Utah Communications Fraud - Salt Lake Criminal Lawyer
A criminal charge for communications fraud in Utah can result in a
felony
conviction and a substantial jail or prison sentence. An
experienced Utah
criminal lawyer can help give
you the best chance of
successfully defending your case. Utah criminal defense attorney
Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients' rights in
thousands of serious Utah felony and
misdemeanor
cases.
Based in Salt
Lake City, Mr. Howard provides legal services to clients throughout
Utah.
Contact us today to
schedule an initial consultation.
Elements of a Communications Fraud Charge in Utah

Utah
Code section 76-10-1801 states that a person "who has devised any
scheme or artifice to defraud another or to obtain from another money,
property, or anything of value by means of false or fraudulent
pretenses, representations, promises, or material omissions, and who
communicates directly or indirectly with any person by any means for
the purpose of executing or concealing the scheme or artifice" is
guilty of the crime of communications
fraud.
The element of "communication" under the Utah statute casts a broad net
that includes any kind of communication. Unlike federal wire fraud or
mail fraud statutes that may require the use of specific means of
communication, the Utah communications fraud statute can include
written, electronic, telephonic, oral, or other communication "by any
means."
Penalties for Communication Fraud in Utah
The offense level for a communications fraud charge in Utah is based on
the value of the "property, money, or thing obtained or sought to be
obtained." For values of $5,000 or more, a second degree felony charge
can be filed. For values of $1,500 or more, but less than $5,000, a
third degree felony charge may be filed. Values less than $1,500 will
result in misdemeanor level charges.
Utah's communications fraud statute bases the offense level on the
value of property "obtained or sought to be obtained." This can result
in felony charges being filed even when no property or money is
actually obtained by the defendant.
Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

If
you are
facing prosecution for communications fraud in Utah, an
experienced
criminal defense attorney can help you achieve the best results for
your case. Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients'
rights in thousands of serious Utah misdemeanor and felony cases. His
track record includes
not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate
reversals on some of the most serious charges on the books in Utah.
Based in Salt Lake City,
criminal defense attorney
Stephen Howard
offers legal services to clients throughout Utah.
Contact us today to
schedule an initial consultation.
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