Utah Mayhem Attorney - Salt Lake Criminal Defense Lawyer
"Mayhem" is rarely charged under Utah criminal law. But a
conviction for mayhem can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines
and surcharges of almost $20,000. Stephen Howard is an
experienced
Utah criminal defense
attorney who
represents clients charged with mayhem and other violent and
non-violent criminal
charges throughout Utah. Based in Salt Lake City, he has
achieved
not guilty verdicts or dismissals
for clients facing serious
felony and
misdemeanor criminal charges.
Contact us today to arrange
for an initial consultation.
Elements of a Mayhem Charge in Utah
Under
the Utah criminal code, a person is guilty of "mayhem" if he
"unlawfully and intentionally deprives a human being of a member of his
body, or disables or renders it useless, or who cuts out or disables
the tongue, puts out an eye, or slits the nose, ear, or lip."
A
criminal conviction for mayhem is a second degree felony.
Mayhem may also be charged as a
domestic
violence offense.
The concept of "depriving a human being of a member of his body"
typically refers to a situation where a body part is cut or bitten off
entirely. Typical
allegations in a mayhem case could involve a person biting off a
another person's finger or ear during a fight. The removal of a body
part can also be done with a knife or other sharp object.
Proof of Intent in a Utah Mayhem Case
Simply engaging in conduct that results
in the loss of a body part is not, by itself, sufficient to support a
mayhem charge. The
prosecuting attorney must also prove that the person acted
"intentionally."
For example, proof that a person was hit or pushed, and in the process
accidentally
bites
the tip of his tongue, does not, by itself, prove criminal mayhem. But
while the evidence my be insufficient to support a mayhem charge, there
may still be sufficient evidence to support a charge of
assault
or
aggravated
assault.
Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer - Salt Lake City, Utah
If you are charged with mayhem or other criminal conduct, the
consequences can be serious.
Contact
us now to schedule an initial consultation with
Salt
Lake City criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard.
See how
an
experienced Utah
criminal
defense attorney can help your case.

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