Get free answers to your Criminal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
In Utah, is it legal for someone to be pulled over solely because the database erroneously showed they didn't have insurance, even though their insurance was valid? I was stopped with no other reason, received a warning about the insurance, and was issued two tickets for a suspended license... View More 
answered on Mar 12, 2025
Unfortunately, yes. This is an issue that we see frequently. The cop made a stop in good faith that he believed you were operating the vehicle without insurance. Those databases are wrong all the time, but the Utah Supreme Court has ruled cops may make mistakes and the stop is valid as long as they... View More
x
answered on Sep 4, 2024
If you got arrested, that means the police believe you committed a crime. While I'm not sure what you mean by "initiator", any other party involved in this incident would be considered a victim and/or a witness. The victim or witness would not be in trouble for anything. Of course,... View More
He is 18 years old. He was drunk and had a gun. Him and his girlfriend live together. But his girlfriend mom came over and when he was drunk he pulled out the gun to them
answered on Aug 19, 2024
Depending on a few more details, he could be charged with one or more of the following:
-Intoxication (Class C misdemeanor; 90 days jail; fine)
- Minor in Possession (Class B misdemeanor; 6 months jail; fine; driving suspension)
- Threatening with or using dangerous weapon... View More
What can we do to bring him home
answered on Aug 9, 2024
Sorry if this answer is too late.
This largely depends on what stage of the process he is in. If I assume he was arrested recently and is in the beginning stages, he may be in custody for a few days till they officially file charges against him. There's a good chance they will release... View More
They got the kids back and they've been told by DCFS that they can't take away their kids doors.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 21, 2024
I understand you're asking about a sensitive situation involving your friend's family and DCFS (Division of Child and Family Services). To address your specific question:
Parents generally have the right to control their children's access to technology, including mobile data.... View More
So if they are nothing in car and they impound the car but I was not doing anything to justify a traffic stop can they still impound the cst
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2024
If you were arrested for warrants while in your car, the police might have the right to impound your vehicle. Typically, if you are taken into custody and there is no one else to take possession of the car, law enforcement can impound it to ensure it is not left unattended.
Even if there... View More
2 people I know robbed a business in utah stealing the safe. I had no idea a crime was committed and was only there because they called for a ride home and gave me an address . I'm seen o. Camera picking them up but never got out of the car and only drove them home and left. Was pulled over... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 3, 2024
It's unlikely that you can be charged with burglary if you never entered the building and had no knowledge of the crime. Your situation revolves around proving your lack of intent and involvement in the actual burglary. Showing the messages that you received from the individuals asking for a... View More
I would have been physically assaulted by a manager of a KOA Campground in Utah if his wife had not stepped in to intervene
answered on May 1, 2024
Under Utah law, an actor commits assault if the actor:
(a) attempts, with unlawful force or violence, to inflict bodily injury on an individual.
So, for example, if the manager attempted to unlawfully punch you in the face but his wife stepped in between you and intercepted the... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 8, 2024
Registering to vote using a P.O. box instead of a residential address can raise concerns under Utah law, as voter registration typically requires a physical address to ensure you are voting in the correct district. While the intention might be to remain within legal boundaries, especially if the... View More
This happened to me.I have spent the last 12 years trying to get justice ever since. It's a disgusting abomination of justice I am determined to correct.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 23, 2024
What you experienced is a serious criminal offense that involves multiple violations of the law. Roofie-ing someone with the intent to incapacitate them and then coercing them to drive while they are unconscious constitutes a range of offenses, including but not limited to drug-related crimes,... View More
Charged in 2016 but due to homeless and life issues, still have not gone to court but the allegations are completely false. Also wondering if there is a statue of limitations.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 23, 2024
Given that you've been charged under section 76-6-506.3 related to financial transaction card offenses, it's crucial to address the situation promptly to avoid further complications. Despite the challenging circumstances you've faced, it's essential to prioritize resolving the... View More
My parents knew about the whole thing they are okay with it. His parents think we only did it once can we just get married? It's utah law.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 23, 2024
Based on the information provided, it seems unlikely your boyfriend would face legal charges in Utah, even though you are under 18. Here are a few key reasons why:
- Utah's age of consent is 16 years old. This means a 16 or 17 year old can legally consent to having sex with an adult,... View More
I've been contacted several times from the same person using several different numbers after blocking them each time that is harassing me claiming that I am someone else that they know that owes them a couple hundred bucks and is going to report them (me) to their commanding military officers... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 14, 2024
To address this situation of ongoing electronic harassment, you should first document all instances of communication from the harasser. Even though you've deleted initial conversations, the screenshots and records of subsequent contacts are valuable. Keep a log of all interactions, including... View More
I pled guilty to a possession pf controlled sub for marijuana and a shoplifting sheilding devices charge on 3-3-2020. The judge ordered a pre sentence report, sentencing was to be 50days after 3-3 The court rescheduled it, but I never received the notice because someone sent it back as not at this... View More
answered on Dec 11, 2023
No, there isn't a certain amount of time. However, you have been sentenced. The judge sentenced you to jail, but you have been a fugitive. You should consult with an attorney to help you finish the case. If you've stayed out of trouble they may be able to use that to help with your sentencing.
My son is facing pedestrian hit and run charges in Davis County District Court. Despite being the sole provider for his family and having his wages garnished, he was told he doesn't qualify for a public defender due to his income. With his June roll call approaching and no lawyer retained, how... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
If your son is unable to afford a lawyer and does not qualify for a public defender, the court can still proceed, but he has options to ensure his rights are protected. First, he should inform the court of his financial situation, especially since he’s the sole provider for his family and has had... View More
I am seeking legal advice for a person on probation who has an active agent's warrant for absconding for a couple of months. They haven't contacted their probation officer in several months and are currently looking for legal representation. If they need to visit a hospital, would their... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
If the person on probation has an active warrant for absconding, visiting a hospital could potentially trigger an arrest if their name comes up during the check-in process. Many hospitals and medical facilities check identification and may run routine background checks, which could alert... View More
I've been charged with a sexual conduct with a minor 3rd degree felony since September 2023. I served 116 days in jail and am currently on probation, attending therapy classes twice a week, and registered as a sex offender. I'm trying to get my charges dropped. I'm cooperating with a... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
If you're on probation for a serious charge like sexual conduct with a minor, getting the charges dropped is highly unlikely, but there may still be some legal options to pursue. First, it's essential to understand that even if you are cooperating with law enforcement, this won’t... View More
I am a pro se defendant in a case where the prosecution is attempting to admit voicemails I left for a former friend under Rule 403 as evidence. These voicemails contain profane and obscene language, making them inflammatory, but there are no direct threats present. The prosecution alleges these... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
You're on the right track by raising Rule 403 as a basis for excluding the voicemails. In Utah, courts are cautious about admitting evidence that might stir emotional reactions or bias the jury unfairly, especially if the material lacks strong probative value. If the voicemails contain... View More
I have had sole legal custody of my daughter for the past 5-6 years, with a formal court order. Recently, my daughter's father, who is on felony parole and has a history of abuse, took her from my mother's house without my knowledge and transported her to Idaho Falls. I was not informed... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
You are in an incredibly urgent and frightening situation, and your daughter’s safety comes first. Since you have sole legal custody through a formal court order, her father had no legal right to take her or transport her across state lines without your consent. His actions could qualify as... View More
I'm inquiring about the statute of limitations for sexual assault/abuse involving minors under the age of 10 in Utah. The incident occurred in the year 2000 and was never reported to law enforcement. No civil actions have been taken, but recent social media posts have brought attention to the... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
Your concern is deeply valid, especially when it comes to something as serious and painful as abuse involving a child. In Utah, the laws around the statute of limitations for sexual abuse of minors have changed over time, especially in response to how trauma impacts survivors. For criminal charges,... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.
