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Utah Criminal Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law and Agricultural Law for Utah on
Q: So my grandmother before she passed took me down to the bank and

Quick claimed 3.25 million dollars worth of property into my name and once she passed the her daughters my mom and aunt foraged another quick claim deed into there names and sold the properties and I need help to bring them to justice and get whatever I can out of it.

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Aug 13, 2021

This issue is a Probate/Real Estate issue. And it is called a Quit Claim Deed.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Why would a bail/bond hearing be scheduled after someone was released from jail?

My husband was arrested for assault and DV in the presence of a child and posted bail the next day. He violated the no contact order by coming back into the house right after being released. He now has a bail/bond hearing, but I thought that was so a judge could determine bail.

Lance E. Bastian
Lance E. Bastian
answered on Aug 9, 2021

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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: What is the statute of limitations for providing shelter to a runaway
Lance E. Bastian
Lance E. Bastian
answered on Jul 28, 2021

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

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: I have proof of my ex wife threatening to beat up and/or kill my significant other and find my kids. What should I do?

What should I do with that information?

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Jul 26, 2021

Call the police.

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: My husband has been accused of inappropriate behavior with a very close friends 17 year old daughter.

Police have asked for him to come answer questions??

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Jun 29, 2021

Do not speak to law enforcement. You need to contact an attorney immediately. These are extremely serious allegations.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Utah on
Q: Are there any legal recourses against pet care-giver who gets your pet high, allows it to swallow pot almost killing pet

We dropped off our very small dog to a care-giver supposedly vetted by a larger company (like an air bnb - you find a care-giver in your area with ratings or close by). When we went to pick him up he was extremely lethargic. Care-giver said he was just tired. It didn't make sense. Our dog was... View More

Lance E. Bastian
Lance E. Bastian
answered on May 26, 2021

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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: My brother is in jail he’s have charge for aggravated sexual abuse of child in Orem Utah he’s no got sentenced yeah

He’s never went to jail before no trouble I wondering we can finder lawyer for reduction the years in prison?

Lane Wood
Lane Wood
answered on May 21, 2021

You brother is facing a very serious charge. The charges potentially carry a sentence of 15 years to life. The statute does allow a reduced term in certain circumstances. You absolutely should be looking for legal representation to assist in this type of case.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: is my drivers license no longer suspended after paying an old speeding ticket

my drivers license in nevada was suspended after not paying a speeding ticket i got in 2013. today i paid the ticket and it’s now paid off and no longer in warrant status. i now live in utah, after taking care of the ticket today is my license no longer suspended? i know i need to get my license... View More

Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on May 11, 2021

You will need to have your driving "privilege" reinstated in Nevada which will involve paying the reinstatement fee. Once your privilege has been restored in Nevada, you may apply for your Utah license.

Having lived in both states and dealt with both motor vehicle departments I...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: How much to retain a lawyer for a third degree theft charge
William Melton
William Melton
answered on May 10, 2021

That depends on the lawyer. You should contact a lawyer directly. Most of us will do free consultations.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Is the good samaritan law differ from someone calling for a well fare check, where the caller of the check is protected

I was sitting in my vehicle sleeping outside my ex-girlfriend’s house. I woke up and saw four police officers approaching the vehicle, one of the officers asked me to roll down my window. (I replied to him my car is turned off) He then asked me to get my keys and put in the ignition to roll down... View More

Lance E. Bastian
Lance E. Bastian
answered on Apr 14, 2021

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

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Immigration Law for Utah on
Q: Can an asylum applicant (who has SSN and Employment Authorization because of it) legally buy a gun?

That person it’s not an ilegal or unlawful alien, and it perfectly fits for all the requirements of the BCI and the Federal laws.

Vince F. Sykes
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answered on Apr 10, 2021

You need to get a permit; whether you can legally purchase or not. Work permit and SS number don’t confer you status. In fact you have no status, but perhaps refugee seeking to remain in the US. And any weapons offense could negatively impact your asylum application.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: * Possible penalties? 76-6-602 retail theft (3 counts) 58-37-8 (2)(A)(l) 58-37-8 (2)(H)(lll) 58-37A-5 (1

My son was arrested and has been charged with the above charges. He will have a Public Defender. Can you please give me an idea of minimum & maximum penalties he will be facing? Thank you ...

76-6-602 retail theft (3 counts)

58-37-8 (2)(A)(l)

58-37-8 (2)(H)(lll)

58-37A-5 (1)

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Mar 28, 2021

You didn't specify what degree his charges are. Assuming the thefts are class B misdemeanors then the maximum penalty is 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine (per charge). The other code section you cited was the possession of a controlled substance code. His charges will depend on the drugs... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Dear Sir or MadamI have a question about the admissibility of evidence.

I understand that evidence obtained illegally by a private person is admissable but if it was an illegal search by the government or initiated by the government it's not admissible.

Now, in case evidence was obtained illegally by a private person, but there's reason to believe... View More

Brent J Huff
Brent J Huff
answered on Mar 25, 2021

It Depends. Ultimately it depends on what the Judge believes. What the Judge believes will depend on the facts of a particular case and how well those facts and the relevant law are argued to the Judge by an attorney. For a judge to determine that evidence was obtained in violation of a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: What are the fines for interfering with an arrest
Lance E. Bastian
Lance E. Bastian
answered on Mar 23, 2021

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

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Utah on
Q: I was convicted through plea bargain of a inchoate and principal offense. But there is a statue that says Utah 76-4-302

It’s prohibited to convict someone of a inchoate and principal offense. What can I do ?

Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on Mar 19, 2021

Ultimately the answer is "likely nothing." The time to dispute the contents of a plea agreement is prior to entering the plea agreement. The Court takes a lot of time to ask a lot of questions on the day the plea is entered. Questions like: "Have you reviewed the agreement?"... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: De novo case on unclaimed felony Mislaid wallet in evidence, precedent case referral

In evidence unclaimed for +9 months w/zero conversion on additional 3 misdemeanor charges of 3 credit cards in wallet & 3&1/2 months served before plea of abbayance.

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Feb 26, 2021

It isn’t clear what you’re asking. Can you ask your question again?

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Utah on
Q: Can you be held in county jail on federal hold with no charges?

My sister is being held at Salt Lake County Jail and has two holds one is a US Marshals federal hold and the other an immigration hold. She has only had one court date even thought she has been incarcerated since August. She has had a lawyer come see her twice in 6 months whom claims is a private... View More

Brent J Huff
Brent J Huff
answered on Jan 22, 2021

It sounds like your sister may be dealing with a federal case. Federal cases tend to move slowly; it would not be unusual for a person to have initially appeared before the court in August and to not have had another hearing. By calling an attorney with access to the federal and state systems, you... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: was charged with possession 58-37-8(2)(D) and use or possession 58-37A-5(1) both misdemeanors. in SLC,UT what to expect?

what do I expect in court? I did exercise my 5 amendment.

Cliff Venable
Cliff Venable
answered on Dec 16, 2020

Both of these charges have a maximum punishment of 180 days in jail, but you should not expect jail time. If you are convicted you should expect to lose your license for 6 months and to be ordered to do a substance abuse assessment and treatment. You should talk to an attorney about possible... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Criminal Law and Family Law for Utah on
Q: I am on a Child Abuse Registry for a chronic offense but never criminally charged what to do to remove name?

Is there a chance to remove my name from DCFS database, and somewhere down the line to adopt my cousins in case they get put into fostercare? i'm willing to undergo any psychological testing or other proof to show i am not a danger.

Lane Wood
Lane Wood
answered on Dec 7, 2020

My reading of the statute is that being on the child abuse registry alone does not prevent you from adopting a child. I don't know the process, if any, for removing oneself from the child abuse registry, but I have successfully completed an adoption for an individual who was on the registry.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: I got pulled over in utah for having my light of at night and he asked for proof of insurance but I didnt have insurance

I told him I left it at home and he took my driver license and didn't give me a ticket or a paper for it im surprise. And I'm just wondering am I good or am I screwed

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Nov 18, 2020

No where near enough information to assess your issue. Call a local criminal defense attorney to get a consultation.

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