Author: Stone River Law
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Resources for Utah Criminal Defense Attorneys
Welcome to our resource hub, designed specifically for criminal defense attorneys practicing in Utah’s district and justice courts. Our goal is to provide information to broaden your knowledge base and…
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What is the first felony court hearing in Utah?
The first hearing in a misdemeanor criminal case is normally the “arraignment” hearing, where the judge will read the charges formally filed in the case and ask the defendant to…
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What is the difference between acquittal and a not guilty verdict?
Under Utah law, an “acquittal” and a “not guilty” verdict have essentially the same meaning. But neither of these terms is a declaration that the defendant is factually innocent. The…
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What is an arraignment hearing?
In a misdemeanor criminal case, the arraignment hearing is the first court hearing held. The judge will read the formal charges and ask the defendant to enter a plea of…
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What if I cannot appear in person at arraignment?
There can be circumstances that simply make it impossible or impractical to be physically present at a scheduled criminal arraignment hearing. Health and distance are two common reasons, but there…
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State v Ruiz, 2021 UT App 94
In State v. Ruiz, the Utah Court of Appeals addressed Fourth Amendment issues relating to the use of a drug detection canine (K9) to conduct a search of a vehicle…
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Utah Estate Planning Attorneys
Fundamental Questions about Estate Planning in Utah What is estate planning? Planning for the preservation and transfer of a person’s property after their death is called “estate planning.” A comprehensive…
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Unlawful Detention Charges in Utah
An offense of unlawful detention in Utah involves allegations that an individual has been held against their will, without the authority of law, for a brief time. Penalties Under Utah…
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What happens if I plead no contest in a Utah criminal case?
Pleading no contest means exactly that – you are not contesting the charges against you. Procedurally, this has the same effect as a guilty plea, but you are technically not…
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Should I Plead Guilty or Not Guilty at My Arraignment
If you’re facing criminal charges, you have some important decisions to make. One of the first choices is whether to plead guilty or not guilty at your arraignment.
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Search and Seizure in Utah Criminal Cases
People in the State of Utah are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government under the State and Federal Constitutions. If the government wants to perform a search…
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What is the maximum penalty for a second-degree felony?
Utah law provides a minimum prison term of one year and a maximum of 15 years for most second-degree felony convictions. The Board of Pardons and Parole ultimately determines how…