Posted on August 15,2023 in Criminal Defense

Probation violations can have serious consequences that may result in an Order to Show Cause (OSC) hearing. Today, we will discuss what an OSC hearing entails in Utah and provide tips to help you prepare. There is an old saying that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Such can be said about OSC hearings, as preparing for the hearing is essential to keeping your freedom and staying out of jail. Contact a criminal defense lawyer to ensure you are well prepared for your hearing, as this will give you the best chance at a positive hearing outcome.

Understanding the Order to Show Cause Hearing

When a person on probation in Utah is believed to have violated the terms and conditions of their probation, an OSC hearing is scheduled. This hearing is an opportunity for the probationer to respond to the allegations and present evidence or arguments formally.

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 Posted on July 26,2023 in Criminal Defense

Sex crimes are taken very seriously in Utah, and when certain aggravating factors are present, they can enhance the severity of the offense and increase the potential penalties faced by the defendant. Familiarizing oneself with these aggravating factors can provide a clearer understanding of the legal implications associated with sex crimes in Utah. If you have been charged with a sex crime, hire a criminal defense attorney to ensure you have the legal representation you need during this perilous time.

Non Consensual Conduct

Engaging in sexual activity without the consent of the individual is a fundamental aggravating factor in many sex crime cases. Lack of consent highlights a violation of the individual’s autonomy and personal boundaries, which will be taken into account during the legal proceedings.

Age of Individual 

In Utah, if the individual who the sex crime was perpetrated against is particularly vulnerable due to their age, such as being under 14 years old, it is considered an aggravating factor. Crimes against minors often carry heightened penalties to ensure their protection and well-being.

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 Posted on July 17,2023 in Criminal Defense

The intent to distribute drugs is a serious offense that involves proving an individual’s intention to distribute illegal substances. Apart from other crucial factors, the amount of substances found and the presence of paraphernalia, such as bags and scales, play a crucial role in establishing intent. Today, we will explore how these aspects may demonstrate the intent to distribute drugs. If you have been charged with a serious drug crime such as this, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today to ensure the protection of your rights.

The Importance of Substance Amounts 

The amount of drugs possessed is a significant factor in determining the intent to distribute.

Legislators and law enforcement agencies pay attention to large quantities of controlled substances as they suggest a purpose beyond personal use. If the amount exceeds what is typically associated with personal consumption, it can be seen as evidence of an intent to supply or sell.

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 Posted on June 28,2023 in Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with a sex crime, the decision of whether to seek a plea bargain or fight the charges can be difficult. Sex crimes are charged very seriously, and penalties can be devastating if found guilty. If you are facing sex crimes charges, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to obtain the legal representation you need to tactfully guide you through the legal process, all the while seeking a case outcome in your favor.

Here Are Some Considerations to Help Guide Your Decision

Reasons someone may seek a plea bargain include the following:

• A plea deal typically results in lesser charges and penalties. In many cases, accepting a plea deal will lead to a lighter sentence than would have been imposed if you were found guilty after a full trial. This is especially true if the evidence against you is strong or you possess a criminal record.

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 Posted on June 14,2023 in DUI

A metabolite DUI is a category of DUI offenses relating to the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a driver’s bloodstream. Utah is one of the few states that consider driving with any amount of drugs or metabolites in their body as unlawful. Therefore, a metabolite DUI charge is possible in Utah even when a driver has not engaged in driving while impaired. In other words, you can be charged with metabolite DUI even if you are completely sober.

Due to the possibility of unusual circumstances surrounding a metabolite DUI, those charged may have many questions. To protect yourself legally against the charge, contact a criminal defense attorney sooner rather than later to understand fully what you are up against.

Unpacking Metabolite DUIs

Under Utah law, a controlled substance is any drug or chemical listed in the state’s schedules of controlled substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin, as well as prescription medications like opioids and benzos. When a person ingests a controlled substance, their body breaks it down into various metabolites. These metabolites can linger in the person’s bloodstream for a period after the drug’s effects have worn off. Sometimes, a person may test positive for metabolites of a controlled substance even if they have not recently used it.

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 Posted on May 25,2023 in Criminal Defense

There is no question that drug laws in the United States can vary considerably from state to state. Each state, including Utah, has its own set of statutes and penalties regarding certain drug offenses. However, Utah does have strict drug laws in an attempt to dissuade people from using such substances. Today, we are going to explore Utah drug crimes and see what offenses like drug possession and possession with intent to distribute mean for those convicted. If you are facing drug charges in Utah, hire a criminal defense lawyer, as your freedom may be in serious jeopardy.

What Are the Laws Regarding Drug Possession in Utah? 

Utah has strict drug possession laws that are enforced rigorously. Drug possession means possessing controlled substances, such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, or heroin, for personal use. For the first and second time you are charged with drug possession, both will likely be considered a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, you may be imprisoned for one year and receive a $2,500 fine. If you are charged a third time with drug possession, it will likely be categorized as a third-degree felony, bringing with it a potential five-year prison sentence and fines of $5,000.

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 Posted on May 11,2023 in Criminal Defense

In Utah, driving under the influence (DUI) is a grave offense, as is true across virtually all of the United States. For drivers who are repeat-DUI offenders, the results of a conviction can be downright devastating. If you have already been convicted of at least one DUI in the past and you have been charged with another, you need to consider your legal options very seriously, as you are in extreme legal peril. Contact a DUI lawyer to ensure you have an advocate by your side as you face these severe charges.

First and Second Offense DUIs in Utah

In Utah, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.05 percent. If a driver is stopped and is found to have a BAC over the legal limit, they can be arrested and charged with DUI. The penalties for a first-time DUI offense in Utah may include fines, a loss of driving privileges, jail time, community service, alcohol treatment programs, and more. Then, suppose you are arrested for a second DUI within ten years. In that case, the charge is escalated from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor, requiring the accused to spend a minimum of five days in jail, enhanced fines, and required supervised probation.

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 Posted on April 24,2023 in Criminal Defense

Falsely accusing someone of a sex crime is a serious offense, and it can have severe consequences for both the accused and the accuser. Unfortunately, false accusations of sex crimes are not uncommon, and there are several reasons why someone might make an accusation. If you have been falsely accused of committing a sex crime, you must hire legal counsel immediately. Sex crimes are prosecuted aggressively and can have a devastating effect on someone’s life, even if they are able to avoid a conviction.

Why Do False Accusations of Sex Crimes Occur?

First and foremost, false accusations of sex crimes are often motivated by revenge or spite. In some cases, the accuser may be angry at the accused for some reason, such as a perceived slight or rejection. They may make a false accusation to get back at the accused.

Another common reason for false accusations of sex crimes is attention-seeking. Some people crave attention and will go to great lengths to get it, including making false accusations. They may feel that making such an accusation will bring them attention and sympathy for others.

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 Posted on April 17,2023 in Criminal Defense

Being charged with a sex crime can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. In Utah, as is true in virtually every state, sex crimes are prosecuted extremely aggressively. As a result, if you have been charged with a sex crime in Utah, you must take immediate action to ensure your rights are protected and that you can obtain the best possible legal representation.

Here is What You Should Do Immediately 

Here are some steps you should take if you have been charged with a sex crime in Utah, including:

• Seek legal advice – The first thing you should do if you have been charged with a sex crime is to seek legal advice from a qualified criminal defense attorney. Your criminal defense attorney will walk you through the legal process while advocating for your best interests.

• Remain silent – It is important to remember that anything you say to law enforcement or prosecutors can be used against you in court. Therefore, as soon as you have been charged with a sex crime, you should exercise your right to remain silent and not speak with law enforcement or prosecutors without an attorney present.

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 Posted on March 29,2023 in Criminal Defense

A plea deal, sometimes called a plea bargain or plea agreement, is a legal arrangement between the defendant and the prosecution in a criminal case. It involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or one of several charges in exchange for concessions from the prosecutor. Plea deals can be a strategic option for defendants and prosecutors, as they can save time and resources and avoid the uncertainty of going to trial. Today, we will further explore the concept of a plea deal and why such a deal may be relevant to your criminal case. Remember, if you are facing criminal charges, contact a criminal defense attorney to understand your legal rights and options moving forward.

Further Explaining What a Plea Deal Is 

A plea deal is an agreement between the defense and the prosecution in which the defendant pleads guilty or no contest to one or more charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence, reduced charges, or other concessions. Plea deals are often negotiated between the defense attorney and the prosecutor, and a judge must approve them. For the sake of this blog, we will be discussing three types of plea deals, including:

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