When illness strikes or jobs are lost, even the most financially responsible individuals can find themselves dealing with aggressive bill collectors. These collection agents use profane or obscene language, call you at work after you tell them to stop, and wake you up in the middle of the night with their calls. Is any of this legal? No. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits third-party debt Read More
Charged with Felony Assault? Here’s What to Expect
In Utah, the crime of assault refers to an attempt to do bodily injury to someone else via violence or unlawful use of force. It is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but can be treated as a felony when the assault is: Likely to cause serious bodily injury or death OR Committed by a prison inmate OR Your second (or subsequent) conviction for assaulting a law enforcement officer or member of the U.S. Read More
Utah DUI Law: 4 Effective Defenses
Being arrested for DUI has serious implications in Utah. You could lose your driving privileges, which affects your ability to maintain employment. If convicted, your auto insurance rates will go up and, depending on the number of prior DUI convictions on your record, you could be facing a mandatory period of incarceration. If you are charged with DUI, you have four effective defense options available, any one of Read More
How Do Retirement Accounts Factor into a Divorce Settlement?
When a couple divorces in Utah, state law requires an equitable division of all marital property, which can include retirement accounts. It is important to remember that “equitable” is not necessarily the same thing as equal. The judge’s overall goal is a fair and reasonable split. If, for example, one spouse earns considerably less than the other, the lower-income spouse might be awarded a bigger percentage of Read More
Utah Criminal Law: Understanding the Difference Between Assault and Battery
The individual crimes of assault and battery are frequently confused or used interchangeably in conversation. Although both involve physical violence, they are not one and the same. To compound the confusion, the legal definitions of “assault” and “battery” vary from one state to the next. In Utah, assault is defined as an illegal act of violence that injures or creates a risk of injury to another person. Read More
4 Steps to Financially Prepare for Divorce
Getting divorced typically involves significant financial changes for both spouses. While it can be difficult to think practically at such an emotional time, each party must accept that dissolving a marriage has long-lasting financial repercussions and prepare accordingly. The four steps below will take some time and effort, but put you in a better position as you move forward. Step One: Hire a Divorce Read More
Charged with a DUI? Take These Steps Immediately!
If you have been charged with DUI in Utah, you're probably wondering what your next steps should be and what your options are in dealing with the charge. You likely provided a breath, urine, or blood test, but if you didn’t, you have extra cause for concern. Utah has an implied consent law, which means that if you refuse to take a sobriety test, you can be fined and have an automatic license suspension of 18 months Read More
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You File for Bankruptcy
If you’re experiencing serious financial difficulties, declaring bankruptcy may be the best option for you to wipe the slate clean and get a fresh start. To ensure that it is the right decision for you, there are four questions you should ask yourself before scheduling a meeting with a bankruptcy attorney. Will all my debts be cleared? While bankruptcy will give most debtors a new financial beginning, this Read More
5 Ways Your Spouse May Conceal Assets to Get a Better Settlement
Whether you’re preparing for a potential divorce, or you’re already going through the legal processes, you need to make sure everything is being done correctly and honestly. Unfortunately, some spouses attempt to conceal assets so that they can get a better settlement in the divorce. If assets are successfully hidden, the other spouse may end up having to pay less in spousal or child support or may be able to demand Read More
Utah DUI Law: The Baker Time Period
Hire a 5 star DUI attorney (AVVO rated) in the Salt Lake City area. We have the experience you need for your DUI / DWI case. Below is some explanation on the police officers having to observe you before taking a breath test. This is also known as the “Baker” time period. If you have been charged with a DUI in Utah, call today for a free consultation at (801) 475-0123. Before intoxilyzer breath test evidence may be Read More
