So You’ve Hit A Guy On The Road – What Now? These personal injury incidents are all too common. You’re making your way downtown, driving fast, people passing – and YOU CRASH. You thought I was going to say “You’re homebound” aren’t you? Nah, just checking how well you know your 2000’s playlist (Nice song […]
Bailing Someone Out Of Jail – How Is It Done?
It is frightening and stressful when you find out about the arrest of a loved one or a friend. It is especially traumatic if this is the first time you have had a loved one sent to jail. The law related to bail has changed a lot. It is difficult to keep track of the […]
A Basic Introduction To Plea Bargains
When a crime has been committed, in most cases the chances of a plea bargain being made is high. A plea bargain implies that the case does not go to trial. Instead, the accused pleads guilty and they do not contest the charges. A case going to trial often means more time spent by the […]
Does Criminal Behavior by Utah Children Guarantee Tainted Futures?
Without a doubt, the Utah criminal justice system imposes harsh penalties on convicted criminal offenders. It also provides extensive services to help put troubled youth on the right track before they commit crimes, and even after they become youth offenders. An experienced juvenile defense lawyer can help families in Salt Lake City and elsewhere in […]
How Can I Best Protect My Rights After a Salt Lake City Arrest?
The Miranda rights to remain silent and to call a criminal defense lawyer are well known by anyone familiar with television or film crime dramas. Individuals placed under arrest and taken in to custody in Salt Lake City or elsewhere in Utah may not fully understand the importance of these rights. Falsely accused individuals in […]
Does Law Enforcement Owe A Duty Of Care To Fleeing Suspects?
It has long been established under Utah common law that a law enforcement officer engaged in a high-speed pursuit owes a duty of care to innocent bystanders during the pursuit. Thus, injury to a bystander caused by the negligent driving of an officer during a pursuit can lead to a valid claim against the officer. […]
Do Constitutional Rights Protect Utah Drivers from Alcohol Blood Test Requirements?
The U.S. Constitution provides protection from illegal search and seizure. However, Utah implied consent laws essentially state that licensed drivers understand the legal right of police to conduct chemical tests when they arrest drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). In other words, applying for a Utah license to drive automatically implies that you […]
Why Does the Quantity of Marijuana Make A Big Difference in the Severity of Penalties in Salt Lake City?
Utah law considers intent when classifying marijuana possession charges. It typically assumes that individuals with smaller quantities have it in their possession for personal use. However, once the quantities increase to 16 ounces or more, the law assumes the offender intends to distribute it. Regardless of the quantity of marijuana involved in an arrest, a […]
Can Criminals Sue Their Victims For Injuries Sustained During Their Crime?
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 […]