INTERMOUNTAIN LEGAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG

March 27, 2026
guy in handcuffs

From Argument to Arrest | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

From Argument to Arrest | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week One bad argument shouldn’t follow you for the rest of your life, but in […]
January 28, 2026
Cigarettes

Why Your Cellmate Is Not a Legal Expert | Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Why Your Cellmate Is Not a Legal Expert | Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week When you’re facing criminal charges, suddenly everyone around you is […]
December 11, 2025
a firm handshake

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

The Right Way & Wrong Way to Get a Job | Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week   Before we jump into […]
November 14, 2025
people going over papers with a gavel in focus

Mattress Tags and Mythical Free Lawyers | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Mattress Tags and Mythical Free Lawyers | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week You’ve probably heard the phrase “nothing in life is free.” That’s […]
September 15, 2022
Guy on the phone while driving

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

September 2, 2022
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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
women with hands on the steering wheel

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

March 30, 2022
gavel on table

Felony vs. Misdemeanor- What’s the Difference?

December 31, 2019
women with hands folded

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
person on a smartphone

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
Salt lake city

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
women and man on a couch

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
guy in handcuffs

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
guy in handcuffs

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
behind the shoulder of a guy driving

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
guy holding a bottle while driving

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
women with hands on the steering wheel

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
guy in handcuffs

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
cop cars with lights on

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
person holding liquor bottle

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
women with hands on the steering wheel

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
beer bottle

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
distraught woman

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
Toy car next to whiskey and a gavel

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
glock hand gun

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
women with hands on the steering wheel

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
guy in handcuffs

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
lady with a hands on her head

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
person holding a beer while driving

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
Father and son laughing

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
lady on the phone

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
lady justice statue with people are crunching numbers

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
glock hand gun

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
Weed

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 pills

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
guy in handcuffs

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
Guy wearing a beanie and hoodie

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
gavel on table

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
guy in handcuffs

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
person with a liquor bottle

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
guy in handcuffs

“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
lady justice statue with someone signing papers

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
stressed man pulled over with police lights in back window

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
two men having a business discussion

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
business woman looking at an ipad

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
Distraught woman

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
trail through a forest

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
marijuana

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
guy in handcuffs

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
nice police officer at scene

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
glock hand gun

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
car crash

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
guy in handcuffs

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
toy car next to whiskey and gavel

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
DUI test

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
people going over papers with a gavel in focus

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
Utah Capital Building

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
man stealing electronics

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

Dollar Store Deception & Shoplifting Savings | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week We all love a good deal. From dollar stores to clearance racks […]
March 19, 2012
ipad

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
professional woman smiling

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 5, 2012
man talking on the phone

Creative Coping Strategies and Helpful Steps | Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

You got a citation—maybe for jaywalking, maybe for something else—and your first instinct is to get dramatic. We get it: adrenaline + anger + the fine […]
December 27, 2011
group celebrating

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
gavel on table

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

Imagine you’re standing in a courtroom. Fluorescent lights buzz overhead. A judge sits, unreadable, behind the bench. The prosecutor shuffles a stack of papers, ready to […]
November 29, 2011
prescription pills

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
hundred dollar bills

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
guy in handcuffs

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

When someone is charged with a crime and enters a plea in court, they generally have three options: Guilty Not guilty No contest (also known as […]
November 8, 2011
nice police officer at scene

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

Being accused of breaking the law can be upsetting, but it’s crucial to maintain your composure when under pressure. While that might seem like a near-impossible […]
October 26, 2011
nice police officer at scene

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

When you see the flash of red and blue lights behind you and hear the familiar wail of sirens, it’s enough to send your heart beating. […]
October 18, 2011
lady justice statue with someone signing papers

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

British Accents & Vehicle Registration | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Police officers do a lot of good for the community. One of their most well-known tasks is patrolling and ensuring everyone in their jurisdiction follows driving […]
October 4, 2011
police officer

Courtroom Etiquette 101 | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Courtroom Etiquette 101 | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week Another week and another Utah criminal defense attorney tip! Today, we’re talking about the […]
September 29, 2011
lady shaking hands

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

Poor Pick-up Lines & Choosing an Attorney | Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week Hiring an attorney isn’t always the easiest task, […]
September 21, 2011
stressed man pulled over with police lights in back window

From Stained to Spotless | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

From Stained to Spotless | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week A clean record is invaluable. A stained record can make all sorts of […]
September 14, 2011
Man and woman in argument

How to Avoid Sabotaging Your Defense: Dos and Don’ts for the Accused

How to Avoid Sabotaging Your Defense: Dos and Don’ts for the Accused We’re back this week to share another defense attorney tip!  Have you ever heard […]
September 6, 2011
two men in hoodies facing away

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

Canadian Gang Signs and A Helpful Phrase | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week We’re back with another Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week! […]
September 1, 2011
guy holding hundred dollar bills

Bungling Bribes and Completing Probation | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Bungling Bribes and Completing Probation | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week Welcome back to another Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week! This week, […]
August 23, 2011
person driving with bottle in hand

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

Driving in Utah can be a bit confusing for native Utahns, let alone visitors. But, with Intermountain Legal’s Defense Attorney Tips, you won’t find yourself on […]
August 10, 2011
Salt Lake City landscape

GRAMA Requests and Zoolander | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

July 27, 2011
stressed man pulled over with police lights in back window

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
woman looking distraught

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
Police officer

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
stressed man pulled over with cop lights in back window

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
driving with bottle in hand

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
behind the shoulder of a guy driving

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 cars with lights on

Police Pointers: For the Next Time You Encounter an Officer