INTERMOUNTAIN LEGAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG
September 2, 2022
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 […]
December 31, 2019
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
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
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
‘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
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
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
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
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
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 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 22, 2014
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
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 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: 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 According to recent news reports, Lamar Odom pleaded not guilty to a DUI that he was charged with at […]
July 19, 2013
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 What Doesn’t Work: Trying to intimidate the prosecutor or impress the judge by using legal terms […]
April 18, 2012
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 tickets can be a frustrating and costly inconvenience. Not only do they often result in […]