Posts Tagged ‘sex offender’

Utah Sex Offender is a Suspect in Bank Hold-Up

Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Crime News
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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.

Utah Sex Offender Restrictions for Parole

Utah Criminal Defense Blog, on the topic of  Utah Law
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In Utah, a sex offender is any person (adult or juvenile) who is required by law to be registered as a sex offender due to an offense committed against a person who is 18 years old or younger. When a sex offender is eligible for parole in Utah, there are specific locations he is restricted from visiting.

Photo: Paradigm

What are Protected Areas?

Protected areas include:

• any licensed daycare or preschool facility
• any swimming pool open to the public
• a public or private elementary or secondary school not located on the grounds of a correctional facility
• public community parks
• public playgrounds
• under certain conditions, areas 1000 feet or less from an accuser’s (of the particular sex offender) residence

In order for the last protected area listed to be truly off limits, the sex offender must be:

• on parole for a sex offense
• the accuser or his parent or guardian has requested that the offender be restricted from the area
• the offender has been notified in writing and with a physical description of the restricted area

Penalty for Visiting a Protected Area

Generally, it is a class A misdemeanor for a convicted sex offender to stray into a protected area. There are a few exceptions, however:

• The offender needs to be in a protected area to carry out specific parental duties
• When the protected area is a school building and
• It is opened and being used for a public activity and
• Not being used for a school-related function for people 18 years old or younger
• When the protected area is a licensed daycare or preschool facility and
• Is located within a building used for public purposes, services or functions besides the day care facility and the offender doesn’t stray into the preschool/daycare part of the building

Talk to a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have legal questions or concerns about any criminal case you’re involved in, whether it’s related to a sex offense or other matter, don’t wait to contact a Utah criminal defense attorney. Let your attorney guide you through the sometimes confusing legal process and help you get your life back on track. Make the right phone call today.