Lawsuits brought by criminals against their victims are relatively rare, but they do seem to pop up in the news now and again. The extent to which a crime victim has immunity from a civil lawsuit differs from state to state, but most states recognize that victims should not be given carte blanche to attack their assailants […]
Gender Bias In The Adjudication Of Domestic Violence Cases
A report recently published by Stop Abusive and Violent Environments, a victim-advocacy organization, highlights the failure of the criminal justice system in the United States to fairly adjudicate domestic violence cases. The report cites a number of statistics that show the general landscape of domestic violence across the country and demonstrate the bias against men throughout […]
Why is Cocaine Possession Less than a Top Felony Crime in Utah?
The cocaine possession laws in Utah classify misdemeanor and felony drug possession charges based on the federal drug schedule. Surprisingly, cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance, because the Schedule I drugs are even more dangerous. Even today, doctors may use cocaine as a topical anesthetic immediately prior to certain medical procedures. In fact, this […]
Marijuana Policy Reform Slow To Take Root In Utah
Calls for the reform of Utah’s strict policies toward marijuana have grown louder in recent years — but have fallen on deaf ears in Utah’s legislature. Recently, The Huffington Post spotlighted the story of a Utah woman whose 11-year-old son suffers debilitating seizures as a result of a rare form of epilepsy known as Dravet syndrome. The […]
Shoplifting Is A Serious Offense In The State Of Utah
When it comes to shoplifting in Utah and across the country, there is no typical profile. In a recently reported incident, two parents were accused of devising a scheme in which their 10-year-old son would steal items from a Home Depot store. Police said the boy had been instructed to say his parents intended to pay […]
Reducing A DUI Charge To Impaired Driving-DUI Attorney
For Utah drivers caught drinking under the influence of alcohol, a reduced charge of “impaired driving” presents a good option for resolving a DUI case. A charge of impaired driving does not carry the harsh penalties under Utah law associated with a Utah DUI charge. Unlike a DUI conviction, the reduced charge of impaired driving […]
Reducing A Felony Conviction With A 402 Motion
The adverse collateral consequences of a felony conviction can last for years, if not a lifetime. The severity of these consequences can only truly be understood by those have endured the hardships associated with post-prison life. Some of the enduring consequences of a felony conviction include: Harm to your integrity and reputation Severe reduction of […]