INTERMOUNTAIN LEGAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG

September 15, 2022

Texting and Driving: What You Should Know before Getting Behind the Wheel

September 2, 2022

Justin Pratt – The Utah DUI Lawyer

Our DUI specialist, Justin Pratt, is a skilled and seasoned DUI criminal defense lawyer.  The majority of cases that Justin Pratt takes on are DUI cases […]
July 20, 2022

Driving Under the Influence: Everything You Need to Know if You Get a DUI

March 30, 2022

Felony vs. Misdemeanor- What’s the Difference?

December 31, 2019

What IS a Plea In Abeyance in Utah?

  A Plea in Abeyance (or PIA) is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor in a criminal case. It involves the defendant and prosecutor […]
December 22, 2014

Revenge Porn: Not a Good (or Legal) Holiday Gift

So you have these pictures of your ex . . . you know the ones.  Now that the good times are over, you’re wondering what you […]
November 11, 2014

Utah is not exactly District 12, but…

Mockingjay – Part one, the third movie in the Hunger Games trilogy is coming out next week, so what could be better than a blog post […]
October 17, 2014

Don’t even think about getting to 2nd base without a signed, notarized consent form.

‘No’ means ‘No!’ — but what means ‘yes’? When I was in my law school criminal law class and we were talking about rape, the professor asked, “Where […]
August 18, 2014

Citizen’s Arrests in Utah

I’m not a police officer – could I actually arrest someone? Usually when I think of a citizen’s arrest, I think about those bad movies or […]
May 29, 2014

Have you ever domestic violenced someone? I’ll bet you have.

I’m pretty sure that most of the people in Utah reading this article have committed domestic violence, and here’s why. When I was a prosecutor handling […]
May 13, 2014

Utah Drivers Beware—Some of What You’ve Been Told About the New Texting Law Will Get You a Ticket

Most Utah drivers are aware by now that the latest version of Utah’s Distracted Driving law goes into effect today. But the news story you heard […]
February 13, 2014

Legislator Seeks to Tighten Utah DUI Laws

Utah Legislator Lee Perry has introduced a bill in Utah that would make it illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired to the slightest degree by […]
January 31, 2014

AAA Utah Offers Free Tipsy Tow for Super Bowl Sunday 2014

With the 2014 Super Bowl approaching everybody is preparing for a weekend of relaxing and parties. The Utah Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies are […]
January 24, 2014

If Justin Bieber had been arrested for DUI in Utah…

If you haven’t heard yet: Justin Bieber was arrested early this morning in Florida for DUI. You can find officer Medina’s account in the police report […]
January 23, 2014

Orlando Police Officer Arrested for DUI; Becomes Belligerent

An off duty Orlando Police Officer, Sean Gilhuly, was arrested Sunday for DUI and Criminal Mischief. A witness called 911 when a white Ford Explorer sat […]
January 22, 2014

Will the Court suspend my Driver’s License in my DUI case?

The results of the Utah Driver License Division (DLD) can have a great influence on what happens to your driver’s license when you resolve your court case. […]
January 21, 2014

Will my Driver’s License be suspended if I get a DUI in Utah?

Diver’s license issues are one of the most common concerns people have when they are charged with DUI. It is important that you understand the importance […]
October 25, 2013

Law Enforcement Opposes Lowering the DUI Limit to .05 in Utah

Law Enforcement Opposes Lowering the DUI Limit to .05 in Utah Over the past few months, Utah lawmakers have been urged to institute law lowering the […]
October 18, 2013

Molly Can’t Stop; Molly Won’t Stop: MDMA Pop Culture References and Ecstasy Possession

Molly Can’t Stop; Molly Won’t Stop: Resurgence of MDMA Pop Culture References and Ecstasy Use. Officials in Utah are concerned about the resurgence of MDMA, also […]
October 11, 2013

Lamar Odom Pleads Not Guilty to DUI

Lamar Odom Pleads Not Guilty to DUI According to recent news reports, Lamar Odom pleaded not guilty to a DUI that he was charged with at […]
July 19, 2013

Poor Presidential Advice: Man Takes Joe Biden’s Advice – Ends Up with Weapons Charge

What Doesn’t Work: Taking legal advice from Vice President Joe Biden: “If there’s ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here…walk out and put […]
July 15, 2013

Automobile Homicide – Case Dismissed

  Last Wednesday a Nevada judge dismissed charges against Jean Soriano, who was charged with “DUI causing serious bodily injury or death.” Soriano was charged after a March 30th […]
May 23, 2013

The Price of Mischief

Who does not like a clever April Fools joke? It is a day beloved by pranksters who spend the remaining 364 days of the year trying […]
May 22, 2013

How do I get a Domestic Violence No Contact Order dismissed?

There are several different types of “protective orders” in domestic violence cases.  If you are sent to jail for domestic violence, the jail should have you […]
May 22, 2013

DUI Attorney Tip of the Week: Do Not Be a Pinocchio

Here are tips about what works and does not work: What does not work: When you wake up, you are shocked to discover your car windows […]
May 20, 2013

Utah Laws on Custodial Interference and Intent

In some disputes over child custody, each parent may be firmly convinced that the other one is unfit. However, unless there is convincing evidence that the […]
May 16, 2013

Understanding Utah Stalking Laws

Example 1: A man believes he is so in love with one of his co-workers that he memorizes her daily schedule. That way, he can cross paths […]
May 15, 2013

Criminal Background Checks Prone to Errors and Discrimination

A school bus driver with numerous DUI convictions. A nursing home attendant with several arrests for violent assault. An accountant who served time in jail for […]
May 13, 2013

Utah Domestic Violence and Gun Laws

For many Utah citizens, the right to own a gun extends beyond hunting. Having the means to protect family members in an emergency situation like a […]
May 9, 2013

Majority of Public Favors Legalizing Marijuana

In 1936, a film called Tell Your Children warned viewers of the consequences of smoking marijuana. These included a life of criminal activity, mental illness and suicide. The […]
May 8, 2013

DUI Attorney Tip of the Week: Do Not Cheat on Your Ignition Interlock Device

Here are tips about what does and doesn’t work in our legal system and why. What doesn’t work: Giving your sober buddy ten bucks to wear a […]
May 6, 2013

Prescription Painkillers Abuse Can Affect All Types of People in Utah

Medical science does a pretty good job of alleviating pain suffered from acute injury or short-term medical procedures. Treating long-term chronic pain is not so easy, […]
April 11, 2013

The Endgame — Sentencing and Sentencing Guidelines

At the end of the day, jail is almost never the answer. Study after study shows that jail rarely helps prevent future crime. In cases where […]
April 8, 2013

Getting Help Dealing With Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined as systematic abuse of a current or former acquaintance, or cohabitant. That may mean a spouse, ex-partner, or family member. The abuse might […]
April 4, 2013

The Trial Before The Trial

When is a trial not a trial? Answer: When it is a preliminary hearing. If you are arrested on felony or Class A misdemeanor charges, you have the […]
April 1, 2013

Misdemeanor or Felony?

If you are facing criminal charges, you probably know the reason why. Do you stand accused of breaking into a store to liberate some computer equipment, […]
March 28, 2013

Underage Drinking — One More Time

Drinking and driving is dangerous. You could kill or seriously injure yourself or others driving impaired by alcohol or drugs. Utah has zero tolerance for minors […]
March 25, 2013

“Hey Mom! I’m On TV!”

Most people are excited to see friends and family on television. Unfortunately, for acquaintances of the newly incarcerated in Salt Lake City, they may get their […]
March 21, 2013

Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer The Right Domestic Violence Attorney for your Case Our lead domestic violence attorney, Steven K. Burton, is a former prosecutor who has […]
March 18, 2013

What to Do When Charged with a DUI

What Doesn’t Work: You see the lights flash and hear the siren. As the source of the lights dawns on you, you pull over, trying to get […]
March 14, 2013

When Cold Cases Get Hot

Almost 30 years ago, Ogden was a different place. For one thing, prior to March of 1983, Rebecca Lemberger was still alive. After March 2, Rebecca […]
March 11, 2013

Is There An App for That?

Earlier this month mayoral candidate Mark Crockett offered his view on reducing repeat criminal offenders and saving the state a lot of money in the process. […]
March 7, 2013

Domestic Violence Laws are Misguided: Punishing Less-Violent Behavior Detracts from Preventing the Most Serious Harm

A.J. Parker, age 25, was working at Intermountain Healthcare when she met Landon Jorgensen, 24, who was a Marine veteran and a firearms instructor. They had […]
March 4, 2013

Current Case: Setting Hiking Trail Booby Traps Reduced to Misdemeanor Offense

Provo Canyon is a popular destination for hikers, whether they want a strenuous climb or a moderate hike. All hikers need to be aware of potential […]
February 28, 2013

Paying a High Price for Getting High: Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Does Not Work: Claiming that the excruciating pain from your inoperable cancer can only be helped by smoking a little marijuana — “This is medical […]
February 25, 2013

No Statute of Limitations in Homicide Cases

Civil lawsuits and criminal charges must be brought within a specified period of time, known as the statute of limitations. It is best to prosecute cases […]
February 21, 2013

When Should Miranda Warnings be Read?

On TV, the moment usually comes as sort of an anti-climax — after the big car chase, the running through the streets, the jumping over fences […]
February 18, 2013

Defending a Weapons Charge in Utah

All across America, people who love guns love Utah. That is because the Utah constitution guarantees the right of citizens to bear arms; and also because Utah honors […]
February 17, 2013

DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter Defense

Under the Utah Criminal Code, causing the death of another person while driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs results in a charge of automobile homicide. […]
February 14, 2013

In the News: Kids Who Kill

It has been observed that the apple never falls far from the tree. It has also been observed (by a respected criminology professor in an October […]
February 11, 2013

Was Sally Drunk? Cops Say Oui-Oui!

Sally Struthers, who played the bubbly blonde daughter of Archie Bunker (and adoring wife of Meathead) on the 1970s TV show All in the Family, was arrested […]
February 11, 2013

Utah DUI Tests: DUI Attorney Tip of the Week

What Does Not Work: Performing the “Nine Step Walk and Turn” test on tip-toe, with several twirls thrown in, while singing ”Fiddler on the Roof” songs […]
November 15, 2012

Better Not to Risk It: Protect Your License with Criminal Defense

When you are charged with a DUI in Utah, you may be inclined to plead guilty to avoid legal fees, resolve the matter as soon as […]
October 16, 2012

Court Induced Idiocracy | Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Court Induced Idiocracy | Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week What Doesn’t Work: Trying to intimidate the prosecutor or impress the judge by using legal terms […]
April 25, 2012

Dollar Store Deception & Shoplifting Savings | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work:  Trying to save money by forging price tags at the dollar store: “Sir, is this your handwriting?” “Umm…no.” “You know this is the […]
April 18, 2012

Two Packs for Legal Advice | Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work:  Trading two packs of cigarettes to your cellmate for his great legal advice…especially when tells you, “Don’t worry Man, I’ve watched every episode […]
March 19, 2012

iPad Contest Winners Announced

And the winner is… iPad: Stephanie Stolworthy Flynn $50: Nate Shields $50: Michael Cummings $50: Charlotte Aldridge Petersen $50: Andrew R. Peterson $50: Kayleigh Sharp Ferrell […]
February 1, 2012

Two-Attorney Criminal Defense Law Firm Hiring Part Time Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Legal Assistant Job Description Our two-attorney criminal defense law firm in Sugarhouse is looking for a part-time legal assistant or paralegal to perform a wide range […]
January 31, 2012

The Right Way & Wrong Way to Get a Job | Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work:  Trying to get a job as a graphic designer by spray painting your portfolio on train cars, billboards, overpasses, livestock, milk trucks, sidewalks, etc., […]
January 19, 2012

Mattress Malfeasance & $150 for a Free Attorney | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work:  Trying to plea bargain your criminal charges down by offering to provide to law enforcement “inside information” about people who have intentionally and […]
January 5, 2012

I’ll Sic My Momma On You! | Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Fighting a jaywalking ticket by quoting the bible, using bomb threats, threatening a hunger strike, citing the Constitution, or having your mother call […]
December 27, 2011

New Year’s No-Nos | Salt Lake DUI Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: While driving home from the New Year’s Eve party, demonstrating to the police car behind you that you are fully capable of operating […]
December 21, 2011

Intentional Incontinence and Wearing the Judge’s Shoes | Utah Defense Attorney Criminal Defense Tip

What Doesn’t Work: Peeing your pants while you are being pulled over to prove to the officer that you had no choice but to run the […]
November 29, 2011

Prescription for Disaster | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Saying, when questioned by the police about the pills in your pocket: “These aren’t illegal drugs. The guy I bought them from has […]
November 23, 2011

Ill-Advised Black Friday Deals and A Tip Every Driver Should Know | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Advertising your amazing Black Friday deals for all of your “hard to find” merchandise: slightly used wallets, mislabeled prescription drugs, feel goodbrownies, imported DVDs, second hand electronics, and fresh start identity […]
November 16, 2011

Busting Bubba & Knowing When to Plead No Contest | Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Making a citizen’s arrest on your cellmate, Bubba, to show the police that you are really on their side. What Works:  Knowing when you […]
November 8, 2011

Copycat Comeuppance & A Crucial Legal Myth | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Playing the copycat game during police interrogations.  “Where did you get the gun?”  “Where did you get the gun?”  “Are you copying me?”  “Are youcopying me?”  […]
October 26, 2011

Bad Costume Idea, Good Traffic Stop Idea | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Going to court in your Halloween costume…especially if it’s your heavy-duty orange jumpsuit with your favorite six-digit number on back. Even though your […]
October 18, 2011

Ineffective Insanity Defense & an Adage to Live by | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Trying to prove an insanity defense by dressing up as a wizard and casting a spell on the judge…because if you really were […]
October 12, 2011

Flattery Faux Pas & Painless Prevention | Criminal Defense Attorney Weekly Tip

What Doesn’t Work: Trying to flatter the officer by telling him how the decor in the back of his police car compares to the decor in all […]
October 4, 2011

Good Ideas with Bad Timing…In and Out of Court | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Being over-enthusiastic in delicate situations.  When an officer tells you to put up your hands, don’t use “spirit fingers” or “jazz hands” to […]
September 29, 2011

Poor Pick-up Lines & Choosing an Attorney | Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Trying to avoid getting cited by using crappy pick up lines: “I wasn’t driving recklessly, I was just trying to get your dreamy […]
September 21, 2011

The Right Way and Wrong Way to Get a Clean Record | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Saying to the officer, “This crisp, new Abraham Lincoln didn’t see me do anything wrong…perhaps you would like to take him in for questioning. What […]
September 14, 2011

Misguided Artistic Language vs. Unartful Linguistics | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Psst! Intermountain Legal offers a free-consult on criminal cases!   What Doesn’t Work: Using your graffiti tag to sign citations and/or court documents. What Works: If […]
September 6, 2011

Canadian Gang Signs & A Helpful Phrase | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Faking temporary deafness so you don’t have to answer police questions. If you start busting out pretend sign language, the officer is more […]
September 1, 2011

Bungling Bribes & Completing Probation | Utah Criminal Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Bribing the officer with your Café Rio left-overs: “C’mon man, it’s still fresh…and you can have the rest of my Big Gulp too.” […]
August 23, 2011

Carpool Can’ts and Dumb DUIs | Utah DUI Attorney Tip of the Week

What Doesn’t Work: Counting your fetus as a second person so you can drive in the carpool lane. Dummies, mannequins, and large animals wearing sunglasses also […]
August 10, 2011

Awesome Abs and GRAMA Requests | Utah Defense Attorney Tips

What Doesn’t Work:  Using your time in front of the police lineup mirror to see how cut your abs are or to practice all four of […]
July 27, 2011

Tinfoil Helmets & Constructive Drug Possession

What Doesn’t Work: Covering your car in tinfoil so it can’t be seen by police radar.  This works about as well as wearing a tinfoil helmet […]
July 23, 2011

Spontaneous Sicknesses | Utah Criminal Attorney Tip of the Week

Intermountain Legal is back with another week of our Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week! This ongoing series is all about learning the best ways […]
July 21, 2011

What’s in a Name? | Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

We have all heard the common phrase that honesty is the best policy. When it comes to dealing with law enforcement, trying to lie your way […]
July 15, 2011

Loose Lips & Ticket Tips | Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

When it comes to getting pulled over by an officer, there is so much information on what you should or shouldn’t do, and it can get […]
July 11, 2011

A DUI Tip So Important that Even DUI Attorneys Should Use It! | Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Defense Attorney Tip of the Week As criminal defense attorneys at Intermountain Legal, we understand that getting pulled over for a DUI can be frightening. It’s […]
July 5, 2011

Traffic Ticket Tip: Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Traffic Ticket Tip: Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week Traffic tickets can be a frustrating and costly inconvenience. Not only do they often result in […]
July 1, 2011
cop car

Police Pointers: For the Next Time You Encounter an Officer