Author: Stone River Law
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Case Brief: State v Estes, 2025 UT App 10
The Court’s ruling in this appeal pertains to Rules 403 and 404(c) of the Utah Rules of Evidence. Rule 403 requires that evidence of other bad acts by a defendant…
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Understanding Adult Adoption in Utah: Benefits and Reasons to Consider It
When people think of adoption, they often imagine children being adopted into loving families. However, adoption isn’t just for children —the adult adoption process in Utah allows one adult to…
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Case Brief: State v. Johnson, 2025 UT App 13
In a significant decision for Utah’s self-defense jurisprudence, the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the murder conviction of Daniel Lee Johnson in State v. Johnson, 2025 UT App 13, citing…
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The Gray Area of Drug Paraphernalia in Utah
In Utah, the concept of drug paraphernalia is not as black and white as many might assume. While most people envision glass pipes and syringes when they hear the term,…
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Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in Utah
In a state where firearm ownership is deeply ingrained in both culture and identity, Utah’s laws aim to strike a balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety. Yet, even…
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Why People Struggle to Admit Mistakes – And Why It Matters in Criminal Defense
Most people believe they are fair and rational. But when faced with evidence that contradicts their beliefs, they often dig in instead of reconsidering. Admitting fault feels uncomfortable. Psychologists call…
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Be Kind to Library Books and Stay Out of Jail
Treat library books with care. Not just as a matter of respect for the printed page, but also to avoid unintentionally committing a crime. Chapter 6 of the Utah Criminal…
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Miranda Warnings or Miranda Rights?
Miranda warnings are the warnings required by the United States Supreme Court’s decision. The rights involved exist independently of the warnings.
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Understanding Court Language re. Trial
Courts sometimes use language that you may not be familiar with. More important, sometimes courts use language that does not accurately reflect or fully explain the law. Here is an…
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State Prosecution in Utah Criminal Cases
Geographic Jurisdiction for Criminal Prosecution All felony cases in Utah fall under the jurisdiction of the district courts. These courts have the authority to hear and decide on felony cases,…
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Tempered Glass in Utah Criminal Defense Cases
Understanding the nature of tempered glass can be a key factor in successfully defending a criminal charge where damage to property is an element of the offense or an important…
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Expungement or “Expunction” in Utah?
Can I get an “expunction” of my criminal record in Utah? Legal terminology can be tricky and many states give different meanings to the same word. “Expunction” is a term…