Category: Criminal Defense
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Do You Need to Be the President’s Son to get a Pardon?
President Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has raised questions: Is the power to pardon political? Does it favor the elite?
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Gun Ownership Eligibility in Utah
Can you legally own a gun in Utah? This guide explains the key regulations, who is restricted, and how to check your eligibility.
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The Double-Edged Sword of Plea Bargains in Utah’s Justice System
Plea bargains are the backbone of Utah’s criminal justice system. In a world where courtrooms are perpetually overcrowded, prosecutors are overburdened, and trials are expensive, the plea bargain emerges as…
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Good attorneys ignore this statute. Great attorneys understand why.
Utah’s Affirmative Defense Statute and the Burden of Proof Utah Code section 76-1-502 states that evidence of an affirmative defense (such as self defense) must be “presented by the defendant.”…
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Using Disorderly Conduct as a Negotiations Tool
Prosecutors are sometimes reluctant to let go of a case (dismiss a case entirely) even when it becomes apparent that there are evidentiary or legal problems with the case. A…
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Aggravated Burglary Defense in Utah
Aggravated burglary is a first-degree felony consisting of an ordinary burglary of a building (either commercial or residential) along with at least one other aggravating element. Under section 76-5-203, the…
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Defending Burglary Charges in Utah
Burglary is generally classified as a “property crime” under the Utah criminal code, although it can also involve injury or threats of harm to persons. Felony level charges can be…
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Are Police Officers Human Lie Detectors?
Science shows police officers are no better at detecting lies than the average person. Their judgments often rely on biases rather than facts, which can lead to wrongful assumptions.
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Failure to Disclose Identity
We’ve all seen old World War II movies where German officers stop citizens and ask, “Your papers, please.” But did you know “papers” referred to a person’s identification documents? In…
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What is a “Crime of Domestic Violence?”
The term “domestic violence” can mean different things depending on where you live. Each state defines it differently, and the federal government has its own definition as well. However, in…
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Distinguishing Murder and Aggravated Murder
Not all murders in Utah can be punished with the death penalty. Only the most serious cases involving “aggravated murder”In Utah, not all murders qualify for the death penalty—it must…
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Sex Crime Defense in Utah
Sex crimes carry serious penalties and life-changing consequences. If you’re facing these allegations, it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone. Stone River Law is here…