Recent Utah Criminal Defense Results – September 2024
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Utah criminal defense attorney Jake Gunter is committed to providing dedicated and aggressive representation for his clients. Below are some of the latest case results from September 2024, showcasing his thorough and prepared approach to defense.
Fully Litigated Forcible Sexual Abuse Case Results (Felony 2)
- Charge: Forcible Sexual Abuse, Felony 2 (carries up to 15 years in prison and a 10-year sex offense registry).
- Location: Salt Lake County
Summary: A disgruntled ex-girlfriend, who had been evicted and charged with criminal mischief, accused our client of touching her while she was asleep and under post-surgery medication.
Key Points:
- Cross-Examination Breakthrough: Attorney Gunter cross-examined the accuser and exposed a material lie. As a result, the Salt Lake County Attorney’s Office investigated her for perjury, interviewing Attorney Gunter as a witness.
- Long Legal Battle: The client faced a lengthy process involving three judges and four prosecutors. Just a week before the jury trial, the case was dismissed.
- Thorough Pretrial Preparation: We prepared over 1,000 pages of additional evidence, including social media messages and public records, demonstrating the accuser’s dishonesty.
Juvenile Substantiation Hearing for Sexual Abuse Case Results
- Charge: Juvenile client charged with felony sexual assault.
- Outcome: Settled for a lesser finding of physical abuse.
Summary: The client, impaired by mushrooms, lacked the mental capacity (mens rea) to form intent for sexual assault. During direct examination, the case settled for a lesser charge.
Key Points:
- Strategic Subpoena: The defense subpoenaed the complainant’s mother, who had been recorded expressing disbelief in her daughter’s claims. Upon seeing her mother in court, the prosecution decided to settle.
- Favorable Outcome: While DCFS sexual abuse findings are never expungable, physical abuse findings can be expunged after 10 years, significantly reducing long-term impact for the client.
Not Guilty Verdict in Forcible Sexual Abuse Case (West Jordan District Court)
- Charge: Forcible Sexual Abuse with an alcohol-related offense.
- Outcome: Not Guilty Verdict
Summary: A 17-year-old accused the client of inappropriate touching during a moving incident. After a three-day trial, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict.
Key Points:
- Expert Testimony: The defense hired a private investigator, a former police officer, to analyze the truck involved. Their investigation showed that due to the truck’s height and the client’s stature, it was physically impossible for him to have committed the offense.
- Severance of Charges: The defense successfully severed the alcohol-related charge from the felony sexual abuse charge, reducing potential jury bias related to alcohol involvement.
Case Results: Custodial Interference Charges Dismissed (Orem Justice Court)
- Charge: Custodial Interference.
- Outcome: Charges Dismissed
Summary: The client, a mother, was accused by a hostile ex-husband of refusing to return their child.
Key Points:
- Psychiatric Expert Witness: The defense enlisted a psychiatrist as an expert witness who informed Orem City police that returning the child could pose a danger.
- Remote Testimony: To save costs and facilitate the expert testimony, the defense successfully moved to allow the psychiatrist to testify remotely from New York.
- Case Dismissed: The charges were dismissed shortly before trial, securing a favorable outcome for the client.
Call or Text Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Jake Gunter Today!
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Utah, don’t delay. Jake Gunter has a proven track record of securing positive results for clients in complex cases.
Call or text (801) 373-6345 for a free consultation and let us defend your rights.
Why Choose Gunter Criminal Defense?
At Provo Criminal Defense, we handle a variety of criminal cases, including sexual abuse, juvenile charges, and custody-related offenses. Our team works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through trial or negotiated settlements.
