Assuming I'm understanding correctly with your relative ages, that you will turn 15 in October and your partner will turn 18 in November, the answer is yes. Right now, until you turn 15, consensual sexual activity between you and your partner would be considered unlawful adolescent sexual... View More

The answer to your question is that you have to have whatever mental state is required as an element of a particular crime. Some crimes must be committed intentionally or with intent, in which case yes, they would have to prove intent. Some crimes can be committed knowingly, recklessly, with... View More

The short answer is: maybe. It depends on a several factors. First, when you say absconding, is that from probation or for failure to attend something pre-trial? If it's the former, it will depend in part on the language of his probation agreement. Second, if your fiance was the driver of the... View More

It sounds like whoever set the disposition hearing was under the impression you were ready to change your plea. If you have been arraigned (which is to say you have formally entered a not-guilty plea), that would be the only reason to set it for disposition. Don't worry, though. Unless you go... View More

The short answer is "yes." Prior precedent within the state is referred to as binding or controlling, as lower courts are required to follow it and appellate courts (simply put) would have to overrule it to depart from it. Authority from other jurisdictions is considered... View More

As a general principle, that is completely legal. It's actually the best practice for the police. That being said, that does not mean the warrants can't be challenged for any number of reasons, but you're going to want an attorney to go over them and the surrounding circumstances... View More

While you are generally correct that the statute of limitations in Utah for patronizing a prostitute is 2 years, there are a few important caveats to that. First, if your friend has prior convictions for the same thing or if the prostitutes involved were minors, it could be a third-degree Felony... View More

There's quite a bit going on here, and I would need more information to really evaluate the situation. It sounds like during the initial sweep of the house for intruders, the police may have seen something that prompted them and gave them a basis to get the first warrant. You would need to see... View More

The short answer is, "yes." There is always the possibility of up to six months in jail on a class B misdemeanor. The longer answer is that it depends entirely on the circumstances. Most class B's don't result in jail sentences these days, but the nature of the charges, the... View More

You're correct in that a bail/bond hearing is generally to determine bail, which includes setting, lowering, raising, and revoking it. The issue here is that your husband violated the terms of his release, so the hearing is more than likely based on a motion by the prosecution to determine... View More

The Utah statute of limitations for a class B misdemeanor (which is what providing shelter to a runaway is) is generally two years. I say generally because the running of the limitations period can be tolled (or paused) if and during which the accused leaves the state. It is also important to note... View More

You should call the police in the jurisdiction where the threats were made or received and provide what you have to them. They will assess the credibility of the threats and whether action can and should be taken against your ex.

I agree, at this point, that he should not speak with law enforcement. These cases are nuanced and complicated, and he needs an attorney who has experience with serious sexual allegations in his corner. It may be that working with law enforcement ends up being productive, though, as it can... View More

With respect to the criminal side of things, you just need to call the police in the jurisdiction where the abuse took place. They will take the information you have and investigate further, as needed. As to the civil side, this case would probably come down to the value of the claim. Assuming the... View More

Utah's Good Samaritan Law is different from its welfare check provision, though based on the information you've given, neither appear to apply to this situation. The Good Samaritan Law has to do with a bystander rendering emergency medical aid at the scene of an accident, and it... View More

The standard (and maximum) fine for this offense, which is a class B misdemeanor, is $680. However, Utah courts also, as a matter of course, add a 90% surcharge to such fines. Depending on the circumstances, the fine can often be negotiated to something lower and dropping the surcharge. If that... View More