Posts Tagged ‘attorney’
A Utah man has been charged with committing torture of a companion animal after a neighbor reported him to police.
Photo: epSos.de
Casey Bowmen is now facing a felony charge following his alleged violent actions against his dog. Bowmen’s neighbor called police after witnessing the man hit the dog with his closed fist at least a couple of times. The neighbor took pictures of the alleged abuse and gave those to the police to use as evidence against Bowmen.
Torture of a companion animal is a third degree felony in Utah and falls under the criminal statute of cruelty to animals. You may be guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals if you:
• Torture an animal
• Give poison to an animal
• Allow someone else to give poison to an animal
• Kill or allow someone else to kill an animal
Depending on the accused’s motivation behind the crime, he could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a third degree felony. If you intentionally or knowingly torture an animal, you will be charged with a third degree felony.
Someone found guilty of committing a third degree felony may spend as much as five years in prison. Misdemeanors vary; being guilty of a class B misdemeanor could send you to lockdown for up to six months.
Considering we don’t have both sides of the story, it would be wise to avoid making any judgments. After all, a person is presumed innocent unless found guilty in court.
If you’re charged with any Utah crime, your best move is to talk to an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney. Don’t try and go it alone in court. The law is complicated and not designed for the average person to deal with. Make the right choice and hire a top Utah criminal defense attorney today.
Tags: animal, animal rights, animal torture, attorney, crime, third-degree felony, utah
Posted in Utah Crime News | No Comments »
Utah is a popular place for year-around off highway vehicle use—whether you’re into snowmobiling in the winter or four-wheeling in the summer. There are some laws and rules you should know about, however, to keep your off highway vehicle experience fun and crime-free.
Photo: Beth Woodrum
You are not allowed to tear down, mutilate, destroy or deface the following items prohibiting or regulating off highway vehicle use on public lands:
• A sign
• A signboard
• Any notice
It’s also illegal to do anything to a fence or other type of enclosure or bars/gates on public lands.
It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle or give someone else permission to drive on public lands not designated for cross-country use. If you do either, you could
• Be guilty of a class C misdemeanor
• Be fined up to $150
• Be required to perform community service by repairing any damage you caused in your cross-country driving
Penalties are increased if you have previously been convicted of violating certain Utah laws or you’re caught committing some crimes related to cross-country driving.
There are many rules and regulations concerning off highway vehicle usage; if you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact your local governmental entity.
If, perhaps, you’ve been charged with crimes relating to off highway vehicle use, immediately talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney. Don’t assume you have to live with a criminal charge or fine, particularly if you inadvertently disobeyed the law. Call a Utah criminal defense attorney today.
Tags: attorney, crime, cross country, driving, law, Misdemeanor, motor vehicle, off highway vehicle, ohv, utah
Posted in Utah Legal Definition | No Comments »
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
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.
Tags: aggravated child sex abuse, Assault, attorney, child, child abuse, child sex abuse, crime, Felony, utah, youth home
Posted in Utah Crime News | No Comments »
A non-existent hit and run in South Salt Lake on Memorial Day was followed by a warning from the police to the public to enjoy the holiday weekend, drive safely and not do anything dumb.
Photo: Ecin Krispie
Not Everyone Enjoyed Their Holiday
Police received a call Monday morning reporting a hit and run at a convenience store in the 3300 South 300 West area of South Salt Lake. A woman had supposedly been run over by a car that then left the scene of the accident.
When the police arrived, they discovered that there wasn’t actually a hit and run, but possibly a drug deal gone awry. Apparently, a woman who’d bought some drugs from a dealer was annoyed about the sale so she crashed her car into his vehicle in the convenience store’s parking lot.
She then allegedly jumped into the drug dealer’s car and starting beating him up. At some point he pulled away and the woman fell out of the car. Police found out that she didn’t get hit by the car, nor was she injured. By the time authorities arrived, both people involved in the altercation had left the scene, so the police determined that since there wasn’t any victim, there wasn’t a crime.
Hiring a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
Most crimes do have a both an accuser and an accused person, which is why there are Utah criminal defense attorneys. If you’ve been on the receiving end of a criminal accusation, don’t wait to talk to an experienced attorney.
Innocent people need a top Utah criminal defense attorney as much as the guilty folks. Do yourself a favor and contact a respected attorney who will vigorously defend you—both in and out of the courtroom.
Tags: attorney, crime, hit and run, lawyer, utah, victim
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Vernal police are looking for a daring Utah thief who grabbed an American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life bucket in a Walgreens and took off with it—and the donations inside.
Photo: Richard Cocks
Don’t Keep Cash on the Counter
The alleged thief was captured on the store’s video surveillance; he supposedly wandered in and out of the store, loitering around the cash registers until no clerks were around. He then snatched the donation bucket and left the store.
What’s the Difference Between Theft, Robbery and Burglary?
Theft, robbery and burglary are different crimes, but potentially related to one another. There are various types of theft, but a basic definition of theft is:
• Obtaining or exercising control over someone else’s property by deception and with the intent to deprive the person of his property
Robbery, on the other hand, is:
• Using force or fear to take someone’s personal property, either right off their person or in their immediate presence. Robbery is a second degree felony.
You might be guilty of burglary if you:
• Enter a building or dwelling (residence) illegally and remain, with the intention to commit a certain crime. Burglary is a third degree felony if it occurs in a building; it’s a second degree felony if it takes place in a residence.
A person who enters a home and steals the homeowner’s jewelry, for example, will probably be charged with theft and burglary—two separate crimes.
Get the Legal Help You Need
Whether you’re accused of being a Utah thief or some other type of criminal, don’t wait to hire a top Utah criminal defense attorney. It’s in your best interest to have an experienced lawyer on your side, both in and out of the courtroom.
Tags: attorney, Burglary, crime, lawyer, robbery, Theft, thief, utah
Posted in Utah Legal Definition | No Comments »
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.
Tags: attorney, Bank, credit union, crime, defense, law, lawyer, legal, sex offender, suspect, utah
Posted in Utah Crime News | No Comments »
Many people serve as public servants throughout Utah, and you can count on the average public servant to do his job well and without misconduct. There are laws, however, to help deter a public servant from doing the wrong thing and ending up with fines or jail time.
Photo: Francisco Osorio
Official Misconduct—Using Inside Information for Unlawful Acts
A public servant is guilty of committing a class A misdemeanor if he has inside knowledge about an official action or information which he has acquired as part of his office (or from another public servant) and the information hasn’t been made public and he:
• Either acquires or gets rid of any property, transaction or enterprise he has a financial interest in which might be affected by the official action or information
• Speculates or wagers on the basis of the action or information or
• Purposefully helps someone else do any of the above
Alteration of Proposed Legislative Bill or Resolution
This law involves bills presented to and by state senators and legislators. If a draft bill has been presented to the state’s House or the Senate for passing or adoption and the draft bill is fraudulently altered using different language than was intended, the person responsible would be guilty of a third degree felony.
Altering Enrolled Legislative Bill or Resolution
The same charge applies to anyone who alters an enrolled bill or resolution. It’s a third degree felony to make any language changes to an enrolled bill or resolution which has been passed or adopted by the Legislature.
It’s important to remember that even though a person is charged with a crime, it doesn’t automatically mean he’s guilty. Charging someone with a crime more or less gets the legal ball rolling and enables a defendant to hire legal counsel.
Talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney right away if you’re facing criminal charges. It’s never too late to get the legal help you need.
Tags: attorney, crime, Felony, legal, legislator, legislature, misconduct, public servant, utah
Posted in Utah Legal Definition | No Comments »
When you use your cell phone in public, don’t be surprised if others overhear your conversation—that’s not considered illegal invasion of privacy. However, it is possible to be charged with a crime if you do any of the following:
Photo: Peter Hardy
• Trespass on property with the intent to eavesdrop on someone or use other forms of surveillance in an otherwise private place
• Install (in a private place without the consent of the person or people in that place who are entitled to privacy) any device used to observe, photograph, record, amplify or broadcast sounds or events. Putting a tap on someone’s phone or a hidden camera inside a bathroom both qualify as invasion of privacy.
• Install or use (outside of a private place without the person or people’s consent) any device designed to hear, record, amplify or broadcast sounds coming from a place that wouldn’t usually be heard from outside the location. For example, if you hold up a microphone outside your neighbor’s bedroom window to catch any action that might be occurring inside, you’ll be guilty of invasion of privacy.
Penalty for Invasion of Privacy in Utah
Committing invasion of privacy is a class B misdemeanor. If you’re found guilty of committing a class B misdemeanor crime, you could potentially be sent to jail for up to six months.
Talk to a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
Remember that if you’re charged with a crime, it’s never too late to discuss your case with an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney. You need to have top legal representation to improve your chances of winning any courtroom battle.
Protect your freedom and reputation by talking to a Utah criminal defense attorney today.
Tags: attorney, crime, law, lawyer, privacy, recording, utah
Posted in Utah Legal Definition | No Comments »
Poaching in Utah is against the law, and people who are found guilty of that crime may find themselves in danger of going to prison as well as paying hefty fines.
Photo: Laramie River Dude Ranch
Current Headline on Poaching
Several people are in legal hot water following their poaching escapades throughout Utah. It is a third degree felony to capture, injure or destroy protected wildlife with intentional, knowing or reckless conduct, and all of the individuals arrested pleaded guilty to one or more counts of this crime.
It is also illegal to
• abandon protected wildlife or a carcass
• commit poaching at night with the use of a weapon
• poach for financial gain
It is possible to be charged with a misdemeanor; the criminal charge depends on the value of the animal poached. For example, bighorn sheep, bears and endangered species are (for the purposes of determining criminal culpability) worth $1000 each. Elk or threatened species are worth $750 each and cougars, golden eagles, river otter and gila monsters are each valued at $500.
Mandatory Jail Time is a Poaching Penalty
Part of the state’s mandatory sentencing for third degree poaching includes serving a jail sentence of no less than 20 days, unless the court finds particular reasons why a sentence should be suspended or lessened.
No matter what crime you may be charged with, you need to talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney. It’s important that your interests be protected in any criminal matter, and you can be sure the prosecution won’t be spending a lot of time watching out for you.
That’s where your attorney comes in. Find a reputable Utah criminal defense attorney who will listen to you and fight for your rights. Make the right call today.
Tags: animals, attorney, crime, Felony, fine, law, Poaching, utah
Posted in Criminal Defense Misc, Utah Legal Definition | No Comments »
A Utah principal is in legal hot water after he admitted to viewing pornography on his phone in his elementary school office.
Photo: The GameWay
What Happened?
Chad Christman reportedly told a school district police detective that he had accessed a pornographic website while in his school office in February. The Utah principal has been charged with a class A misdemeanor; he resigned his position two weeks ago.
Invoke Your Constitutional Right
One of Christman’s biggest mistakes, besides viewing porn at work, was discussing his case with police without the advice of a Utah criminal defense attorney. Keep in mind that you are under no obligation—and, in fact, it can be to your detriment—to talk to law enforcement about any criminal matter they believe you’re involved in.
Don’t be afraid to use your Constitutional right to remain silent when approached by police. They will likely try hard to get you to talk, but you don’t need to admit anything without consulting an attorney.
Viewing indecent material or pornography while on school property is, as we mentioned, a class A misdemeanor if you’re 18 or older. It’s a class B misdemeanor if you’re under the age of 18. Additionally, each incident of viewing porn can be charged separately; if you access a porno website three separate times, you will likely be charged with three misdemeanors.
Ask a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney for Advice
Contact a Utah criminal defense attorney if you’re facing any criminal charges, or even if you’re being investigated by law enforcement. You don’t have to wait to be arrested to benefit from top legal representation. Make the right call today.
Tags: attorney, Constitutional Rights, crime, law, Misdemeanor, porn, Pornography, school, utah
Posted in Constitutional Rights | Comments Off
