According to the Utah criminal code, manslaughter is one of many types of criminal homicide. It may seem a little tricky to understand the difference between manslaughter and murder, but the general explanation is that murder is an intentional homicide, while manslaughter can be a homicide caused by recklessness (that wasn’t necessarily intentional). However, there are other factors that can determine the classification of a homicide. So here are four questions you might have about manslaughter crimes in Utah.

While probation is for those who served jail time, parole is for those who have served time in prison. Parole allows individuals in prison to return to the community before the end of their prison sentence. But being released on parole comes with supervision and plenty of rules (conditions). The following 20 conditions are summarized explanations of the standard conditions for parole in Utah. However, special conditions may also be added depending on the circumstances.

As you may know, Utah continues to strictly enforce and prosecute marijuana crimes. You can take a vacation to a state where marijuana is legal and enjoy it there, but as long as you live in Utah, law enforcement wants what happens outside Utah to stay outside Utah.If you choose to risk it and use marijuana in Utah, it’s important to be prepared with the contact information of an experienced marijuana defense attorney. Here are a few circumstances to keep in mind that could lead to you needing to make that call. 

If you have been sentenced to a prison term, the best thing to do is make the most of whatever time you serve—even if you plan to file an appeal. Focusing on what you can control and working to improve your circumstance will help you stay hopeful and resilient. While we acknowledge the flaws in the prison system and continue to fight for improvements, there are still positive opportunities for those serving time in Utah’s prisons. According to the Utah Department of Corrections website, 95% of those who leave the prison system lead successful, crime-free lives after they are released.

Taking risks is part of life, but it’s important to help your child understand the difference between risks that can help her learn and grow and risks that lead to serious consequences. On top of that, many children struggle with impulse control, so they may take unhealthy risks because they “want to” without considering any of the consequences.

If you are convicted of a crime, your sentence from the legal system might include a fine and/or jail time. However, most criminal convictions also have collateral consequences: punishments that aren’t necessarily given through the legal system as part of a sentence. For example, you could lose the ability to work in certain jobs or even operate a motor vehicle. Below are 18 examples to give you a better idea of what those consequences might be. If you want to learn more, the National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction is a helpful database that you can search to learn about both state and federal consequences.

In Utah, theft is explicitly defined as a person who “obtains or exercises unauthorized control over the property of another with a purpose to deprive.” Under this definition, law enforcement could file charges of theft even based on your “intent” to deprive another of something. For example, if someone delivers a package to your house mistakenly and you keep it without any intent to return it, you could be charged with a theft crime.

Each year, the Utah Legislature meets for a legislative session that lasts 45 calendar days (starting in January and ending in March). During this session, hundreds of bills* to change the laws in Utah are proposed.

Whether you are traveling to Utah for vacation or business, or you are just passing through, the last thing you want to deal with is a criminal charge in a state far from home. Navigating an unfamiliar state’s laws and systems can be complicated and overwhelming. Below are a few things you should know to get a better picture of what an arrest in Utah might mean for you.