What is the most personal possession that you carry around on a regular basis? What item contains more private and personal information about you than any other? Most people would say it’s their cellphone – especially if it’s a smart phone. There is a reason that these devices are often password protected. We want to…

As most readers know, yesterday was the federal holiday commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While the significance of historical figures sometimes fades with time, Dr. King’s legacy is still very much alive. Sadly, the racism and injustice he fought so hard to end are also alive today. It is…

A woman who was initially pursued by Enoch police on suspicion of DUI has been arrested relating to additional charges. Upon her arrest, Utah police discovered that she had a warrant from another state relating to theft charges. The woman must now begin forming her criminal defense against the various charges that she faces. According…

There are many important assumptions about the criminal justice system that we tend to take for granted: every accused person has the right to a fair trial; the punishment should always fit the crime; prosecutors are more concerned about protecting the rights of the accused than they are about “scoring a win.” If the American…

Among other things, the Fifth Amendment protects each of us from self-incrimination. In other words, if an individual is charged with or suspected of a crime, he does not have to testify against himself or otherwise aid in his own prosecution. Of course, the Constitution was drafted centuries before the invention of the computer and…

With Halloween just a day away, it seems like everyone is getting into the spirit. This includes law enforcement agencies here in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. It will probably come as no surprise that police plan to increase anti-drunk-driving efforts during Halloween (and perhaps in the weekend following it). But what is surprising…

The criminal justice system is complex. On one hand, it aims to hold those who have committed criminal acts accountable for their behavior. On the other hand, it aims to hold ill-behaved law enforcement agencies and prosecutors accountable for their behavior. By ensuring that the rights of accused persons are respected, the system strives to…

The American criminal justice system is meant to operate under the assumption that all persons are innocent until proven guilty. When individuals are accused of committing criminal activity, they may hire an experienced criminal defense attorney or one will be appointed for them. It is within this system of due process that the accused are…

Police departments all across the state will be increasing drunk and drugged driving enforcement efforts in Utah this Labor Day weekend. Because of this, it is important for all Utah motorists to understand what is and is not considered appropriate behavior when they are stopped at a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint. Even if…