Category: Criminal Defense
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State v Lightel, 2025 UT App 40
Facts of the Case Lightel pled guilty to multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor based on his possession of child sex abuse material (CSAM or child pornography). An…
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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The Utah Supreme Court ruled that Monte Cooke can be prosecuted under a repealed criminal statute because Utah’s saving statute allows ongoing prosecutions to continue.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,…
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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.