Since the drinking age is 21, but you are considered an adult for most things in the eyes of the law at age 18, there are a lot of legal issues you may find yourself dealing with if you choose to drink in high school or college.

When you’re on probation, the last thing you want to do is take a step backward instead of forward, which is exactly what can happen if you violate your probation. To be charged with a violation of probation (VOP), your probation officer has to file an affidavit describing how you violated your probation. An affidavit is a written statement under oath that can be used as evidence in court. If you know or suspect your probation officer is planning to submit or has already submitted, an affidavit, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you come into compliance with the outstanding terms or help you work on a good defense.

While many of the states surrounding Utah have legalized or even decriminalized marijuana, Utah still prosecutes those who are caught with even small amounts of marijuana. If you have been arrested for any marijuana offense in Utah, minor or severe, you can reach out to the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw, and Moffat in Salt Lake City, Utah, and we will fight to defend your rights.

Utah is known for its strict alcohol laws, and its DUI laws are just as rigid. A basic traffic stop can turn south quickly if the police officer has probable cause to believe you are driving drunk or under the influence of drugs. If the cop has probable cause to arrest you, you’ll likely be put in jail until someone pays bail. Whether or not you spend more time behind bars for your first DUI in Utah completely depends on the situation.

Talking on your phone while you’re operating your vehicle is not necessarily illegal in Utah. However, if you’re not careful, cell phone use may lead you to time behind bars, whether you were talking or sending a text message. Here’s what you need to know about driving while using your cell phone in Utah

Reckless driving in Utah comes with serious consequences that go beyond the time you may serve behind bars. In 2024, there were 281 fatalities on Utah roads. That’s up from 279 in 2023. Those numbers represent real people with real families, and many of them would still be alive if it weren’t for poor decision-making behind the wheel.Whether or not someone gets hurt, reckless driving is a crime in Utah, and it may lead to time behind bars.

You may never consider getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, but would you text and drive? About 45% of people in one survey admitted to doing just that. So even if you haven’t sent a message while driving, you probably know someone who has. While texting and driving may seem innocent, it’s a crime in Utah, and it can lead to time behind bars.

Domestic violence is a big problem in Utah. About one in three people have experienced it. That includes both women and men. If you know 600 people — the assumed average according to research — you probably know 200 people who have been victims of domestic violence.

When a loved one is arrested, it’s difficult for everyone in the family, but it can be a nightmare for the one behind bars. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to support inmates in Utah to make their days a little brighter.