Posts Tagged ‘Burglary’
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 »
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.
Tags: burglars, Burglary, crime, Felony, Misdemeanor, railroad car, utah, vehicle
Posted in Utah Crime News | No Comments »
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
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.
Tags: burglaries, Burglary, crime, Felony, prison, robbery, Theft, utah
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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
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.
Tags: Arson, attorney, auto, Burglary, car, crime, Felony, lawyer, Misdemeanor, news, utah, vehicle
Posted in Utah Crime News | No Comments »
Martin Bond was recently pronounced guilty of murder, among other crimes, in one of Utah’s Fourth District courtrooms.
The Backstory
Police initially suspected that the murder victim’s (Kay Mortensen) son and daughter-in-law—Roger and Pamela Mortensen—may have been responsible for the man’s death, but the tide turned when Bond’s ex-wife and boyfriend contacted law enforcement. It turned out that Bond had actually held Roger, Pamela and Kay Mortensen hostage during a burglary and robbery that left the elder Mortensen dead.
Bond was found guilty of aggravated murder, burglary and robbery and three counts of aggravated kidnapping. Even though Bond won’t be sentenced until March, he doesn’t face the death penalty. He will likely serve life in prison without the chance of parole, but he does have the opportunity to file an appeal.
Punishment for First Degree Felonies
The six aggravated charges Bond was found guilty of are all first degree felonies, each potentially punishable by five years to life in prison. Depending on the judge, when a person is found guilty of multiple crimes he may be required to serve his sentences consecutively—one after another—or concurrently—at the same time.
Criminal homicide is aggravated murder if the person causes the death during certain other acts, including robbery, rape, sodomy and child abuse, to name a few.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be accused of murder in order to benefit from the services of a top Utah criminal defense attorney. Keeping your reputation and freedom intact should be your priority, and an experienced attorney can help you with those goals. Talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney today.
Tags: aggravated murder, Burglary, court, crime, death penalty, Felony, Judge, murder, robbery, utah
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A Utah man has been arrested and charged with the theft of approximately $35,000 in silver coins, following his attempt to sell them. The man allegedly stole the coins and some jewelry from his grandmother, but was caught when a store employee suspected theft and called police.
Photo: FromSandToGlass
Definition of Theft
Theft in Utah can be charged in different ways. The type of theft alleged in this case occurs when a person has control over someone else’s property with the intention to deprive the victim of his property.
Retail Theft
Another type of theft is retail theft, which covers several different areas of knowingly:
• Shoplifting
• Changing or otherwise altering or removing price tags with the intent to pay less for a product than is displayed
• Putting merchandise in a different container so that it’s concealed and not paid for
• Charging a customer less than is appropriate
• Removing a shopping cart with the plan to not bring it back
The penalty for committing theft depends mostly on the amount of goods or services stolen. In this case, since the value of the coins and jewelry was over $5000, the charge is a second degree felony. Second degree felonies can carry a jail or prison sentence of anywhere from 1-15 years.
You May be Civilly Liable in Addition to Criminally Liable for Theft
Civil liability for certain thefts can be quite dramatic. If there are any damages in a civil case, the perpetrator is liable for three times the actual damages and for a plaintiff’s costs of the civil suit and reasonable attorney’s fees.
Don’t wait to talk to a Utah criminal defense attorney if you’ve found yourself on the wrong side of the law. Everyone deserves a top-notch defense, and you’re no exception. Make the right move today and call a Utah criminal defense attorney.
Tags: Burglary, crime, Felony, retail theft, shoplifting, stealing, Theft, utah
Posted in Utah Crime News | No Comments »
Two men have been arrested following a home invasion in the Midvale area. The men allegedly came up to a man outside a home and forced him into the residence. Once inside the home, they are accused of beating up the men and stealing numerous items from the homeowner—including his car.
Suspects Facing Multiple Felonies
The two men were both arrested later that day, one in an apartment (with the stolen car in the parking lot) and another in a vehicle with drug equipment. The alleged thieves are currently in jail, having been charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, attempted aggravated kidnapping and theft by receiving stolen property.
Home invasion isn’t a specific crime listed on the Utah law books, but other crimes may occur during the home invasion. The first two charges listed above are both first degree felonies, punishable by five years to life in prison. The last two charges are second degree felonies, which may carry a 1-15 year prison sentence.
You Deserve the Help of a Top Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
These men have been charged with serious crimes, so hopefully they will take care to get much needed expert legal advice from a top Utah criminal defense attorney. Keep in mind that you don’t need to being facing felonies to benefit from the services of an attorney. Regardless of the charges against you, you need and deserve to have the best legal representation possible.
People make mistakes every day, but still deserve to have an opportunity to be defended in court. Don’t try and handle your own case. Do yourself a favor and contact an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney today.
Tags: arrest, attorney, Burglary, crime, Felony, home invasion, kidnapping, law, robbery, Theft, utah
Posted in Hiring a Lawyer, Utah Crime News | No Comments »
Two former San Juan High School students have been arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and theft.
Photo: Jo Naylor
What Happened?
The investigation into arson charges stems from last weekend’s fire at the San Juan High School in Blanding, Utah. The school’s media center was discovered burning early Saturday morning and is believed to be a total loss. Smoke and other damage occurred to a few other classrooms near the media center as well.
The men, ages 19 and 22, are also suspects in a recent flood of burglaries, also at the high school and at the nearby middle school. The motive behind the arson is not yet publically known. We haven’t discussed what constitutes arson or its penalties for some time, so it’s a good opportunity to refresh (or educate) your memories.
What are the Penalties for Arson?
Arson is usually charged according to the amount of property damage sustained during the crime. For example, arson is a second degree felony when the fire results in damages of $5000 or more. However, you could also be charged with second degree felony arson if:
• You commit the crime with the intention of defrauding the property’s insurer or
• Someone not involved with the crime receives serious bodily injury due to the arson
Aggravated arson is a first degree felony when a person uses fire or explosives to purposefully damage someone’s residence or any structure or vehicle when an innocent party is inside the building or car. When someone is found guilty of a first degree felony, he may be sentenced from five years to life in prison.
Let a Top Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Help You
You should contact a Utah criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a crime or if you are being investigated for any crime. Take your case and life into your hands by receiving legal help from an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney who has a proven track record of winning in court. Make the right call today.
Tags: Arson, attorney, Burglary, crime, Felony, fire, Theft, utah
Posted in Utah Crime News | No Comments »
A suspected Utah burglar recently got away with more than a lot of personal property, she also took advantage of the victim’s shower, too.
Photo: Spring Dew
Detour By Way Of the Bathroom
Although that may sound a bit unusual, the alleged Utah burglar is reported to be homeless—so taking a shower may have seemed like a good idea at the time.
The woman who supposedly burgled a West Valley City home is believed to have stolen close to $7000 worth of property during the break-in, a time when no residents were in the home. She has been charged with burglary and theft, both second degree felonies.
Utah Burglaries Come With Hefty Penalties
Burglary seems to be a fairly commonly occurring crime, but the penalties are not any less substantial. A person found guilty of committing a second degree felony can be sentenced to anywhere from 1-15 years in prison.
As a reminder, burglary is the unauthorized entering or remaining in a building with the intent to commit:
• A felony
• Theft
• An assault on any person
• Lewdness
• Sexual battery
• Lewdness involving a child
• Voyeurism
Burglary is normally a third degree felony except when it’s committed in a residence, such as this case, when the charge goes up a degree.
Additionally, if you commit burglary in a home as well as another crime, such as lewdness, you will be charged with two crimes—burglary and lewdness.
Get Advice from a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have further questions about what constitutes burglary or any other crime, don’t hesitate to contact a Utah criminal defense attorney. Let a top attorney who is well-versed in Utah criminal law be your advocate with law enforcement and the courts. Help yourself by calling a Utah criminal defense attorney today.
Tags: burglar, Burglary, crime, Felony, Theft, utah
Posted in Utah Crime News | No Comments »
A couple of Utah thieves have been arrested over the past few days, either leaving behind identifying information or hanging around the scene of the crime.
Don’t Call Me—Just Email
One man was taken into custody following two separate incidents involving burglaries and theft. First, the man supposedly left his email address on a paper inside a car he’d allegedly burgled. Then, while committing burglary inside a home, he told one of the home’s occupants his first name and that he was a ghost. The alleged thief has been charged with burglary, vehicle burglary and theft.
I Need More Money
The other thief decided to rob a bank. It seems he was unhappy with the amount of cash the bank teller gave him, so he returned to the bank to get more money. Unfortunately for him, the bank’s employees had already locked the doors and contacted police. When officers arrived, the thief was arrested for suspicion of aggravated burglary.
Everyone Deserves a Top Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
Even though these Utah thieves were a little slow on the draw and made some mistakes by committing crimes, we know they deserve legal representation. After all, we don’t know their back stories and what occurred in their lives prior to the alleged crimes. It takes a good Utah criminal defense attorney to dig a little deeper than law enforcement probably will and find out what makes a defendant tick.
If you are in a legal bind, don’t wait to contact a Utah criminal defense attorney. Let your defense attorney do the talking on your behalf and handle all the details both in and out of court. It could be the best phone call you’ll ever make.
Tags: aggravated burglary, Burglary, crime, law, police, Theft, utah
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