Category: Criminal Defense
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Why Are Utah’s Sexual Offense Laws So Complicated?
Utah’s sexual offense laws are among the most detailed in the country — and for good reason. These laws aren’t built on a single rule or one-size-fits-all standard. They’re shaped…
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People Deserve a Second Chance
In the criminal justice system, the most lasting consequence isn’t always prison or probation. It’s the quiet erasure of identity.
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Why Stone River Law Wins Where Others Don’t
People come to us seeking more than just a good criminal defense lawyer—they need someone they can trust with their future. At Stone River Law, we build trust into everything…
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Utah Court of Appeals Reverses Convictions in State v. Mclain Over Right to Counsel Violation
The Utah Court of Appeals has reversed the convictions of Michael Charles Mclain, who had been convicted on five counts of child sexual abuse, including three counts of rape of…
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Probable Cause vs. Reasonable Articulable Suspicion
“The Fourth Amendment wasn’t written for people with nothing to hide any more than the First Amendment was written for people with nothing to say.”― Dave Kruegertags
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Utah Appeals Court Overturns “Failure to Stop” Conviction in State v. Clegg, 2025 UT App 61
When can a person legally be charged for ignoring a police command? In State v. Clegg (2025 UT App 61), the Utah Court of Appeals tackled that question and clarified…
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Cedar City v. McCraw (2025 UT App 123)
The Utah Appeals Court has recently released an opinion vacating Criminal Mischief and Domestic Violence convictions for Jennifer McCraw based on claims of Ineffective Counsel. McCraw has been granted a…
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State v. McDonald (2025 UT App 172)
The Utah Court of Appeals has thrown out an aggravated assault conviction after finding that the defense attorney gave jurors the wrong definition of the word “likely.” This mistake confused…
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Red-Collar Crime: When White-Collar Criminals Turn Violent
“Violence can only be concealed by a lie, and the lie can only be maintained by violence.” — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
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Blue-Collar Crime: Direct and Detectable
“It’s about your breaking point. Everyone has one. You can be pushed so far before you break before you react and lash out.” — John Macken
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Sex Offenses in Our Culture: Why You Need an Experienced Defense Lawyer
Sex offenses occupy a unique—and often misunderstood—place in our culture. While society views all crimes seriously, the reaction to sex crimes is often more emotional, more visceral, and more unforgiving…
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Understanding Child Abuse Allegations in Utah: DCFS Involvement, Custody Implications, and False Claims
Facing child abuse charges in Utah is life-altering. Beyond the possibility of criminal penalties, these cases often involve the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), which can affect…