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 »
Key Updates in Utah’s 2025 Prostitution Laws Big changes have arrived in Utah’s prostitution statutes. In 2025, the Utah Legislature passed significant amendments affecting how prostitution, patronizing, and aiding prostitution are prosecuted and penalized. The updated laws are tougher on repeat offenders and introduce new protections for victims and witnesses of violent crimes. Here’s a breakdown… Read more »
CALL/TXT UTAH CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY (801) 373-6345 The Utah Legislature has passed an amendment to the state’s sexual extortion laws in the 2025 General Session. Already signed by the governor, the revised 76-5b-204 expands the legal definition of sexual extortion and introduces tougher penalties, particularly for crimes involving minors, vulnerable adults, or acts committed… Read more »
What Can You Expunge from Your Utah Record? Did you know you can expunge multiple types of records in Utah? Clearing your record can open doors to better job opportunities, housing, and professional licenses. You may be eligible to expunge: ✅ Traffic tickets ✅ Criminal convictions ✅ Criminal charges ✅ DNA records ✅ Evictions ✅… Read more »
Understanding the Utah Criminal Court Process Many Utah criminal defendants in Utah often ask: “How long is this going to take?” “Why do I have to keep going to court without any progress?” “Why isn’t the prosecutor responding?” “This process feels so unfair!” If you’ve been charged with a crime in Utah, you’re likely frustrated… Read more »
Understanding the Right to an Impartial Jury in Utah u In Utah and across the United States, the right to an impartial jury is a fundamental aspect of the criminal justice system. Both the U.S. Constitution (Sixth Amendment) and Article I, Section 12 of the Utah Constitution guarantee that an accused person will be tried… Read more »
“The fundamental purpose served by the preliminary examination is the ferreting out of groundless and improvident prosecutions.” State v. Anderson, 612 P.2d 778, 783 (Utah 1980) Utah’s Constitution requires preliminary exams to be conducted on Class A and Felony charges. They are an important and critical point in any serious criminal charge. Call/TXT Utah… Read more »
Reckless driving in Utah is classified as criminal speeding and is a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted, penalties can include: Up to 6 months in county jail (prison time not possible). Fines ranging from $690 (bail schedule) to a maximum of $1,500. Reckless driving convictions can have far-reaching consequences beyond fines and jail time. They… Read more »
Interlocks are required for alcohol related driving under the influences convictions. Utah law does not require the installation of an interlock devices when the underlying conviction does not involve alcohol. Utah Code 41-6a-518(2)(e) states: This section does not apply to a person convicted of a violation of Section 41-6a-502 whose violation does not involve alcohol…. Read more »
Understanding the distinction between expert and lay testimony is vital for anyone involved in a criminal case in Utah. Whether you are the defendant, a lawyer, or a concerned party, knowing how these forms of testimony influence a case can make all the difference. This guide delves into the critical differences, the roles of expert… Read more »
