Using unlawful force to inflict injury on another person — or even threatening to do so — can lead to some serious consequences, including jail time, hefty fines, and a criminal record that affects your future. In some states, carrying out the unlawful force is called “battery,” and threatening to do so is called “assault.” However, in Utah, “battery” doesn’t exist. You can either get an assault charge or a something related to “threat of violence.”

Right now, 23 states have approved recreational marijuana, and four of them border Utah. In fact, the only surrounding states that don’t allow it are Wyoming and Idaho.

You might be surprised by the most common crimes in Utah. The good news is the Beehive State is a fairly safe place to live, especially when it comes to homicides. In 2020, it ranked in the bottom ten for murders. 

In Utah, the Medical Cannabis Act allows individuals to acquire, use, and sell cannabis legally for certain medical conditions. While it’s legal to use cannabis under this act, there are still plenty of details within the law that may affect those who have a legal right to use cannabis in the state.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentrates are concentrated extracts from the marijuana plant. Some of the street names include "dab," "wax," and "shatter." These concentrates deliver a higher percentage of THC than a marijuana plant alone. Some concentrates are also named after the way the THC is extracted. Butane hash oil (BHO) uses butane to extract the THC and concentrate it. While there are some legal ways to use or possess THC concentrates in Utah, it is commonly used illegally in e-cigarettes or incense.

In Utah, automobile theft is classified within the broader theft and robbery laws. However, stealing a car has its own penalties. For example, stealing property that is valued between $500 and $1,500 is considered a class A misdemeanor and the punishment could be up to 364 days in jail and/or up to $2,500 fine. BUT if the property stolen is a car, even if its value is less than $1,500, the crime is automatically considered a second-degree felony. And that could mean one to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. So, whether someone steals a 1988 Honda Accord or a 2022 Tesla, the punishment is the same. There is no differentiation in the law for the value of the vehicle. If you steal a car, you steal a car, and that’s classified as a second-degree felony. 

Assault charges can carry serious penalties in the state of Utah. If you have been accused of or charged with assault, it’s important that you understand the laws as well as your defense options. Whether your charges are for a misdemeanor or felony, you want an experienced and knowledgeable Utah defense team working for you. The lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat are here to help.

Whether you have a short temper or a relatively long fuse, once you’re angry, you’re more likely to do something you’re going to regret. Anger can cloud your judgment, making it more difficult to control your actions. In fact, Psychology Today recommends that you think of anger as an intoxicant like alcohol because it alters your mental state and leads to actions you wouldn’t normally do.