are voluntary and that defendants understand their…
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Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure: What the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Know
Utah’s Rules of Criminal Procedure govern every stage of a criminal case, from arrest to appeal. These rules ensure due process, protect constitutional rights, and outline how cases progress through…