Three Restaurants Robbed by Same Man

Posted on March 8, 2012 by lawyer

Earlier this week police responded to three different robbery reports on the same night. The business that were hit were a Wendy’s, a Subway, and a KFC, all in Salt Lake County. The customers that were in the restaurants all gave the officers the same description of the thief, white male, 35-45 years old, bald or buzz cut with a slight goatee, wearing a brown or black hoodie with a Vans logo. There is no report that the man had a weapon but at each location he handed a note to the employee demanding the money. The man has still not been apprehended but police are concerned because they say this is a very brazen act to rob three locations in a matter of something like 90 minutes.

Utah Robbery and Theft Laws

The severity of any theft crime in Utah is dependent on the amount of goods stolen. In the instance above it is unclear how much money the man made off with but it is clear that he will be charged with three separate crimes and the results of that may be an enhancement in the crime or punishment. Theft Laws are very broad and include everything from clear robberies like the one described above to simply removing or changing a price tag on merchandise.

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney | Salt Lake County Robbery Defense

If you have been charged with a theft crime then you need the help of an attorney to make sure that your rights are protected and to make sure that you aren’t paying for a crime that you didn’t commit or aren’t paying for a greater punishment then you deserve. If you are looking for an attorney in Salt Lake County to take your Robbery defense case then call the lawyers at Utah Defenders. We can help you obtain the best outcome available while reducing the stress and uncertainty involved with this situation.

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Duchesne Schools Starting Drug Testing

Posted on February 27, 2012 by lawyer

The Duchesne County School Board has approved random drug testing for students that are participating in extracurricular activities and those kids whose parents opt them in to the program. The school board says that they want to use this drug testing as deterrent, and those testing positive could face a two-week suspension on the first offense. Even more detrimental obviously will be the legal ramifications because the school will be sharing the results with the police. Such juvenile charges could involve loss of driving privileges, community service, and detention. Although the schools can justify this infringement on privacy because students have to in essence opt into the program by choosing to participate in extracurricular activities it is a shame that students will have to make a decision between giving up their rights and liberty to be able to enjoy things like sports and other extracurricular activities.

Juvenile Crimes in Utah

Along with possession of drugs, another serious crime in Utah for juveniles is Unlawful Consumption, or Minor in Possession of Alcohol. The law in Utah is refered to as the “not-a-drop” rule, and it includes the possession, consumption or purchasing of alcohol. One of the best defenses to most of these cases is that the search or seizure that produced the evidence was unlawful and unconstitutional.

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney | Juvenile Crimes

If you or your child has been charged with a crime then you need the help of an attorney right away. Juvenile crimes can have a huge impact on the future of a young person and as such you cannot just leave it up to chance. Call or email Utah Defenders today to see how we can help you in your case. We offer free consultations and can help you understand the process and the possible outcomes. Call us today to set up an appointment.

 

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Voyeurism | Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer

Posted on February 22, 2012 by utahdefenders

Salt Lake Voyeurism Defense Attorneys

Criminal defense attorneys in the Salt Lake City area often represent people throughout Utah for voyeurism charges.  Voyeurism, which is often called a “Peeping-Tom” crime, is easy to commit, but the penalties that accompany a conviction of it are much harder to overcome.  The severity of a voyeurism charge and conviction is why any person in Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo, or St. George charged with this crime should contact a Utah criminal defense lawyer from Utah Defenders immediately. A Utah criminal defense lawyer can protect individuals from self-incriminating themselves and help them from making a bad situation worse.

How Does Utah Law Define Voyeurism?

Utah State law defines voyeurism into three different categories of offenses.  Voyeurism can be charged as a 2nd or 3rd degree felony, a class A misdemeanor, or a class B misdemeanor.  A person is guilty of a 3rd degree felony when he intentionally uses a device like an electronic devise like a camera to secretly record an individual’s body without the knowledge of the person under circumstances in which the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and the victim of the voyeurism was under 14 years old. If the images obtained in this way are disseminated in some way, the charge is a 2nd degree felony.  If the victim is older than 14 years old, the charge for the act of voyeurism is a class A misdemeanor, and the dissemination of the image is a 3rd degree felony.

When a person doesn’t use any type of electronic recording device, but simply views a person under the same circumstances as above, an individual can be charged with a class B misdemeanor or a class A misdemeanor if the victim is under 14 years old.  A person doesn’t have to show any skin in order for a voyeur to be charged with voyeurism.  In this way it’s a different type of sex crime such as child pornography.  This means that someone living in Utah could conceivably be charged with voyeurism if he looks through a fence at his neighbor.  With the ease a Utah prosecutor could charge a person with voyeurism, it’s important for people to have their legal rights protected by hiring a Utah criminal defense lawyer.

Voyeurism Defense With a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with voyeurism in Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo, St. George, or anywhere else in Utah, contact a voyeurism defense lawyer from Salt Lake based Utah Defenders.  Our attorneys have experience defending many different types of criminal charges, including voyeurism.  Consultations are free so call us today at 801.893.1787.

 

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Marijuana Bust Near Utah Border | Salt Lake Weed Defense Lawyer

Posted on February 15, 2012 by utahdefenders

More than 200 pounds of marijuana was retrieved after a traffic stop on a vehicle just across the Utah border today. The truck was pulling a trailer hauling automobiles. The trooper found the semi truck was not authorized to be hauling the load and had forged the log book. Following the stop the trooper did a search of the trailer and found loads of marijuana in a couple of the trunks on some of the vehicles. The weed that was seized was high grade with a street value of approximately 1.7 million dollars. The Wyoming troopers believe the product was grown in California and was headed for the Detroit, Michigan area. The driver was charged with felony distribution.

For more information view the video below posted on KSL:

Salt Lake City Marijuana Defense Attorney

If you or someone you know has been charged with a serious marijuana distribution charge or other felony drug crime, call us now for a free consultation. At Utah Defenders, our team of advocates have helped many people just like the individual mentioned above, who are charged with distribution and similar charges. While some states have relatively relaxed pot laws, Utah is definitely not one of them. You do not have to go through this alone, call us today at 801.618.1334.

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Utah Traffic Offenses that Can Result in a Lawful Stop by Police

Posted on February 15, 2012 by utahdefenders

Utah Traffic Stops and Search and Seizure

Many if not most people who are charged with crimes are charged as a result of being pulled over by a police officer and then after one thing leads to another a search and seizure takes place and incriminating evidence is found.  This is especially true in Utah DUI cases and drug crimes.  The problem is that the Utah Code is so extensive on the issue of traffic offenses that anything can constitute a traffic crime.  Utah law enforcement can find a traffic violation anytime they want to and use it as a pretense to pull you over and try to search your car.

Below are some examples of traffic violations that law enforcement uses time and again in order pull people over and search their vehicles.

  • Speeding;
  • Failing to stop before a sidewalk in a parking lot;
  • Stopping in a crosswalk;
  • Failing to operate within one lane;
  • Failing to signal when changing lanes;
  • Following too close to another vehicle;
  • Failing to yield the right of way;
  • Malfunctioning headlamps, tail lights, and other lamps;
  • Malfunctioning license plate lights;
  • Missing license plate;
  • No insurance turns up when checked on the state database.

Challenging the Stop

One of the primary defenses in any search and seizure case is to challenge the stop.  As shown above, however, it is not very difficult to find a reason to pull someone over.  What’s interesting is that in spite of the many different legal excuses cops have to pull someone over they, cops still mess up all the time and pull people over for no reason whatsoever.

Many law enforcement agencies have dash cam videos that record the entire stop of a vehicle.  It is very possible that such a video exists in your case, and if so, we will get it.  These videos are key pieces of evidence and can make or break your case.  One we have that video we can quickly determine whether it would make sense to file a motion challenging the stop.

Our firm has been very successful in getting cases dismissed based on illegal stops.  If you are facing charges that stem from an automobile stop and a search and seizure, contact our Utah criminal defense lawyers at 801.618.1334.

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Second DUI in Salt Lake and the FOCUS Program

Posted on February 15, 2012 by utahdefenders

If you have been charged with a Second DUI in Salt Lake County, you may qualify to participate in what is called the FOCUS program which is provided by Salt Lake County Probation Services.  Among other things, FOCUS allows the court to cut the mandatory jail sentence required by statute in half.

If you have been charged with a second DUI in Salt Lake County, call us at 801.618.1334 for a consultation.

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DUI Laws in Utah | DUI Lawyer in Utah

Posted on February 12, 2012 by utahdefenders

If you have been charged with drunk driving in Utah, you are facing serious penalties in a very tough system. The DUI laws in Utah seem to get tougher every year. Over the past few years the state legislature has enacted additional laws making it even tougher on individuals who drink and get behind the wheel in this state. As such, it is extremely important that you hire an experienced DUI lawyer in Utah if you are facing these charges. Whether it is your first, second, or multiple DUI charge, you need a team who can give you the best chance of getting your case resolved in this best manner possible. Make sure you hire a team with knowledge of the latest changes to the laws in Utah and someone who knows how each of the different local courts and judges treat individuals in these cases. For specifics on the laws which may be applicable to your case, read below.

Utah Driver’s License Suspension

Many people do not realize when they have been charged with a DUI in Utah, they are facing the possible suspension of their driver’s license. Most of us rely heavily on our ability to driver, whether that is to get us to and from work, school, or anywhere else, we all need the ability to drive. You should be aware that unless you provide proper notice and request to the Driver’s License Division for a hearing on your license suspension, you could automatically lose your driving privileges for at least 120 days, possibly more if this it is a second or third offense. To get your DLD hearing requested in a timely manner, call us today and speak with one of our Utah DUI attorneys now, 801.618.1334.

Interlock Restricted Drivers

In many cases, the individual charged faces the possibility of an interlock restriction. This means that the individual is not allowed to drive any vehicle without an interlock device. This is a machine that requires you to blow into a device before the care may be operated. The device checks for alcohol on your breath. If at the time your were arrested for DUI, your BAC was above a certain amount, you may be interlock restricted. Additionally, if you have a prior DUI, you may be restricted in this manner.

Fines, Jail, Community Service, Etc.

Of the laws impose many other potential penalties on a DUI offender other than the ones cited above. A fine, community service, and potential jail time, are all possibilities in almost any case. This is why it is so important to have an attorney. With so many different potential penalties the court may impose, it helps to have lawyer navigate the system for you put forward your best defense.

Free Consultation – We Fight For You!

Don’t take a chance with just any lawyer. The Utah Defenders fight for your rights. We never just roll over for the prosecution. We enjoy fighting for our clients and giving them their best defense. We are not the type of law firm to just go to court and hope for the best. We prepare each case as if we are fighting it the distance and we often do just that. We have a great track record of success and have won both at the DLD hearing and at court. We understand what it takes to most successfully resolve your case. Call us today. You can sign up right over the phone or we provide free consultations in our office. We look forward to your call.

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Couple Steals Grandparent’s Silverware

Posted on January 19, 2012 by lawyer

A 22-year-old Salt Lake woman and her 30-year-old boyfriend were living with the woman’s grandparents, when some things started to go missing. The grandparents first noticed missing silverware back in November, and then a number of other things turned up gone as well. In total the missing property totals around $4,000. The property was later located on a database of items sold at pawn shops, but the items had already been sold. Eventually the granddaughter and her boyfriend admitted to stealing the property and selling it to the pawn shops, they have been charged with third-degree felony theft.

Utah Theft Laws

A simple criminal concept like theft, has blossomed into a very thorough and complex statutory scheme. Theft laws differ on how the theft was committed (deception, extortion, lost property, etc…) and the severity of the charge is based on the value of the stolen items. For example, in the case above the granddaughter and her boyfriend are being charged with third degree felonies because the value of the goods stolen was in between $1,500 and $5,000. If the value was over $5,000 then they would be facing second degree felonies. Although, the idea behind theft can be pretty simple, don’t take what is not yours, the criminal charges associated with theft can get very complicated and very severe, quickly.

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

If you live in Utah and are looking for a criminal defense attorney then call the lawyers at Utah Defenders. Whether you are looking for a Utah Theft Attorney or any other type of Criminal Defense Lawyer, the attorneys at Utah Defenders can help. Our team of professionals are experienced in criminal defense and know how to protect your rights and get the best outcome available for you. Whether you are in Salt Lake City, Ogden or Provo, the lawyers at Utah Defenders can be at your side in court to help you deal with this tough time of your life. Call or email us today to set up a free consultation.

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Beware of Drug Informants

Posted on January 13, 2012 by utahdefenders

Utah Drug Defense Lawyer

Police departments have drug task forces that are concerned only with finding and arresting drug dealers for drug distribution.  In order to do this they set up sophisticated stings and set-ups to try to lure suspects into police traps and then they tag them with felony charges which could result in prison time.

A significant part of drug task forces are the informants.  Police will arrest a low level user or dealer and then hold trumped-up charges over their heads in order to persuade him to rat out someone higher.  When informants get involved they provide an additional hurdle because they have all the incentive in the world to protect themselves at the expense of everybody else.

Informant will call and ask to be met at a certain place and at a certain time in order purchase drugs.  They may be wearing a wire or may be under surveillance so that the drug task force can hear and see everything that is going on.  With electronic surveillance they will more easily be able to prove their case.

Let Us Protect You Against Informant Testimony

Although informant’s can create hurdles and other challenges in a Utah criminal drug case, a good attorney may be able to protect you from the informant’s involvement depending on how the informant is involved, his own criminal history, and what type of deal the police made with him.  The informant’s credibility may be attacked if he has a personal interest in testifying so as to protect himself.  Such a personal interest may weaken the State’s case and you will need experienced legal counsel to capitalize on every weakness available.

Contact Us If You Have Drug Distribution Charges

If you are facing drug distribution charges anywhere in Utah, call our criminal defense lawyers.  We’ll provide you the defense services that you will need to protect your interests.  Call us at 801.618.1334

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Failure to Disclose Identity | Salt Lake Criminal Defense

Posted on January 10, 2012 by utahdefenders

Police Ability to Stop and Question People in Utah

We take many freedoms for granted in Utah and the rest of the United States.  One such freedom is the freedom of movement.  People in the United States are free to move within the country unimpeded by government actions or restraints.  People don’t have to carry papers with them authorizing their movement from when area to another.  If not involved in an illegal activity such as a drug crime, there are no criminal penalties for moving across states lines.  People in Utah are generally free to walk down the street without government intervention.  Utah law does, however, allow police to stop and talk to people under specific circumstances.  If people do not answer certain police questions, then they could be charged with a crime under Utah law.  It’s important for those being questioned by police from Salt Lake, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and the rest of Utah to understand what they are required to tell police and what they don’t have to disclose.  A Salt Lake area criminal defense lawyer can help those being questioned by Utah police officers.

Failure to Disclose Identity

Utah Code 77-7-15 says that a Utah police officer can stop any person in a public place when he has a reasonable suspicion the person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime.  The officer may demand the person’s name, address, and an explanation of his actions.  If a person is stopped and questioned under these circumstances, the person is required by Utah Code 76-8-301.5 to disclose his identity.  Failure to disclose identity is a class B misdemeanor.

There are limitations to this law, however.  The demand for the disclosure of identity must be reasonably related to the circumstances justifying the stop and the disclosure of identity does not self-incriminate the person in the commission of a crime.  People aren’t usually subject to these limitations since they can easily be overcome.  What these laws mean then is that a Utah police officer is able to stop a person and question him or her, but the person only need provide identity information; the person does not need to explain what he or she is doing or any other information.  If you are ever questioned by Utah police in a public place, provide identity information or you could be charged with failure to disclose identity, but you need not reveal anything else to the officers.

Identity Crime? Contact the Utah Defenders

If you have been charged with failure to disclose identity or another identity crime contact the Utah criminal defense lawyers from the Salt Lake based Utah Defenders.  Our Utah criminal defense lawyers service those living in all parts of Utah including the Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo, and St. George areas.  Consultations with a lawyer are free so don’t hesitate to speak with a criminal defense lawyer today by calling 801.618.1334.

 

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