Criminal Law

Editor's note: This post was first published in 2013. It was updated on Dec 10, 2025, for clarity and accuracy. Utah treats impaired driving seriously. Most first-time DUI cases are misdemeanors, but charges can be enhanced—sometimes to a third-degree felony—when certain facts are present (serious injury, young passengers, or repeat convictions). What follows is a plain-English summary of how Utah law handles DUIs and the penalties a court can impose. Summary Utah DUI law pro

Two men accused of stealing materials from Gilsonite Mine in eastern Utah were recently arrested. According to law enforcement, they apprehended the men after finding the stolen materials in their truck. In a statement to the media, Uintah County Sheriff Jeff Merrell said that the two men were booked in county jail on suspicion of the following charges: TheftBurglaryIllegal drug possession Law enforcement received a 911 call on October 3 from an unidentified witness to the th

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for romantic gestures and reflecting on those you love. Unfortunately, it can also be a day for ex-lovers to reflect on their past and some may feel very lonely on this day of hearts and romance. That’s why Valentine’s Day often brings about many cases of criminal domestic violence as ex-lovers stalk, harass, or attack those that used to be a significant part of their life. According to one police officer in Memphis, holidays often bring abo

If you are a Utah resident, then you are held accountable to some interesting liquor laws that are upheld in the state. One of the most unique laws in Utah is a statute that drinks can be served but cannot be seen until they have made their way to the table. Bartenders are not allowed to mix drinks in front of guests. This has caused many Utah restaurants to mix their drinks behind curtains. In Utah, it is illegal to put alcohol on display, so wine cellars that are used for d

Stabbing attacks are considered assault with a deadly weapon or attempted murder, and can be severely punished in the state of Utah. Recently, a man who has been connected with a stabbing in Oregon and a slashing in Utah was arrested, and he is now being held in...

In the Utah criminal justice system pleas are often held in abeyance. This is a compassionate means by which an accused person is given a second chance. If you have been given a plea in abeyance, you know that your guilty plea does not count against you as a conviction. What a huge benefit this is to you. Your attorney has emphasized to you the importance of complying with all the terms of your plea in abeyance. You also know that once all the abeyance conditions are met, you