» Criminal Defense

Can Police Search My Car Without a Warrant in Utah?

Can Police Search My Car Without a Warrant in Utah?

The lights flash in your rearview mirror. You stop the vehicle and hand over your license and registration. Then the police officer asks, “Mind if I look inside your vehicle?” You may be wondering, “can police search my car in Utah?” Most peo… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
Common Legal Rights Violations in Criminal Cases.

Common Legal Rights Violations in Criminal Investigations

The Constitution and its amendments place strict limitations on government power. They restrict what law enforcement agents can lawfully do during an investigation and protect individual freedoms from abuse. When law enforcement officers violate a pe… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
Are Federal Criminal Defense Different from State Defense?

What Makes Federal Criminal Defense Different from State Defense?

One of the most important yet least understood issues in a criminal case is who brings the charges. A person can be charged under state or federal law, depending on the nature of the alleged criminal conduct and the law(s) they were charged with viol… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
Understanding Factual Innocence.

Understanding Factual Innocence

Factual innocence means a person did not commit a crime. It is different from a case dismissal, lack of evidence, or being found not guilty. Instead, it refers to a situation in which “a person did not engage in the conduct for which the person was… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
What is Obstruction of Justice in Utah.

What is Obstruction of Justice in Utah

Obstruction of justice is a serious crime that carries harsh penalties. Utah prosecutors take cases of obstruction of justice seriously and prosecute them aggressively. Defenses are available, but these cases can be complicated, and the stakes are hi… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
Understanding Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences.

Understanding Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentences

Individuals facing charges for multiple crimes need to understand the difference between concurrent and consecutive sentences. While the judge has the final authority to decide the sentence to impose, understanding how the judge decides between concu… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in a Criminal Case.

What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in a Criminal Case

Being charged with a crime is a serious matter, and you are expected to attend all court hearings in your case. Regardless of whether you were charged with a felony, a misdemeanor, or a traffic violation, the consequences of missing a court date can… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
What to Do If You’ve Been Falsely Accused of a Crime in Utah.

What to Do If You’ve Been Falsely Accused of a Crime in Utah

Being falsely accused of a crime you did not commit is a traumatic experience that can permanently affect your life, your livelihood, and your future. You could be facing possible jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. You must act… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
How Character Evidence Can Affect Your Criminal Case.

How Character Evidence Can Affect Your Criminal Case

The Rules of Evidence dictate what evidence the jury can and cannot consider and can play a key role in the outcome of a criminal case. Judges enjoy considerable discretion in applying the Rules of Evidence and deciding whether to allow or exclude ev… Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense
What is a Rule 35 Motion in Federal Criminal Cases.

What is a Rule 35 Motion in Federal Criminal Cases

A Rule 35 Motion can reduce a defendant’s sentence in a federal criminal case. Under Rule 35, a federal district court judge may, at the government’s request, reduce the punishment imposed upon a defendant who provided “substantial assistance  Read More
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Categories: Criminal Defense