Posts Tagged ‘Assault’

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Youth Home Employee Charged with Child Sex Abuse

Jun
11
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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Daniel Taylor is facing numerous criminal charges, including child sex abuse, in connection with his alleged illegal behavior towards three girls at a troubled youth home.

Photo: Curtis Dean Wilson

Photo: Curtis Dean Wilson

What Are the Accusations?

Taylor is accused of rape, aggravated child sex abuse, child abuse and assault. He is believed to not only have raped a 17-year-old girl on three different occasions, but also to have touched another girl’s genitals. The assault charge stems from an incident where he supposedly pushed an adult employee (at the youth home) onto the floor and wrenched her wrist.

Position of Special Trust

One way that a person can be charged with aggravated child sex abuse is if he is in a “position of special trust” in relation to the child. People in this position can be:

• Adult youth or recreational leader
• Adult atheltic manager
• Adult coach
• Teacher
• Counselor
• Religious leader
• Doctor
• Employer
• Foster parent
• Babysitter
• Adult scout leader
• And others.

Child sex abuse in Utah includes most sexual-related behaviors that don’t amount to rape. Child sex abuse is generally charged as a second degree felony, but is increased to a first degree felony when the charge is aggravated.

Keep in mind that this man is innocent unless proven guilty. Criminal charges usually have to be filed against a person to get to the bottom of an accusation. The prosecution will have to prove that Taylor committed these crimes if he is to receive more substantial consequences.

Hire an Attorney

As always, don’t wait to discuss your case with a Utah criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with any crime. Don’t risk your freedom by relying on the prosecution to figure out the truth. Call a top 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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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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It Is A Criminal Offense to Threaten an Elected Official in Utah

Jan
21
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Question
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You shouldn’t make a habit of threatening anyone, but as this blog’s title shows, you shouldn’t threaten an elected official in Utah unless you want a big problem on your hands.

Photo: Mark Ramsay

Who is Considered an Elected Official?

Let’s define who falls under the title of an elected official—some of these may surprise you.

• Any elected official of the state, county or city—and this includes members of the official’s immediate family
• Any temporary judge appointed to fill a vacant judicial position
• Any judge who has not yet been retained by a retention election
• School board members
• Any person who has been appointed to fill an elected official’s vacant position

Committing Assault on an Elected Official

You commit assault on an elected official when you attempt or threaten to inflict bodily injury to the person in question, even if you don’t use or show immediate force or violence. Assaulting an elected official in order to impede, intimidate or interfere with him in performing his official duties or retaliating against him for something official he’s done is a third degree felony if you attempt or succeed in committing bodily injury. In other situations it’s a class B misdemeanor.

Discussing Your Case with a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

Any criminal charge is worthy of a phone call to a Utah criminal defense attorney, whether it’s concerning threatening an elected official or not. Make your freedom a priority by talking to an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney today.

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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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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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Utah and Assault Charges

Sep
25
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Legal Definition
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There is a section of Utah law that details what constitute offenses against the person—specifically if you assault certain individuals. We’re going to let you know what could happen if you commit assault against the following people: school employees/volunteers, peace officers or uniformed military service people and health care providers or emergency medical service workers.

Photo: OutlawMenacePhotography

Assault on School Employees or Volunteers

If you commit assault on a school employee or volunteer who is acting within the scope of his authority and duties, you will be guilty of a class A misdemeanor which could potentially send you to jail for up to one year.

Assault on a Peace Officer or Uniformed Military Person

Once again, it’s a class A misdemeanor for a first offense of assaulting one of the above listed individuals if they are doing their respective jobs. If you have previously committed this crime and do so again, you will be guilty of a third degree felony. A second offense requires a minimum 90 days in jail, whereas any additional offenses of this type will come with a minimum 180 days in jail.

Assault on a Health Care Worker or Emergency Medical Service Person

If you know that a person falls into one of these categories and you assault him, you will be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. A Utah man has recently been charged with committing this crime when he allegedly assaulted two paramedics before escaping from an ambulance. Coincidentally, the same man later assaulted a police officer and stole his police car, as well.

Get the Help You Deserve

You’ve probably noticed a pattern in these crimes; they all start out as class A misdemeanors, but that doesn’t mean other charges can’t be levied against a person who commits assault on these people. It’s vital that you contact a Utah criminal defense attorney if you’ve been charged with any crime, whether assault or something else. You deserve the best legal representation you can find, so make the right move and call a Utah criminal defense attorney today.

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Utah Teen Expresses Heartbreak by Throwing Beer Can at Cop

Sep
07
Utah Criminal Lawyer, on the topic of  Alcohol in Utah, Crimes, Dealing with Police, DUI in Utah, Humor, Utah Crime News
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An 18-year-old Utah man was arrested August 17th after throwing an empty beer can at a police officer from his vehicle and then leading the officer on a chase. The officer eventually stopped the man using a PIT maneuver (if you have never seen one of these, check out the video below). The man was charged with driving under the influence, among other things. He reportedly told officers that he had been dumped by his girlfriend and wanted to get into trouble. He obviously succeeded.

Each person that is charged with criminal offenses brings with them to court their own circumstances and problems. Although being emotionally distraught, as this man clearly was, may not excuse a criminal act, a good criminal defense attorney can communicate a client’s unique circumstances to judges and prosecutors. An advocate can help tell your story and achieve the best possible legal outcome that will prevent bad situations like the one described above from becoming worse.

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Posted in Alcohol in Utah, Crimes, Dealing with Police, DUI in Utah, Humor, Utah Crime News | No Comments »

Utah Burglar Tracked by Thumbdrive

May
15
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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Utah police solved a recent burglary in Utah County after doing a little homework—finding someone’s homework, that is.

Photo: Marc Falardeau

Burglar Takes Advantage of Open Window

A man allegedly entered a couple’s home through an opened window and at some point was confronted by the homeowner. The burglar pushed the homeowner out of the room, but the man reentered and got hit in the face for his trouble.

The burglar left, and the homeowner called police. When law enforcement arrived, they found a backpack on the lawn—but no ID inside. They did, however, discover a thumbdrive which contained homework with the alleged burglar’s name on it.

Burglar Booked into Jail

Police tracked down the suspect and arrested him. He appeared to be drunk and was in possession of a camera from the home he’d supposedly broken into. The alleged burglar has been booked into jail and is being investigated for burglary, theft and assault, as well as alcohol consumption by a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A Few Hints

This true incident comes with a variety of suggestions: don’t steal, don’t drink to excess, don’t take your backpack with identifying info when you’re breaking into someone’s home and so forth. It also contains an idea for homeowners—don’t leave doors or windows opened or unlocked. It’s the perfect invitation for a potential burglar.

If convicted of the crimes he’s being investigated for, this Utah burglar could be spending a lot of time in jail. Hopefully he’ll now make a smart move and hire the services of a top Utah criminal defense attorney. When you’re facing any kind of legal trouble, get an attorney who is an expert in Utah criminal law on your side.

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Assault by a Prisoner Charge for Drunk Driver

Feb
28
Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Alcohol in Utah
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A Utah woman has been charged with assault by a prisoner as well as several other criminal charges after a recent encounter with police. Christy Wilson is facing charges for DUI, retaliation against a witness, assault by a prisoner, sexual battery and attempted sexual battery.

Photo: Tony Alter

When Wilson was pulled over for suspected DUI, she allegedly got physical with police officers, including kicking them and grabbing and/or attempting to grab them inappropriately. Her charges are third-degree felonies and various misdemeanors.

No criminal charge should be taken lightly. The possible jail or prison sentences for Utah felonies and misdemeanors are as follows:

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

Third-degree felony—zero to 5 years in prison
Second-degree felony—1-15 years in prison
First-degree felony—5 years to life in prison

Interestingly, assault by a prisoner is a third-degree felony. It’s easy to say that you shouldn’t fight back when in any situation with a police officer or else face potential prison time, but if your senses are dulled by alcohol it may be difficult to use your normal good common sense.

If your senses have been dulled at anytime and you are facing criminal charges now, call a Utah criminal defense attorney. You need to be represented by someone who won’t judge you for your mistakes, but will stand up for your rights and defend you in court. Contact a Utah criminal defense attorney today.

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