Archive for the ‘Utah Crime News’ Category

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Utah Sex Offender is a Suspect in Bank Hold-Up

May
13
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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A 71-year-old registered Utah sex offender is a suspect in an April hold-up at an Ogden credit union.

A Disguise Can Make the Man

The man allegedly wore quite a get-up in an effort to disguise his true identity. Nevertheless, a variety of law enforcement agencies working collectively were able to piece together enough clues to lead them to the Utah sex offender.

When police searched the suspect’s home, they found some items believed to be from the credit union robbery, in addition to other firearms. The man in question is being investigated for aggravated robbery and multiple charges of firearm possession by a restricted person.

Who is Restricted from Possessing Firearms?

People convicted of a violent felony or who are on probation or parole for any felony conviction are legally restricted from possessing, purchasing or otherwise having any type of firearm. Anyone who is found guilty of breaking this law will likely be charged with a second degree felony.

You might be guilty of committing aggravated robbery if during a robbery you:

• Use or threaten to use a dangerous weapon
• Cause serious bodily injury upon someone or
• Take or attempt to take a working vehicle

Aggravated robbery is a first degree felony, whether committed by a Utah sex offender or anyone else. Someone found guilty of a first degree felony could face a penalty of 5 years to life in prison, although there are often enhanced penalties when a crime is “aggravated.”

Let an Attorney Help You

Don’t hesitate to talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney if you’ve been charged with any crime. Having an experienced attorney on your side may make all the difference in your case.

Make the right choice for you—contact a Utah criminal defense attorney today.

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Armed Man Shot Inside Utah Police Station

May
02
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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A man was recently shot in the arm after pulling his gun inside the West Valley City, Utah police station.

What Happened?

The man walked into the police station and allegedly requested that the officer behind the front desk come out and talk to him. The police officer, who was behind secure, bullet-proof glass, refused the request. Ultimately, the man showed his gun and reinforcements were called.

At some point the man was shot twice in the arm by a police officer. Reports do not state whether the armed man fired his gun prior to being shot. The man has been booked into jail while being investigated for attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon by a restricted person and other charges.

What is Assault?

As a registered sex offender, this man is not legally eligible to have a gun—hence the weapon charge. A person may be charged with assault if he:

• Attempts to do bodily injury to another
• Threatens, by some show of immediate force or violence, to injure someone
• Actually physically harms another person

The charge can be increased to aggravated assault if the individual uses a dangerous weapon (such as a gun) while committing the assault. Aggravated assault is a third degree felony unless serious physical injury occurs, in which case it is a second degree felony.

It doesn’t matter whether a person commits assault on a member of a Utah police force or just an average citizen, he will likely be charged with a crime either way. However, showing up with a gun inside a Utah police station isn’t the smartest move a person could make.

Don’t Talk to Police

We don’t know what led to this man’s alleged behavior; presumably there will be some investigation into why he acted the way he did. In the meantime, he has made a good choice, which is not to speak to authorities without talking to an attorney.

If you find yourself on the opposite side of the law, you shouldn’t talk to police either. Make sure you discuss your case with an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney before talking to anyone else.

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Armed Shoplifter Eludes Authorities

Apr
17
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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Authorities are still looking for an alleged shoplifter who pulled a knife on Walmart security employees back in March.

The Midvale store reported that the person appeared to be shoplifting and was approached by security. At that point he brought out a knife and managed to get out of the store. He seemed to be in his late teens or early 20s. Walmart recently released security video footage, hoping to get help in identifying the culprit.

Shoplifting isn’t Good, but Aggravated Robbery is Worse

Although you shouldn’t be a shoplifter, it’s probably safe to say that pulling a knife on someone is infinitely more serious than pocketing some merchandise. In fact, it’s possible to be charged with aggravated robbery if the following circumstances occur during a robbery:

• a dangerous weapon is used or threatened to be used
• serious bodily injury upon another person occurs
• an operable motor vehicle is taken or attempted to be taken

Aggravated robbery is a first degree felony. Keep in mind that being convicted of a first degree felony can come with a prison sentence of 5 years to life.

What to Look for in a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

No matter what crime you may be charged with, we’re here to help. If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for committing any crime, now is the time to talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney.

You should look for an attorney who fights aggressively for his clients, both in and out of court. Your attorney needs to treat your case as importantly as the next guy’s. You shouldn’t hope that the court will find in your favor; you need to protect yourself and your rights by having the best legal representation you can find.

Look out for yourself. Contact a Utah criminal defense attorney today.

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Burglars on the Loose in Weber County

Apr
11
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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It’s always a good idea to lock your cars and homes, regardless of where you live, in order to deter potential burglars from stealing your valuables. Many residents in Weber County—specifically West Haven and Hooper—are probably now taking that advice a bit more seriously after having their cars and garages broken into recently.

The Weber County Sheriff’s department reported that 29 burglaries have taken place during the last month, with 9 in one day. They noted that so many burglaries during that period of time is extremely unusual. Burglars are getting into unlocked cars and garages, taking everything from change to expensive electronics.

Burglary of a Vehicle

Burglary of a vehicle is a class A misdemeanor, which can send you to jail for up to one year. If you unlawfully enter any vehicle with the intent to commit a felony or theft, you will probably be charged with burglary of a vehicle. Additionally, you will likely also be charged with the specific felony or theft crime you commit.

Burglary of a Railroad Car

Interestingly, the state of Utah is also prepared with charges if you should decide to burgle a railroad car. Breaking the lock or seal on any railroad car you plan to burgle or commit another felony in is illegal, and you’ll be charged with a third degree felony. Keep in mind that a third degree felony conviction can carry the possible penalty of five years in prison.

Ask an Attorney for Advice

Talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney today if you’ve been charged with burglary or any other crime. Don’t discuss your case with anyone, especially police, unless your attorney recommends it. The prosecution and law enforcement have their own agenda, and it’s not protecting the person accused of a crime.

Protect yourself and call a Utah criminal defense attorney.

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Suspect in Utah Cabin Burglaries Apprehended

Apr
04
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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We’ve previously discussed the Mountain Man cabin burglaries on this blog; a suspect in the string of robberies has been arrested in a law enforcement operation involving multiple agencies.

Photo: Doug Kerr

Photo: Doug Kerr

Mountain Man Burglaries

Troy Knapp, aka the Mountain Man, was taken into custody after running into a father and son who were hunting in the woods. The pair left Knapp without incident, but reported the run-in to police as soon as they got into cell phone range.

After receiving the tip, authorities from at least seven counties and several other law enforcement groups joined in the hunt for the man believed to be responsible for burglaries that took place throughout three counties over more than seven years.

Who’s Holding Him?

Knapp, who allegedly shot at a Department of Public Safety helicopter quite a few times during the chase, is now sitting in the Sanpete County Jail. Currently facing 18 criminal charges, Knapp may be charged with additional burglaries depending on the evidence and prosecutors in three counties: Kane, Garfield and Iron.

Some of the criminal charges Knapp is accused of throughout the two judicial districts include: first degree felony aggravated burglary and 10 counts of second degree burglary. A first degree felony conviction can earn a person anywhere from 5 years to life in prison, while a second degree felony guilty verdict may send someone to prison for 1-15 years.

It will be interesting to follow this case through to a conclusion, which may not end with guilty verdicts. After all, we still hold onto the belief that a person is innocent unless proven otherwise.

Let an Experienced Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Handle Your Case

If you find yourself in a legal bind, don’t wait to consult with a top Utah criminal defense attorney. Getting the right legal advice and support may make all the difference in your criminal case. Talk to an attorney today.

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Utah Thieves Tackle Tough Target: Girl Scouts

Mar
19
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Humor, Utah Crime News
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Some thieves recently took on what had to be one of their toughest crimes: stealing from the Girl Scouts. No, they didn’t take any delicious cookies (although who could blame them if they did), just the cash box sitting out on the Girl Scouts’ table.

Photo: Michael Dorausch

Photo: Michael Dorausch

Keep Your Cookies–We Want the Cash

The girls were selling cookies in front of a Taylorsville Wal-Mart when the alleged thieves—a man and a woman—drove up. The man got out of the car, ostensibly to buy cookies, but grabbed the Girl Scouts’ cash box instead. He hopped back into the vehicle, and the thieves were on their way.

A woman has been arrested for investigation of theft in the cookie cash case. Police believe they also know who her accomplice is and are on the lookout for him. Security video and tips from the public helped police identify the alleged thieves.

Law enforcement noted that people who are selling items, whether Girl Scout cookies or junk at a yard sale, need to be cautious with their cash. They suggest keeping a small amount on hand and making regular bank deposits to deter potential thieves.

Hefty Penalties for Theft

We’ve covered the penalties for theft previously on this blog, but we want to remind you what stealing might cost you in terms of jail or prison time.

Class A misdemeanor—up to 1 year
Class B misdemeanor—up to 6 months
Class C misdemeanor—up to 90 days

Any criminal charge warrants an immediate call to an experienced, respected Utah criminal defense attorney. You need and deserve top legal representation regardless of the accusations against you. Make the right move and talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney today.

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Utah Man Keeps Busy Assaulting Girlfriend, Robbing Kid, Damaging a Jail

Mar
12
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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A Utah man had a busy day Tuesday, allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, robbing a child and damaging a jail (breaking a police car window with his head).

Photo: Dylan Ashe

Photo: Dylan Ashe

First Things First

The man started his day early, because police were called around 8 a.m. to check out reports of a domestic assault and a robbery. When police arrived they found the man’s girlfriend bruised, but no sign of the boyfriend.

Next, police talked to the kid, a 12-year-old who gave the man his gold necklace after supposedly being threatened with a knife. Law enforcement soon found the guy and put him in a police car. That’s when the window was broken by the man repeatedly banging his head against it.

Any Regrets?

This guy is now sitting in jail while he’s being investigated for aggravated robbery, domestic violence, damaging a jail and a few other crimes.

It’s a third degree felony in Utah to damage a jail. You could be charged with this crime if you:

• Willfully and intentionally break down, pull down, destroy, flood or otherwise damage any public jail or place of confinement, which includes a detention, shelter or secure juvenile detention facility.

It’s also legal for a police officer to use all reasonable means under the circumstances—including the use of a weapon—to protect jail property or prevent escape by someone who attempts to damage jail property or attempts to escape. Law enforcement must consider the police care to be jail property in this situation.

Let a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Help You

Because most legal situations are complicated, it’s vital that you be represented by a top Utah criminal defense attorney if you’ve been arrested or are under investigation. Never discuss your case with law enforcement except under the advice of an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney who is looking out for your best interests.

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Fake Diamond Scam Proves Profitable for Thieves

Mar
04
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Humor, Utah Crime News
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A couple of thieves are on the loose following a fake diamond scam they’ve pulled with some unsuspecting victims.

Photo: Steve Jurvetson

Photo: Steve Jurvetson

Don’t Buy Candy–or Diamonds–From Strangers

The most recent incident took place in West Valley City, where a woman was approached by two other women with the story that they needed money for their family members who’d been in an accident. They convinced the woman to purchase a diamond for $5000, but the diamond turned out to be a fake.

This scam came on the heels of another event where a woman in an Orem shopping mall was asked to purchase a diamond. That woman did pay $8000 for a diamond, only to later discover it was made of glass. The description of the “saleslady” in Orem matches the description of one of the two women in West Valley City.

If caught, the women in these cases might be charged with theft by deception, which involves obtaining control over someone else’s property by deception and with the plan to deprive the other person of his property. Utah law notes that theft by deception does not occur when there is only:

• Falsity concerning matters having no monetary significance or
• Puffing (exaggerated commendation of items or worth) by statements unlikely to deceive an ordinary person in the group addressed

A word to the wise: don’t buy anything from a stranger if you’re not sure you are getting what you’ve paid for. Girl Scouts selling cookies are pretty obvious; however, the salespeople in these cases were a long way from being Girl Scouts.

We’re here to help if you have been arrested or are being investigated for committing a crime. It’s a good idea to talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney if you are in legal trouble; having expert advice can make all the difference. Make the right call today.

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Identity Thieves Have Fun at Utah Target Stores

Feb
27
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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Two identity thieves are now preparing to pay for their whirlwind shopping spree at Targets throughout Utah.

Going on a Shopping Spree

Photo: Jay Reed

Photo: Jay Reed

The two men are believed to be part of a group of four who would take credit cards not belonging to any of them and use them to charge all sorts of fun items at Utah Target stores. You do have to wonder what four people would do with seven Ipads?

The two identity thieves have been charged with one first degree felony charge concerning a pattern of unlawful activity and nine second degree felony counts of use of a fraudulent transaction card. A third conspirator agreed to cooperate in the prosecution of his partners, and police are currently looking for the fourth man.

When a person is charged with engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity in Utah, it means he has chosen to participate in at least three incidents of something illegal. Those incidents, while occurring at different times, are related by having similar purposes, victims, etc.

Use of a fraudulent transaction card is a fancy way of saying that a person is using an ill-gotten debit or credit card. The card may belong to someone else or have been illegally applied for directly from the credit card company. Regardless of how the card is obtained, it’s against the law to use a debit or credit card that hasn’t been issued to you or one that has been revoked or expired.

Talk to a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away

Don’t wait to talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney if you’ve been accused of identity theft or any other crime. Don’t talk to any law enforcement officer about your case, either. The only person you should discuss your case with is your Utah criminal defense attorney. Make the right call today.

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Utah Burglary Spree Ends in Flames

Feb
19
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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If you commit an auto burglary, you could always try to cover it up by setting the car on fire when you’re done.

Photo: puzzlement

Photo: puzzlement

Burglars are Busy Beavers

That appears to be what some auto burglars in Provo, Utah did early this morning. A woman saw a figure in black prowling around cars on the street in front of her home. She went back into her home and moments later heard a loud explosion, which turned out to be a truck going up in flames. Police noted that the fire completely destroyed the truck, but that wasn’t the only vehicle set on fire. A car further down the street was also found burning.

At least five cars—including the two that were burned—were allegedly burglarized. All the vehicles were located within a very small radius of each other. Provo police are on the lookout for the burglars-turned-arsonists.

Burglary Defined

Burglary of a vehicle is a class A misdemeanor and can be charged if a person illegally enters a vehicle intending to commit a felony or theft. If an individual decides to commit burglary of several vehicles, he can probably count on being charged with a separate misdemeanor for every car he burgles.

What Constitutes Arson?

You might be charged with arson if you use fire or explosives to set someone’s property on fire. The amount of damage caused determines the level of crime you’re charged with. For example, if you set a car on fire and the damages amount to $8000, you’ll be charged with a second degree felony. That felony charge could send you to prison for 1-15 years.

When you’ve made some mistakes and the law has caught up with you, it’s time to turn to an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney. Don’t talk to law enforcement or discuss your case with anyone but your attorney. Get the help you deserve by having a top Utah criminal defense attorney on your side.

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