Category: Criminal Defense
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Criminal Defense, Done Right: Expertise at Every Stage of the Case
For most people, the justice system is a blur of police reports, court dates, and unfamiliar terms. It moves fast when you least expect it, and slows to a crawl…
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Types of Court Hearings in Utah Criminal Cases
Navigating the criminal justice system in Utah can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the various types of court hearings involved. Each hearing serves a specific purpose in the…
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Garner v. Kadince, 2025 UT App 80: Utah Lawyers Sanctioned for Citing AI Hallucinations
In a recent ruling, the Utah Court of Appeals sanctioned attorneys for submitting a legal brief containing fabricated case citations generated by artificial intelligence. This incident, involving the case Garner…
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Carter v. State, 2025 UT 13
The Utah Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed a district court’s decision to vacate the conviction and death sentence of Douglas Stewart Carter, citing egregious misconduct by police and prosecutors that…
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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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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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Preparing for an Attorney Consultation
Facing criminal charges is stressful. Your first meeting with a defense attorney can feel overwhelming, but preparation makes a big difference. Many initial consultations happen over the phone, so being…
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Utah Supreme Court Vacates Juvenile Life Sentence in State v. Mullins
The Utah Supreme Court recently vacated the life-without-parole (JLWOP) sentence of Morris Thomas Mullins, a juvenile offender who had spent over two decades in prison for a crime he committed…
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State v Smith, 2025 UT App 35 – Destroyed Evidence
Smith was convicted by a jury at trial on a felony charge of rape. He raised several issues on appeal, including multiple claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, and a…
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Dismissed With Prejudice vs. Dismissed Without Prejudice in Utah Criminal Cases
When a criminal case in Utah is dismissed, it can be either with prejudice or without prejudice. The difference determines whether the charges can be refiled and what impact the…
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Expungement vs. Pardon in Utah
Options for completely clearing your criminal record in Utah can include standard expungements through the courts or obtaining a full pardon for state charges through the Utah Board of Pardons.