Pages

How To Learn A Little More About Utah Criminal Law

By Linda Bybee


If you're arrested and charged with a crime, you will need an attorney who can help you to navigate through the Utah court system. Even if you don't understand Utah criminal law, a qualified Utah defense lawyer will be able to strategize an effective defense on your behalf. Your attorney can expose several common mistakes that police or prosecutors make.

False Identifications by Eyewitnesses

From time to time a witness to a crime can be mistaken when they attempt to identify an individual who committed the crime. Insufficient light, vision issues, or even stress can mean a witness can incorrectly identify the individual committing a criminal offense. A Utah defense lawyer can challenge a dubious identification made by a victim.

Failing to Read Rights to an Accused Person

When anyone is arrested on suspicion of a crime, members of law enforcement must read them their rights (Miranda rights). From time to time in the heat of an arrest, law enforcement officers may forget to perform this. When juveniles are placed under arrest, a parent or legal guardian must be present if they're questioned. The Utah court system will throw out any information or evidence obtained if a criminal isn't read these necessary rights.

Violating Technical Procedures

Police can violate all kinds of technical procedures, either knowingly or by accident. Some of these might include proper calibration of breathalyzer tests in drinking and driving cases, proper gathering of evidence and proper procedures for questioning witnesses.

Inexperience or Improper Training

While law enforcement personnel are given extensive training before being hired, some officers might not be fully alert to all the requirements of Utah criminal law. Almost all people working in law enforcement approach their job professionally and ethically. However, your lawyer will still check into their experience and record.

Poor Investigation Techniques

Law enforcement officials try to investigate cases to the best of their ability. But with overworked schedules and thin budgets, sometimes they arrest the first person who looks like he would make a good suspect. The public demands arrests, especially in well-known cases. Cases become considerably more difficult when resources are limited.

In case you are arrested for a crime, don't attempt to defend yourself in the court. Speak to a lawyer who can build a strong case on your behalf.




About the Author: