Category: Criminal Defense
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State v. Burton, 800 P.2d 817 (Utah Ct. App. 1990)
In State v. Burton, 800 P.2d 817 (Utah Ct. App. 1990), the Utah Court of Appeals addressed a rare attempt to stretch criminal theft law into the realm of private…
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Facing Criminal Charges in Utah? Here’s How to Manage the Cost of Fines and Fees
Being accused of a crime doesn’t always mean jail time—especially in Utah. Most people charged with offenses like DUI, assault, or shoplifting are dealing with misdemeanors, not felonies. That means…
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Case Brief: State v. Lucke, 2025 UT App 49
In State v. Lucke, 2025 UT App 49, the Utah Court of Appeals overturned a stalking conviction after finding the trial court failed to ensure the defendant knowingly and intelligently…
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State v Brown, 2025 UT App 52
Facts of the Case Brown shot and killed David after an argument led to David ramming the back of Brown’s vehicle. Earlier Brown had tried to drive away from David,…
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Case Review: In Re: E.M. (2025 UT 8)
In State of Utah in the Interest of E.M., 2025 UT 8, the Utah Supreme Court upheld a juvenile court’s decision to transfer a 15-year-old to district court for prosecution…
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Case Brief: State v. Stubbs, 2025 UT App 48
In State v. Stubbs, the Utah Court of Appeals addressed the legal standards and procedural requirements for modifying a pretrial detention order. The decision clarifies how courts must assess ongoing…
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State v. Jennings, 2025 UT 1
Facts: Deon Jennings was charged with first-degree murder after stabbing Willie Houston twice in the back, resulting in Houston’s death. Jennings argued at a bail hearing that he should be…
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State v. Jolley, 2025 UT 9
In a significant ruling on victim rights and evidentiary standards, the Utah Supreme Court held that alleged victims of sexual misconduct cannot be compelled to testify at a pretrial Rule…
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Enticing a Minor in Utah: What You Need to Know About Online Sting Operations
Utah law enforcement aggressively targets online sex crimes, and one charge that’s becoming more common is enticing a minor. These cases often start in unexpected ways—on adult websites or dating…
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Self-Defense Laws in Utah: When Is It Legal to Protect Yourself?
Understanding when you have the legal right to protect yourself is crucial for anyone living in Utah. While self-defense is a fundamental right, there are legal boundaries to what is…
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Case Brief: State v. Cooke, 2025 UT 6
The Utah Supreme Court ruled that Monte Cooke can be prosecuted under a repealed criminal statute because Utah’s saving statute allows ongoing prosecutions to continue. The Court clarified that prior…
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State v. Roybal, 2025 UT App 27
Facts: Roybal was convicted of attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person. The conviction stemmed from an altercation with his then-girlfriend,…