If you hate your neighbor’s calf, don’t set it free; kill it.

There are some interesting criminal statutes on the books.  Today I’m thinking about two Utah criminal statutes in particular: Utah Code 76-6-111 Wanton destruction of livestock – Penalties – Seizure and disposition of property and Utah Code 76-6-413 Release of  →

How should I present myself to the judge?

In any courtroom situation you should present yourself in the best light.  This means appearing in front of a judge and jury so that they will be most favorable to you. There are no guarantees in the law (except death  →

Can someone be arrested for armed robbery with a banana?

Seems absurd, doesn’t it?  But it has happened before, and it could happen again. I’m just going to quote the whole article from the BBC News, because it’s worth it. John Szwalla entered the shop with a banana concealed under his  →

What is a Plea in Abeyance? Why would I want one?

Everyone makes mistakes.  (Well, almost everyone.)  In Utah, Prosecutors and judges understand this.  If you make a mistake that isn’t too severe, the prosecutors like to give you a chance to prove you won’t do the same thing again. On  →

Searches, Seizures, Cell Phones, and the Seventh Circuit

From Reuters: Officers in Indiana found a number of cell phones at the scene of a drug bust, and searched each phone for its telephone number. Having the numbers allowed the government to subpoena the owners’ call histories, linking them  →

I’m being charged with a felony! How can I get this off my record?

Although many people come to a criminal defense attorney for help when charges are first filed, a knowledgeable and skilled defense lawyer can provide other valuable services as well. One option available in Utah that often surprises people with convictions  →

Alcohol or Drugs + Driving = A Very Bad Idea

As a public service announcement, we at Freedom Legal unite in asking everyone in Utah to be extra careful while driving and while drinking this holiday season. This request is not at all altruistic; the life you save may be  →

What can I expect at court in my criminal case?

In Utah criminal cases, the defendant (the person accused of the crime) has several kinds of hearings before going to trial. The exact process depends on whether a person are accused of a misdemeanor (with penalties up to 365 days  →

Vehicle Searches

A 19-year-old business student loaned a car to a friend, who left a glass pipe in the trunk when the car was returned. Two months later, while driving through Salt Lake City, Utah, the business student was pulled over for  →