by Megan Fowles | Sep 11, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Utah Supreme Court Halts Execution of Ralph Menzies Over Dementia Concerns The high court’s unanimous decision in State v. Menzies, 2025 UT 38, emphasizes that individuals facing execution must have a rational understanding of why the state is executing them....
by Benjamin Keller | Sep 11, 2025 | Criminal Defense
In this appeal the court addressed their standard for review when looking at an issue of a district court’s denial of a motion for a directed verdict. Facts Barner was charged with aggravated robbery after while driving away from a 7-Eleven with a stolen pack of...
by Benjamin Keller | Sep 10, 2025 | Utah Appellate Court Opinions
This appeal involved multiple issues, including the claim that the trial court improperly denied a motion for directed verdict. The Court discussed the proper standard of review for this issue. Facts Diviney was charged with multiple crimes relating to his repeated...
by Megan Fowles | Sep 4, 2025 | Criminal Defense
What’s missing in these moments is not effort or concern. It’s strategy. Defense work is not just about advocacy in the courtroom. It’s about everything that happens before anyone steps inside one. And without a clear, well-developed plan — informed...
by Benjamin Keller | Aug 31, 2025 | Criminal Defense
In this appeal the Utah Supreme Court addressed how courts should interpret statutes and legislative intent behind statutes. Facts Mr. Monarrez attempted to begin a civil action against the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) after he was injured while biking...
by Benjamin Keller | Aug 31, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Relevant Issue How should a court determine the ordinary meaning of nontechnical terms of a statute? Facts Mr. Canton was arrested in Utah and indicted on federal charges for coercion and enticement for illegal sexual activity. Mr. Canton had travelled from New Mexico...
