In Utah, the scheduling of controlled substances is regulated through a multifaceted approach, taking into account not only the need to limit abuse and addiction but also the need to ensure that essential medications remain accessible to those who need them most. However, Utah also takes a harsh stance on drug-related offenses, with strict penalties in place for individuals who are found guilty of possession, distribution, or trafficking of these scheduled substances. Given the severity of these consequences, it is crucial to understand how the state views and categorizes drugs. Some people ha ..read more

Fentanyl use has become a serious epidemic that has hit the country hard, with few places as affected as Utah. For this reason, Utah’s penalties for fentanyl possession are often severe. In an effort to curb the many deaths associated with fentanyl, the penalties many individuals have faced for possession have altered their lives considerably. To have the best chance of avoiding the worst penalties, we recommend reaching out to our team immediately. The state has begun to understand the substance abuse challenges many defendants face and now has programs that can serve as an alternative to pri ..read more

Fewer punishments are harsher in Utah than those for heroin possession. These penalties can be even more severe if the state can show you had the intent to distribute the drug. Because the penalties for heroin possession often include lengthy prison sentences, you should not hesitate to contact our defense team. At our firm, we take a proactive approach to defense, looking for alternative solutions that can help keep your freedom. Utah does now recognize that heroin possession and addiction are critically linked and offers programs to address the underlying problem rather than simply locking t ..read more

The penalties for cocaine possession in Utah can be life-shattering. The state takes the possession and distribution of the drug extremely seriously. Even possessing small amounts of cocaine can result in stiff consequences. You could be looking at years in prison and the loss of thousands of dollars in fines and court costs. However, having a dedicated defense firm on your side could help mitigate the worst effects. In many cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution, offering them additional facts that provide context and could help secure an alternative solution. Depending on your circumst ..read more

Methamphetamine, or “meth,” has become a serious issue in Utah, which is reflected in the penalties levied for its possession. A conviction for methamphetamine possession can result in not only years in prison but a loss of many of your basic rights. That is where our defense firm comes in. We have spent years defending clients in these cases and can help you determine how best to deal with the charges you are facing. Not every possession case ends in imprisonment. There are now more opportunities than ever to get treatment where only punishment used to be an option. However, some cases are su ..read more

Over the past 10-15 years, society has become more aware of sexual assault and the damage it can cause. Offices are offering sexual assault prevention training, and colleges across the country have made education about what constitutes consent part of their orientation curriculum for new students. The law, too, has changed to better define what constitutes sexual assault and what consent looks like. In Utah, consent is not defined, but statutes outline many acts that denote a lack of consent. It can be said that Utah uses a “no means no” system rather than “yes means yes” for consent. Accordin ..read more

“You have to tell me if you’re a cop, right?” Phrases like that and others are frequently used in popular portrayals of law enforcement, especially when they are undercover. The reality, however, is quite different. Deceptive tactics are frequently used by police officers to arrest criminals. Unfortunately, sometimes innocent people fall prey to these tactics and are pressured into committing crimes they otherwise would have steered clear of. A police officer compelling someone to do a crime in this way is called “entrapment.” In Utah, entrapment is a defense against being charged with a crime ..read more

Sexual assault crimes are taken very seriously in Utah. The legislature has enacted strict laws to ensure that the punishments meted out to offenders reflect the severity of these crimes. However, being accused of a sexual assault crime can have devastating consequences, impacting an individual’s reputation, relationships, employment opportunities, and overall life trajectory. Fortunately, our team can provide invaluable defense when you need it most. We can help you understand the charges against you, the potential penalties if convicted, and your rights moving forward. We can analyze the evi ..read more

You should not take an arrest for sexual battery lightly in Utah. If convicted on such charges, your life might be forever altered. Because of this, you should contact our lawyers to begin building your defense right away. Sexual battery is classified as a class A misdemeanor in Utah and is defined as the intentional touching, whether through clothing or not, of another person’s genitals, in a manner that would affront or offend them. It differs from other sexual crimes in terms of severity in sentencing. For example, a conviction of a class A misdemeanor charge could result in up to a year in ..read more

When people think of drug crimes, they often think of drug rings, meth labs, and hiding weed in your closet. Indeed, the possession of drugs is criminalized in Utah and taken seriously. However, what you may not think of right away is that possessing drug paraphernalia is also criminalized. Drug paraphernalia can be anything that is made to create or use controlled substances. The possession of these items can be met with criminal penalties if you are convicted. If you are convicted of possessing drug paraphernalia in Utah, there can be serious consequences. You will have crimes on your record ..read more