Author: Stone River Law
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State v Molina, 2024 UT App 172
Facts Mr. Molina was offered a plea deal by the State, entailing a favorable State sentencing recommendation. Before the guilty plea was entered, however, the State withdrew their offer, claiming…
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Examining Electronic Communication Harassment in Utah Through the Lens of the First Amendment
In Utah, as in many other parts of the United States, courts have seen a rise in cases stemming from digital exchanges. Text messages, emails, and posts on social media—once…
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Why So Many Hearings and What are They?
When you think of a criminal case, you might picture a dramatic courtroom trial. However, the reality is that most criminal cases involve multiple hearings, and only a small number…
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Why Hiring an Attorney for Expungement in Utah Matters
In Utah, a criminal record can follow you long after you’ve served your sentence, creating barriers to employment, housing, and personal growth. Expungement provides a legal pathway to clear that…
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Navigating Utah’s Sex Crime Laws: Balancing Justice and Defendants’ Rights
Sex crimes are some of the most serious charges someone can face in Utah. Even an accusation can destroy reputations, strain relationships, and derail careers. The stigma alone can feel…
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Facing Fraud Charges in Utah for a Pyramid or Ponzi Scheme?
It often begins with a promise. You’re told you can achieve financial freedom, grow your own business, or chase your dreams. But behind the polished sales pitch, many people unknowingly…
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Public Order and Decency: Lewdness Charges
Utah Code 76-9-702 – Defense Strategy in Lewdness Cases For the defense, key elements of a successful strategy will often focus on the intent and knowledge elements of a charge…
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Do You Need to Be the President’s Son to get a Pardon?
President Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has raised questions: Is the power to pardon political? Does it favor the elite?
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Gun Ownership Eligibility in Utah
Can you legally own a gun in Utah? This guide explains the key regulations, who is restricted, and how to check your eligibility.
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The Double-Edged Sword of Plea Bargains in Utah’s Justice System
Plea bargains are the backbone of Utah’s criminal justice system. In a world where courtrooms are perpetually overcrowded, prosecutors are overburdened, and trials are expensive, the plea bargain emerges as…
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Good attorneys ignore this statute. Great attorneys understand why.
Utah’s Affirmative Defense Statute and the Burden of Proof Utah Code section 76-1-502 states that evidence of an affirmative defense (such as self defense) must be “presented by the defendant.”…
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Using Disorderly Conduct as a Negotiations Tool
Prosecutors are sometimes reluctant to let go of a case (dismiss a case entirely) even when it becomes apparent that there are evidentiary or legal problems with the case. A…