05
Jan

The Initial Evaluation of Your DUI Case

The first order of business for your Salt Lake City DUI defense lawyer is to evaluate all the elements of your case. Strengths and weaknesses will be taken into consideration, after which a defense strategy can be mapped out. The prosecution may plan to use field sobriety test results, the testimony of witnesses at the […]

28
Dec

What If I Am Innocent?

As an accused defendant, a plea deal means you will plead guilty to a criminal charge. Likely you will plead guilty to a lesser charge than originally filed by the prosecutor, or maybe some charge or charges will be dropped. But why should you plead guilty to any charge if you truly did nothing wrong […]

17
Dec

Prosecutor’s Notes

Your Salt Lake City DUI defense lawyer can learn a lot by observing whether the prosecutor takes a lot of notes during the pretrial conference. It’s likely that the prosecutor works for a large governmental agency (such as the district attorney’s office) and is not going to be handling every aspect of your case. Therefore, […]

15
Dec

Can My DUI Charge Be Changed to Something Less Severe?

Having your DUI charge changed to something else less severe can be a task, but it is not totally impossible. At the time of your preliminary hearing, a judge will decide whether or not the prosecutor has enough evidence to convince a jury that you were driving while intoxicated. It is during this time that […]

02
Dec

Why Use a Criminal Lawyer Who Also Knows Immigration Law?

If you are not a citizen, but you currently live in the United States, it is important for you to know that different criminal convictions can affect your immigration status in a variety of ways.  That said, it is crucial that your criminal defense is well planned; otherwise, you could end up in jail, subject […]

26
Nov

Court Rulings on Traffic Stops Tied to Vehicle Equipment

An experienced Salt Lake City DUI defense attorney knows that courts often rule in favor of law enforcement officials who pull vehicles over for faulty equipment concerns. Case law addressing equipment stops varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Texas courts have supported detaining drivers who either didn’t have a license plate light or who thought it […]

16
Nov

Can I Get Married to My Fiancee Who is Here Illegally?

Marriage is considered a fundamental right under the United States Constitution. As such, there are few restrictions on whom you may marry, other than laws that prevent you from marrying someone when you are in an existing marriage or marrying someone who is underage, the same gender as you, or a close relative. However, the […]

10
Nov

The Effects of Refusing to Take a Breathalyzer Test

Unfortunately, the majority of people who are stopped by the police have no clue as to their legal rights. They have no idea whether or not they can refuse to take a portable breath test (PBT), refuse to take a roadside field sobriety test, or refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test after they have […]

01
Nov

How Will Immigration Law Change in Utah?

Utah, with the passage of law H.B. 116 in March 2011, has proposed a fundamental change in its immigration laws. However, the law is very controversial and may not have an actual impact unless approved by the federal government. The changes in the laws reflect a document known as the “Utah Compact.” Essentially, this calls […]

28
Oct

DUI Cases and the Arresting Officer’s Description of You

If you were arrested for driving under the influence in Salt Lake City, the law enforcement officer making the arrest most likely took extensive notes about how you appeared at the time of the arrest. Often, he will fill out a form called an Alcohol Influence Report, where he records his observations about your physical […]