Author: Stone River Law
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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…
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Arraignment Hearings in Utah Criminal Cases
What should I expect at an arraignment hearing in Utah? In Utah criminal cases, an arraignment hearing is a court proceeding in which a person who has been charged with…
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Intent and Injury in Utah Child Abuse Cases
Child abuse can be prosecuted as one of the most serious crimes on the books in Utah. The laws are intended to protect children, but also cast a broad net…
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Pink Cocaine: What Parents Need to Know
In recent years, a new substance known as “pink cocaine” has emerged, creating concern among parents, educators, and law enforcement. Despite its playful name, pink cocaine is far from harmless.…
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What to Wear to Court: A Client’s Guide
When you appear in court, your attire is crucial in making a positive impression. Dressing appropriately reflects your respect for the legal process and can influence how you are perceived…
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Utah’s Clean Slate Law: Why It Isn’t Working as Intended
In 2019, Utah embarked on an ambitious path toward criminal justice reform with its Clean Slate Law—a bipartisan effort to automatically expunge certain criminal records for individuals who remained offense-free…