Provo Criminal Defense Blog
Utah Criminal Law Blog
Plain-English answers from Utah criminal defense attorney Jake Gunter about charges, courts, DUI, expungements, and what happens next.
Utah Retail Theft Laws: Shoplifting, Penalties, and Your Rights
Understand Utah retail theft laws, including shoplifting definitions, criminal charges from misdemeanor to felony, and new 2026 mandatory jail provisions for repeat…
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Can a Utah Jury Be Told the Punishment for a Crime? Understanding State v. Blair
A recent Utah Court of Appeals decision clarifies why juries generally should not be informed of offense classifications or potential sentences in criminal trials.
Read articleHow to Appeal a Utah DCFS Supported Finding
Received a Utah DCFS Notice of Agency Action? Learn the 30-day deadline, severe vs. non-severe findings, and how to challenge a supported finding.
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My Child Was Charged With a Wildlife Crime in Utah: What Happens Next?
Learn what happens when a minor is charged with a wildlife crime in Utah, including justice court, nonjudicial adjustment, hunting-license suspensions, and expungement.
Read articleUtah DUI Actual Physical Control: You Do Not Have to Be Driving to Be Charged
Utah DUI law does not always require proof of driving. Learn how “actual physical control” works under Utah law and what State v. Wahlstrom means for DUI cases.
Read articleHow to Expunge a Juvenile Record in Utah
Learn how juvenile record expungement works in Utah, including eligibility, adjudications, nonjudicial adjustments, hearings, and record sealing.
Read articleUtah Hunting Residency Fraud: When a False Resident Tag Can Become a Felony
Accused of falsely claiming Utah residency for a hunting tag? Learn Utah residency rules, tag-fraud charges, trophy-animal felony exposure, license suspensions, and the…
Read articleCan a 19-Year-Old Be Prosecuted in Utah Juvenile Court?
Learn when a 19-year-old can face Utah Juvenile Court proceedings for conduct alleged at age 14 or 15 and when jurisdiction may extend to age 25.
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Can Police Question a Juvenile Without a Parent in Utah?
police-question-juvenile-without-parent-utahCan Utah police question a juvenile without a parent? Learn the rules for juvenile interrogations, Miranda rights, attorneys,…
Read articleWhen Can a Utah Court Reject a Witness’s Testimony as “Inherently Improbable”?
When can a Utah court reject witness testimony as inherently improbable? Learn the demanding standard Utah courts apply in criminal cases.
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