photo: C.P.Storm
Divorces are often very messy procedures in Utah. There are strong feelings that lead to bad decisions such as false child abuse allegations. In the case of child abuse the urge to protect children is often stronger then deeming the accused innocent until proven guilty. This makes child abuse a crucial weapon in divorce cases. These false accusation may stem from real facts such as a child acting suspicious or anxious, behavior that can easily be created by the divorce. However, recently the majority of false accusation are made to hurt the opposing divorcee, or gain custody of the children. Young child often fall victim to the lies of their parents and can easily convince a health care professional or therapist that the abuse did in fact occur. Even if a defendant is found innocent of these false accusations there could be dire consequences to their reputation, job, societal connections, and they shunned by their children and by others with children. If you find yourself intertwined in a case of false child abuse accusations you must acknowledge the gravity of you situation (the related laws were created to protect children first and foremost). You should not try to handle the charges on your own, no matter how innocent you feel you are. You should not speak to police, or anyone about the situation except for your attorney who should be an experienced lawyer who knows how to defend these type of cases.
Posted in Crimes | No Comments »
photo: smokershighlife
The Timberline Smoke Shop in Logan, Utah sells spice. The store was recently targeted by the joint Cache-Rich County Drug Task Force for this legal sale of spice. A clerk from the store was arrested for violating the “Abuse of psychotic chemical solvents” law in Utah (76-10-107). The law states, “(1) A person is guilty of abuse of psychotoxic chemical solvents if: (a) for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or the dulling of his brain or nervous system, he intentionally . . . (b) the person offers, sells, or provides a psychotoxic chemical solvent to another person, knowing that other person or a third party intends to possess or use that psychotoxic chemical solvent in violation of Subsection (1)(a).” There are two big problems with this charge. First, Spice is not necessarily illegal in the large majority of the United States, including Utah. Second, the store only sells spice as incense, as most stores that offer spice do. If this store was guilty of the previously stated charge, then why are stores like Wal-Mart not charged with knowingly selling items such glue and paint thinner to young children, items often huffed to become high. More information about the Logan charges can be found in The Herald Journal. If you find yourself facing drug charges, especially those involving substances that are not strictly illegal it is essential that you hire a criminal defense attorney that knows how to handle vaguely stated and used drug laws.
Posted in drugs | No Comments »
photo: runJMrun
Upon entering into this new fantasy league you finally get to make use of your biases of the USSC! How will the kooky Scalia rule, and what gestures will he use? Will the justices continue to question everyday technological vocabulary?? Will Sonia Sotomayor let any Bronx slang slip, or uphold latino and minority rights?? As a member (free to join at the moment) you can join leagues and predict how the Court will rule on cases. Which justice will fill the majority opinion and who will dissent???
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photo: GavinBell
Spice is an herbal substance mixed with cannabinoids which is usually sold as an incense but can be smoked for marijuana-like effects. It has been legally and popularly used in Europe for more then a decade and has recently become popular in the United States, especially in Utah. Some of the reasons for its popularity are that it will not cause a failed drug test, it is much weaker then marijuana and other herbal smoking remedies, and it may act as an alternative to serious illegal drugs. Spice is not scheduled as a drug in the United States, or in Utah (US DEA). However, the United States Military has banned the use of Spice, and Utah police are cracking down on businesess that
skew away from selling it purely as incense.
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photo: Vincent J. Brown
Jim Donahue is an experienced police office with an extensive resume which includes work as U.S. Customs & Immigration Officer, and status as Ambassador for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in Washington D.C. He recently wrote an article concerning a major ethical dilemma that the police face everyday: lying.
“Cops learn very early that lying is an essential part of survival, self-preservation and self defense. However, some cops don’t know where to stop. Although lying is not officially accepted behavior, in reality it is tacitly approved by our leaders and seasoned officers. There is enormous peer pressure to conform. Ours is a battle-hardened band of brothers. Nearly every cop is a superb example of humanity, but some cops cannot seem to find the line. They end up on a slippery slope, with their lives and careers sliding into a cesspool of ethical failure. Worse, they call on their brothers to conceal and protect them from scrutiny or incrimination.” (Donahue, Office.com, 7/6/2010)
Posted in Dealing with Police | No Comments »
