Author: Stone River Law
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Does Eating Make You Sober?
Myths and Old Wives’ Tales…. “I had a really big dinner so I’m okay to drive.” Have you ever heard someone say something like this after having “just a few”…
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Eclectic Lawyers
Does Having Eclectic Lawyers Matter? Years ago, we handled a case that hinged on an audio recording of an alleged fight. The prosecution claimed the recording captured a violent assault.…
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Can You Sleep Drunk in Your Car?
“If you get too drunk just sleep out in your car.” – Toby Keith, “I Love This Bar” Obviously, Toby Keith wasn’t from Utah. Does Utah Law Allow You to…
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Online Sting Operations and Enticing a Minor Charges in Utah
How Online Sting Operations Usually Work In Utah, law enforcement sometimes uses online sting operations to investigate crimes involving minors. Officers are trained to create undercover profiles on dating apps…
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State v. Dutton, 2025 UT App139
A Real Life Example Involving Probable Cause Facts of the Case In July 2020, a bank employee in Kanab, Utah, called 911 to report a customer exhibiting concerning behavior. The…
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Petitioning for Guardianship of a Minor in Utah: What You Need to Know
Filing for guardianship of a minor is a serious step. Utah law focuses on the child’s best interests, and the court considers whether a guardianship is necessary and who’s best…
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When “Free-Range Parenting” Meets Utah’s New Child-Torture Law
In 2018, Utah became the first state in the country to formally embrace “free-range parenting.” Lawmakers said parents should be able to let their children walk to school, play outside,…
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The Complete Guide to Utah’s Child Torture Law
Utah’s new child-torture law is one of the most powerful and punitive criminal statutes in the state. It reshaped the way prosecutors charge child-injury cases and created a new category…
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Utah’s New Child Torture Law
In 2025, Utah created a new criminal offense called child torture under Utah Code 76-5-109.4. The law targets the most extreme abuse cases involving cruelty, prolonged harm, or a pattern…
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Faith in the Attorney-Client Relationship
A few years ago, an old friend from junior high reached out after more than twenty-five years. When I told him I was a criminal defense attorney, he said, “That’s…
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Criminal Appeals in Utah, 101
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your criminal case, you might consider appealing it to a higher court. Appeals can be costly and slow, so it helps to…
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Object Rape – Understanding Utah Law, Utah Code §76-5-402.2
Utah Code §76‑5-402.2 outlines the laws regarding “object rape”. Here’s a clear overview of what “object rape” means and potential legal consequences: