The United Nations defines domestic abuse as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.” In Utah, the legal term is “domestic violence,” and it’s defined as any offense that involves either violence or a threat of violence against a cohabitant. Domestic violence also includes specific crimes that the state lists in its code.

Under Utah code, domestic violence is defined as any crime that involves violence or a threat of violence against someone who lives with you. This can include your spouse, children, family members, and even roommates. If you commit a violent crime against any cohabitant, that qualifies for a domestic violence charge. However, you might not see the consequences immediately. 

If you are charged with a crime, that does not mean all hope is lost. The United States Constitution has given you the right to defend yourself, so you are not considered guilty from the get-go.

When you think of theft, you might imagine someone stealing physical property–a car, money, or merchandise. There’s another type of theft that’s sometimes forgotten until it happens to you.

The crime of money laundering involves the act of transforming money made from illegal activities or corruption into assets that appear legitimate. Prosecutors have to prove that the money was actually obtained illegally or through corruption, which means there can be room for an experienced defense team to protect against weak and unwarranted accusations.

We live in a world where almost everything involves computers, so the Utah legal system has established a set of classifications and punishments for various computer crimes. In general, a computer crime interferes with the normal operation of a computer system. This includes things like hacking or even attempting to access a computer to change, steal, or copy information or settings. The law also prohibits ransomware, denial of service attacks, phishing, and spyware.

In Utah, not all courts are the same. In fact, there are four specialty courts that work with defendants to help them find alternatives to incarceration and/or a reduction of charges. Specialty courts are mainly for those who have substance abuse issues or a mental health diagnosis. These courts work with defendants to reduce the possibility they will commit crimes in the future. This includes court-ordered requirements such as treatment and classes.

Have you ever wondered how criminal defense lawyers influence the laws? Individual cases influence the law all the time. Expert defense lawyers use their representation to help protect their current clients and expand the rights of people accused of crimes in the future.

As you might imagine, Utah’s drug laws are conservative and punishment for drug crimes can be harsh. Whether you are charged with something simple like possession, or something more serious like cultivation, distribution, or trafficking, it’s important that you have an experienced lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.