May 01, 2025
What Is an Interdicted Person in Utah? In Utah, an interdicted person is defined as: “A person to whom the sale, offer for sale, or furnishing of an alcoholic product is prohibited by law or court order.” – Utah Code § 32B-1-102(58) Simply put, an interdicted person is legally barred from possessing or consuming… Read more »
April 23, 2025
Understanding Civil and Criminal Contempt in Utah: Key Differences and Procedures Contempt of court in Utah is a critical judicial tool used to enforce court orders and maintain the judiciary’s authority. Whether you’re a litigant, attorney, or party facing contempt, understanding the differences between civil and criminal contempt is essential to navigate Utah’s legal system… Read more »
April 22, 2025
What’s New in Utah’s 2025 Criminal History Law? In a groundbreaking move, Utah’s 2025 law prohibits public employers from disqualifying job applicants from initial interviews based on their criminal history. This legislation offers a fresh start for thousands of Utah residents seeking employment. Key Protections Under the Law Prior Criminal Convictions: No limitations on felonies or… Read more »
April 18, 2025
In 2025, Utah introduced sweeping changes to its sex crime laws, targeting sexual misconduct by educators with adult high school students aged 18-21. These laws, enacted to protect students and uphold professional standards, classify consensual sexual acts between teachers and students as third-degree felonies, carrying severe penalties. Below, we explore the key elements of this… Read more »
April 18, 2025
Utah’s 2025 Incapacitated Person Law: 10-Year Mandatory Sentences for Sex Crimes As of May 7, 2025, Utah’s revised criminal code introduces stricter penalties for rape, object rape, and forcible sodomy against “incapacitated individuals,” mandating a 10-year-to-life prison sentence. House Bill 127, also known as Ashley’s Law, aims to protect vulnerable populations but raises significant concerns… Read more »
April 15, 2025
Introduction to Utah’s Updated Firearms Law On May 7, 2025, Utah’s legislature introduced significant amendments to Utah Code 76-10-508 and 76-10-508.1, which govern the unlawful discharge of firearms. These changes refine existing regulations, offering exemptions for specific groups and clarifying rules for official duties. If you’re a gun owner, farmer, or law enforcement officer in Utah, understanding these… Read more »
April 11, 2025
A New Chance to Reclaim Your Rights in Utah Utah’s criminal justice system took a bold step forward in 2025 with HB0049, a law that empowers individuals to restore their civil rights through 402 sentence reductions. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, this new amendment to Utah Code 78B-1-105 could allow you to serve… Read more »
April 10, 2025
Utah’s legal system has seen a significant shift in 2025 with the passage of House Bill 226 (HB226), a law that amends the state’s bail statutes to address concerns about flight risk, particularly for individuals not lawfully present in the United States. This change, now codified in Utah Code § 77-20-201, introduces a rebuttable presumption… Read more »
April 10, 2025
New Utah Law Adds Phenibut and Tianeptine to Schedule 1 Drugs in 2025 As of 2025, Utah has updated its Controlled Substances Act with a significant change that impacts residents, healthcare providers, and legal professionals alike. Two substances—Phenibut and Tianeptine—have been classified as Schedule 1 drugs, placing them in the same category as some of… Read more »
April 10, 2025
New Utah Law HB0195 Protects Gun Owners in Plea in Abeyances Utah’s 2025 legislative update through HB0195 is making headlines — and for good reason. Among the several firearm-friendly reforms, one provision has significant implications for criminal defendants who own guns: a plea in abeyance agreement can no longer require gun forfeiture unless the individual… Read more »