Author: Stephen Howard
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An Invitation You Can Decline
When Investigators Invite You to Chat I recently received a copy of a letter that was sent out by a State agency responsible for investigating a claim of fraud. The letter politely notified the recipient of the good…
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Just Say No…. Fourth & Fifth Amendments
Can I say no if a police officer asks for consent? In the 1980’s, First Lady Nancy Reagan launched an anti-drug campaign with the words “Just Say No.” Those words take on a new meaning in the area…
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Self Defense – Reasonable Use of Force
Utah law provides an affirmative defense for defendants charged with certain violent crimes if the defendant acted in legitimate self defense. Under Utah criminal law a person may be found not guilty (acquitted at trial) of weapons charges,…
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Accomplice Liability and Criminal Conspiracy
Can I be prosecuted with a crime in Utah for someone else’s actions? Utah criminal charges are sometimes filed against a person for something that someone else did. Some of these cases involve mistaken identity, where the defendant…
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Aggravated Arson in Utah
Elements of an Aggravated Arson Charge The chief distinction between an ordinary arson charge and an aggravated arson charge is the nature of the place or thing burned. Typical arson charges in involve the destruction of or damage…
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Presumed Innocent or Prove It?
Trial is NOT a Chance “to Prove Your Innocence.” I heard a judge recently tell someone that a jury trial is your “opportunity to prove your innocence.” The judge is flat-out wrong. As I waited for my client’s…