Category: Criminal Defense
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Understanding Court Language re. Trial
Courts sometimes use language that you may not be familiar with. More important, sometimes courts use language that does not accurately reflect or fully explain the law. Here is an…
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State Prosecution in Utah Criminal Cases
Geographic Jurisdiction for Criminal Prosecution All felony cases in Utah fall under the jurisdiction of the district courts. These courts have the authority to hear and decide on felony cases,…
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Tempered Glass in Utah Criminal Defense Cases
Understanding the nature of tempered glass can be a key factor in successfully defending a criminal charge where damage to property is an element of the offense or an important…
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Expungement or “Expunction” in Utah?
Can I get an “expunction” of my criminal record in Utah? Legal terminology can be tricky and many states give different meanings to the same word. “Expunction” is a term…
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Arraignment Hearings in Utah Criminal Cases
What should I expect at an arraignment hearing in Utah? In Utah criminal cases, an arraignment hearing is a court proceeding in which a person who has been charged with…
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Intent and Injury in Utah Child Abuse Cases
Child abuse can be prosecuted as one of the most serious crimes on the books in Utah. The laws are intended to protect children, but also cast a broad net…
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Pink Cocaine: What Parents Need to Know
In recent years, a new substance known as “pink cocaine” has emerged, creating concern among parents, educators, and law enforcement. Despite its playful name, pink cocaine is far from harmless.…
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What to Wear to Court: A Client’s Guide
When you appear in court, your attire is crucial in making a positive impression. Dressing appropriately reflects your respect for the legal process and can influence how you are perceived…
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Utah’s Clean Slate Law: Why It Isn’t Working as Intended
In 2019, Utah embarked on an ambitious path toward criminal justice reform with its Clean Slate Law—a bipartisan effort to automatically expunge certain criminal records for individuals who remained offense-free…
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Custodial Interference in Utah
Custody disputes are never easy. Emotions run high, and sometimes decisions made in the heat of the moment lead to serious legal trouble. One such issue is custodial interference—a charge…
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Defending Sex Offenses in Utah
Sex offense cases present unique challenges requiring a nuanced understanding of legal defenses and mitigation strategies.
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What to Do if You or a Loved One Is Arrested in Utah
Few experiences are as unnerving as being arrested or watching a loved one go through the ordeal. Emotions run high, confusion sets in, and the instinct to act impulsively can…