Posts Tagged ‘aggravated assault’

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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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Utah Teenager Strangled by Woman at Football Game

Feb
05
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Constitutional Rights, Dealing with Police
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A Magna, Utah mom has been charged with aggravated assault following an incident where she allegedly strangled a teenage girl at a Cyprus High football game last October.

Photo: Justin Russell

Photo: Justin Russell

Strangled Girl Ended Up with Bruises, Other Marks

According to police, several female students were involved in a fight when one mom stepped in and became involved in the altercation. Police noted that the girl who was supposedly strangled did have bruises and other marks on her neck. The woman charged with aggravated assault is the mother of a Cyprus High student and now faces a second degree felony in Third District Court.

What’s the Full Story?

We’ve heard of soccer moms and cheerleading moms who become over-excited, now we can add football-attending moms to the list. It sounds like there were a lot of other people in the vicinity at the time who may have witnessed the event, but there may also be folks who can attest to the actions of others involved in the fight. The old saying “it takes two to tangle” could well be true in this case, since the odds are good the mom didn’t just jump in for no reason.

Strangling Qualifies as Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is a second degree felony when the aggressor uses a dangerous weapon or other means or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury. Second degree felonies in Utah may come with the penalty of 1-15 years in prison.

Don’t Discuss Your Case with Law Enforcement

If you have been or are charged with any misdemeanor or felony, you should immediately invoke your Constitutional rights and refuse to speak to anyone other than an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney. Don’t let other people convince you to represent yourself or accede to the demands of the prosecution. Get the advice of a respected criminal defense attorney who will be your advocate in and out of the courtroom.

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Utah Machete Attack May be Aggravated Assault

Dec
26
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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An intoxicated Utah man allegedly attacked a woman with a machete in what may turn out to be a case of aggravated assault.

Photo: USCPSC

What Happened?

According to his accuser, the man supposedly had everyone leave a party at his home, but when the woman in question returned to get her cell phone he attacked her with a machete. She left the man’s home and was taken to a hospital where she had surgery for her wounds.

When police found out about the attack, they went to the man’s home and discovered illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and a gun inside. The man has been arrested.

Definition of Assault

Assault is:

• Attempting with force or violence to injure someone
• Threatening to do violence to someone, accompanied by a show of force or violence
• Actually injuring someone or creating a substantial risk of injury to a person

Assault is a class B misdemeanor unless the victim:

• Receives substantial injury or
• Is pregnant and the perpetrator is aware of the pregnancy

in which case the charge would be a class A misdemeanor.

Definition of Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault occurs when a person uses a dangerous weapon or any other means or force that is likely to produce death or serious injury. Aggravated assault is usually a third degree felony unless serious bodily injury occurs; then the charge would be a second degree felony.

Let a Top Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Help You

Although crimes like aggravated assault occur often, this particular crime seems to happen even more when a person is inebriated or under the influence of drugs. However, no matter what leads to the commission of a crime, every person deserves the best defense he can find.

If you or a loved one has been accused of any crime, contact an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney today. It may be the best decision you’ll ever make.

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Man Charged with Impersonating a Police Officer

Nov
12
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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If you decide to try your hand at impersonating a police officer, don’t be too surprised if you get charged with a class B misdemeanor. That’s exactly what happened to a Utah man after he allegedly pretended to be with the sheriff’s department back in July.

Photo: banspy

What Happened?

Franklin Huff supposedly went up to three men, pulled out a handgun and said he would kill them. At some point, Huff is said to have been putting the gun back in his waistband when one of the men went at him, knocking him down. During the fight, Huff’s gun went off, the bullet hitting him in the foot.

In addition to being charged with impersonating a police officer, Huff was also charged with three counts of aggravated assault.

What is Aggravated Assault?

Aggravated assault can be charged if a person commits assault while using a dangerous weapon or in some other way likely to produce death or serious bodily injury. Under normal circumstances, aggravated assault is a third degree felony. However, if serious injury occurs, the charge is increased to a second degree felony.

How Could You be Charged with Impersonating a Police Officer?

You may be guilty of impersonating a police officer if you plan to deceive someone or if you’re planning to get someone to submit to your authority as an alleged police officer. As stated previously, this crime is a class B misdemeanor.

Call an Attorney Immediately

If you are in trouble with the law, don’t hesitate to contact a Utah criminal defense attorney for help. Criminal charges require the attention of an experienced attorney who can represent you with vigor.

Don’t leave your freedom and reputation to chance; let a Utah criminal defense attorney give you the assistance you need both in court and with law enforcement.

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Aggravated Assault at Utah Haunted House

Oct
10
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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You may have been tempted to strike back at a scary face in fear while visiting a haunted house, but committing aggravated assault probably wasn’t on your mind.

Photo: Sean MacEntee

Who Knew Haunted Houses Could be so Scary?

A Utah man has been charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly punched a haunted house employee in the face. The man supposedly hit the woman, who then fell to the ground, according to surveillance footage of the incident. It was reported that an employee of the haunted house was taken to a local hospital with injuries.

Assault versus Aggravated Assault

Assault is normally a class B misdemeanor. You may be guilty of assault if you:

• Forcefully or violently attempt to injury someone
• Threaten to injure someone, followed by a showing of force or violence
• Actually injure a person or create a substantial risk of injury to another person

You may be charged with a class A misdemeanor if you know that a person is pregnant and assault her.

Aggravated assault can be charged if a person commits assault with a dangerous weapon or by other means or force that produces serious bodily injury or death. Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony unless serious injury occurs, in which case it’s a second degree felony.

Call a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

Keep in mind that people sometimes do things completely out of character in the heat of a moment. We don’t know what precipitated the alleged assault, so it’s important to not make a quick judgment. We do know, however, that this man deserves a good defense by a top Utah criminal defense attorney regardless of his legal troubles.

Don’t wait to contact a Utah criminal defense attorney if you involved in any criminal action. It may be the best decision you’ll ever make.

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Road Rage and Aggravated Assault in Utah

Sep
24
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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Mary Bangerter, the former executive director of Mary Kaye Huntsman’s The Power in You Foundation, has been charged with aggravated assault following an alleged road rage incident involving a motorcycle in Utah.

Minor Accident Turns into Road Rage?

The victim’s story is that a simple accident involving him and Bangerter turned into a bigger to-do than it should have. After Bangerter supposedly swerved into the motorcyclist’s lane, he told her that he was going to have police come to the scene. Bangerter allegedly became angry, and the situation escalated to the point that the police were called and she was cited.

Two Sides to Every Story

According to the district attorney’s office, witnesses of the incident can back up the victim’s story of what happened. The defendant’s attorney, however, stated that the facts will prove Bangerter didn’t commit aggravated assault.

Aggravated assault is a third degree felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison. As usual, the burden of proving a person guilty lies with the prosecution. As of now, it is presumed that Bangerter is innocent of the charge against her.

Keep Your Cool

It can be amazing how some situations can quickly get out of hand, particularly when people and vehicles are involved. That said, we don’t know Bangerter’s side of the story and so aren’t going to jump to any conclusions. Regardless of her innocence or guilt, this incident is a good reminder of how important it is to keep your emotions and temper in check, especially when other people are involved.

Let an Attorney Help You

We know that everyone gets angry at times, but that doesn’t mean a person is a criminal or should go to jail. If you’ve been charged with any crime, don’t believe that your case is beyond the help of an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney. You deserve the expert representation of an attorney who is used to dealing with—and winning—tough cases. Make the right move today; call a Utah criminal defense attorney.

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Road Rage in Utah

Jul
02
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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Whether you’re a victim or instigator of road rage in Utah, you can be sure it won’t turn out well, as several people discovered recently.

Photo: Mike Miley

The Background

A Utah man allegedly became quite violent after a car merged in front of him on a road that was two-lanes but turned into one lane. The man accused of road rage supposedly threw an object at the other driver’s window and tried to hit the car with his car. Not succeeding, the man ended up in a parking lot followed by the other car, ostensibly to get his license plate identification.

At some point, the man allegedly pulled out a gun and threatened to kill the people in the other car—four adults and an infant. Somewhere along the way a passenger in the victim’s car called police who arrived on the scene while all involved were present.

The road rage instigator was arrested while police are investigating the allegations of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. He could be charged with as many of five counts of each crime since there were five occupants in the vehicle.

Aggravated Assault is a Felony

Aggravated assault means there was some type of weapon involved or other force meant to produce death or serious injury used. Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony unless serious bodily injury occurs, in which case the charge is increased to a second-degree felony.

Reckless Endangerment Constitutes a Misdemeanor

Reckless endangerment can be charged if a person recklessly engages in some type of behavior designed to create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. Reckless endangerment is a class A misdemeanor.

Road rage is unfortunate and there’s usually more to it than meets the eye. We don’t know what was going on in the accused man’s mind or life prior to the incident so we don’t want to judge—particularly when we don’t know the full story.

Contact a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

Any time you or a loved one are accused of a crime, you should take the time to call an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney. He or she may save you jail time, get the charges reduced or sometimes dismissed. Let your attorney be your biggest advocate and give you the legal help you can’t give yourself.

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Aggravated Assault on Man in Wheelchair

May
21
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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It does seem to stretch the imagination, but a Utah man was recently arrested pending an investigation into his alleged aggravated assault on a man in an electric wheelchair.

Photo: Marshall Astor

Dog on the Attack

The two men apparently got into an argument which led to the man in the wheelchair chasing the other man and his dog down the street. Feeling threatened, the dog owner ordered his dog—a pit bull—to attack the guy in the wheelchair.

Being an obedient dog, the pit bull did as requested, biting the wheelchair-bound man in the arm and puncturing his torso. After the attack, the dog owner left but was found later by police. The dog has been impounded, and there’s no word on what will happen to it. In many cases of an attack, the animal will be put down.

Aggravated Assault Penalties

Aggravated assault can be charged when a person commits assault and uses a dangerous weapon or other means or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury. Aggravated assault is usually a third-degree felony unless death or serious bodily injury occurs. In that case it’s a second-degree felony.

Second-degree felonies can carry a stiff penalty. A person might find themselves imprisoned for anywhere from 1-15 years. That’s a lot of time to think about having your dog attack someone.

Don’t hesitate to contact a Utah criminal defense attorney if you’re in a legal jam. No matter what you’re accused of, you deserve to have a top-notch legal defense.

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Assault in Utah Car Ends in Arrest

Jan
16
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Hiring a Lawyer
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You may not think that getting into a car with a friend is a concern, but you never know when things can take a turn for the worse and end in aggravated assault. A recent car ride in Utah took a downward turn when the front seat passenger allegedly began assaulting the driver. Strangely, the alleged assault on the driver took place while the car was moving. (A word to the wise: if you have a problem with the driver of a car you’re riding in, don’t attack him while the car is in “drive.”)

Don’t Bother the Driver

Apparently, a woman was driving two male passengers to another person’s home when the front seat passenger put the woman in a headlock and starting hitting her. At that point, the man in the back seat asked to be let out of the car. The altercation continued in the front of the car when the woman pulled out a knife and stabbed the man allegedly attacking her. At some point the driver stopped the car and the men ran off to find help.

Assault Followed by Arrest

The driver’s woes didn’t end there. When she got out of her vehicle she was hit by another car. Both injured people were treated at the hospital, where law enforcement also found some type of illegal substance in the woman’s purse. She was arrested for investigation of aggravated assault, possession of a deadly weapon and carrying a controlled narcotic substance. The passenger who allegedly attacked the driver hasn’t been charged at this point.

Charges for Aggravated Assault

When a person commits assault with a dangerous weapon, it is considered aggravated assault and is a third-degree felony. However, if the assault ends in serious bodily injury it is a second-degree felony. Possession of a deadly weapon with intent to assault is generally a class A misdemeanor.

Don’t Wait to Call an Attorney

When you are involved in any type of dispute with another person and you’re arrested, it’s important that you contact a Utah criminal defense attorney. He will be able to help sort out both sides of the story and make sure that you aren’t railroaded into taking all the blame. After all, it generally takes two to have an argument. Call an attorney today and get started on the path to justice.

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Stabbing at Utah Nightclub

Jan
09
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Crimes
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Over the weekend, there was a double stabbing a Utah nightclub which ended with two people in the hospital and an arrest.

Photo: qJake

Stabbing After Groping

Juan Hernandez was arrested after allegedly groping a woman at a Salt Lake nightclub, then stabbing her friend and a security guard when a fight broke out. Hernandez supposedly wanted to dance with a woman, but when the woman refused, Hernandez allegedly grabbed her breasts. The woman’s friends got involved, and before it was over the stabbings occurred.

Friends Jump In

Interestingly, Hernandez apparently ended up with a black eye and possible other facial injuries. There isn’t more information on how he received those injuries aside from the reports of the fight between the friends and Hernandez.

Play It Safe: Go Home and Sleep

The incident took place sometime in the wee hours of Sunday morning. When your mother used to tell you that nothing good happens after midnight, she was probably more right than you-or any of us-would care to admit.

Stabbing = Aggravated Assault

Hernandez is currently sitting in jail while he’s being investigated for sexual battery and aggravated assault. Sexual battery is usually a class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail. Aggravated assault, on the other hand, is definitely more serious and carries a potentially longer jail sentence. Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony when assault is committed with the use of a dangerous weapon. If serious bodily injury occurs, the charge will increase to a second-degree felony.

Don’t Wait to Hire an Attorney

Call a Utah criminal defense attorney right away if you’ve been charged with any crime or if you’re being investigated for any criminal activity. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are, you are entitled to a vigorous defense and the opportunity to prove your innocence. Let an attorney help you with any legal difficulties you’re involved in. Make that important phone call today.

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