Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Criminal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Utah Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Do I need my attorney to be in court with me at my sentencing hearing if it is only a class a misdemeanor in Utah
Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Feb 28, 2018

Absolutely. You have a right to be represented at all important junctures in your case. The sentencing is obviously one of thoe times.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Is it legal to receive more charges after being jailed, bailing out and went to court got more charges didn't book me.

So is it legal for the new charge stick with the original case without being booked and released on that newest charge

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Feb 20, 2018

If the case number is the same you needn;t be booked and released again.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Utah on
Q: If you did a crime when you were 14 and no one found out until you were 18 can they still charge you?
Michael S. Edwards
Michael S. Edwards
answered on Feb 8, 2018

It depends on the crime. Misdemeanors have a two year statute of limitation. Most felonies have a four year statute of limitation. However, there are some offenses, like sex offenses and homicides that don't have those limitations. Thus, for those offenses you can be charged as an adult... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Small Claims and Animal / Dog Law for Utah on
Q: what are the law on pet custody in Utah?

My now ex-girlfriend decided to bring a hedgehog to my house. she lives in Missouri. it's been about 2 months and still doesn't know when she is coming back for him. I love him and have grown a strong bond for him. is there a way i can gain legal ownership of this hedgehog?

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Feb 3, 2018

This is an Animal law question, not a criminal law question. Contact an attorney in that specialty.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for Utah on
Q: Does this mean I'm a convicted felon if I took a plea deal? I'm applying for jobs and my employer is asking that ?

So I've already been to court and I was charged with two felonies. One was Possession/Use of Dangerous Drug and the other was Possession/Use of Paraphernalia in the State of Arizona both felonies however I took a plea deal to take 3 years probation with the opportunity to be released at 18... View More

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Feb 1, 2018

If you pled in Arizona you need to consult with an Arizona attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: If a search warrant was issued for my husband who had a warrant for his arrest and the property or home we live

And my husband was am ready in jail do they have a right to still search our home and my purse

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 29, 2018

Without looking at the affidavit in support of the warrant I would be unable to answer the question.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for Utah on
Q: Can my employment throw things away that I was selling in the store after not picking them up 3 days after being let got
Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 28, 2018

This is a property/civil law question - not criminal law.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Utah on
Q: My friend's has my dog and refuses to give her back to me he won't return any calls and now threatens to call animal con

Yeah my friend was left with my dog when I got stranded yesterday and I tried calling him all day and he won't return my phone calls or my text messages and now he responds to me and says I have an hour to come get her or he's calling Animal Control what should I do is that illegal

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 22, 2018

If you feel a crime has been comitted you should call the police.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: can a police officer drive with their headlights off while following a vehicle suspected of a traffic crime?

can a police officer drive with their headlights off (at night / dark) while following a vehicle suspected of a traffic crime?

Catherine Cleveland
Catherine Cleveland
answered on Jan 18, 2018

Sure, why not?

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Immigration Law, Constitutional Law and International Law for Utah on
Q: Which process would be best? Form I-130 or Form I-485?

My mom illegally entered the United States 20 years ago, and has stayed here since then, I am soon turning 21 in July 2018. Which would be the best course of action without her having to return to the mother land?

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 11, 2018

You need to ask an immigration attorney. My practice is limited to criminal defense.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Can an Officer add additional charges after you’ve signed the original citation?

I was issued a citation for an “ilegal turn” on December 6. After the Officer arrived back at the station, he added “driving while license suspended” to my citation. I had NO idea that my license was suspended. Is this legal? Even after I signed the original citation, and wasn’t notified... View More

Catherine Cleveland
Catherine Cleveland
answered on Jan 11, 2018

Yes, the prosecutor can amend the charging document at any time.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Utah on
Q: What is the difference between state indictment and federal indictment?

Any differences in the processes to achieve the indictment or are the essentially the same just at the state and federal level?

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 7, 2018

Outside of the obvious that one is for State Court and one is for Federal Court, is there a deeper meaning to this question?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Expired License and Possession or use of drug paraphanelia

I was pulled over about a mile from my house because my license was expired as they were interoggating me asking me questions about my license and insurance etc. They found in the center console my prescription pill Adderall which was in plain site and not stored in its prescription bottle. I told... View More

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 7, 2018

Ok. What is your question?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: My son is under 18 and got caught selling drugs at school - what kind of charges is he looking at?
Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 5, 2018

Distribution and possession of controlled substances, contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Contact a Juvenille law specialist immediately.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: What is the difference between pre-indictment plea bargaining and post-indictment plea bargaining?
Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 4, 2018

Well the filing of charges obviously. Usually pre-indictment means trying to get the state to NOT file any charges at all. Once they have indicted, they have laid out what they think they can prove in court to get a conviction. At that point plea barganing is to try and get the best deal from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Where in the world is post-indictment plea bargaining illegal?

Is there any country in the world that bans post-indictment plea bargaining, like Queens, the Bronx, or Alaska does?

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 4, 2018

I don't have enough information to answer your question. Please give some details. thanks.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: What would the charges be if two girl cousins kissed ages 15 and 11 and there was some rubbing but no penetration
Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jan 4, 2018

Without much more information there's no way to answer the question.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Can I press criminal defamation charges on someone in Utah if I’m out of state? If no, can I do it at any police state?
Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Dec 21, 2017

Defamation can be slander (something said aloud) or Libel (something you read).

if the statement is made in writing and published in a paper in your state that would arguably be libel.

if oral and said in your state then you could sue in your state.

if only made in utah you...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Domestic Violence for Utah on
Q: I want to see my husband with my kids but they charged him with dv
Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Dec 19, 2017

Not near enough information to help. Call a criminal defense attorney in your area for a consultation.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Utah on
Q: Is holding a cat down and spanking it over and over and then throwing the cat abuse?
Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Dec 11, 2017

Yes. Quit it.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.