Provo Man Accused of Extortion and Sex Crime

March 8th, 2012 by | Comments Off on Provo Man Accused of Extortion and Sex Crime

Provo Police set up a sting operation to catch Brad Adams who had been soliciting sex from other men on the website craigslist and then after the consensual encounter he would threaten to tell the other person’s family and friends in an attempt to extort money. He had done this multiple times apparently and after the most recent occurrence the other men paid Adams $260 dollars initial and then refused after which Adams told the man’s family. Adams apparently also demanded more sex as well as money and because of that he is being charged with both extortion and attempted forcible sodomy, a third-degree felony.

Utah Sex Crimes and the Internet

It has been quite common in the past for sex crimes to be linked somehow to the website craigslist but the story above is a slightly different twist on the norm. It is important that people understand what they are getting involved with when they deal with circumstances above and to understand what is legal and what is not. Clearly the circumstances above involved questionable behavior when Adams began trying to blackmail people and that is the kind of slippery slope that can start from innocent behavior online. Furthermore, when sexual relations are added into the mix it is important to remember that there are a lot of criminal statutes concerning sexual relations and it is important that the relationship is consensual and both parties are of an appropriate age.

Provo Criminal Defense Attorney | Sex Crimes

If you have been charged with a Sex Crime then it is important that you find expert legal help. The attorneys at Provo Criminal Defense can help make sure that you receive the representation that will help you get the best outcome available. We will fight to protect your rights and deal with this difficult time of your life. Call or email us to set up a free consultation.

Impersonating a Police Officer in Orem

February 28th, 2012 by | Comments Off on Impersonating a Police Officer in Orem

Orem Man Convicted of Impersonating a Police Officer

Everyday around there are crimes committed that the police do not see or ever find out about.  Some of us may call the police to report a crime and give information so the offender is caught and charged with a crime.  Some people, however, decide to take the law into their own hands to stop crime from happening.  Such was the case with one Orem man who pulled over a person for an alleged traffic crime that took place in Orem.  The man thought he was doing the community a service by stopping the man but he ending up being convicted of impersonating a police officer.  Impersonating a police officer is a type of fraud for which a judge does not view kindly.  Because impersonating a police officer can have serious consequences, it’s important for anyone accused of it to contact a Provo criminal defense attorney from Criminal Defense Provo immediately.

Orem Man Thought Drug Crimes Were Happening

The Orem man, Mark Vreeland, convicted of impersonating a police officer was sentenced yesterday to 4 days in jail, a $250 fine, 24 hours of community service, and 12 months of probation.  The incident happened when Vreeland forced a another man to pull his car over for supposedly running a stop sign.  Vreeland was wearing a hat that said “ICE Police.”  The man pulled over was from Brazil and Vreeland began asking questions about his immigration.  Then Vreeland accused the man of being involved in a drug operation.  He said that he had to know about drug crimes because he came from a Hispanic friend’s house with a Cadillac and that suggested drug crime evidence.

Mr. Vreeland may have believed he was doing a service to Orem City by fighting traffic and drug crimes but his actions landed him in jail.  Luckily, Mr. Vreeland had an attorney representing him otherwise his punishment may have been worse.  It’s important for anyone charged with a drug crime, traffic crime, or any other crime to contact a Provo criminal defense attorney.

A Provo Criminal Defense Attorney Will Help You

If you have been charged with impersonating a police officer or any other crime, contact a Provo criminal defense attorney from Criminal Defense Provo.  A Criminal Defense Provo attorney will help defend against your criminal charges and work with the prosecutor to keep your punishment at a minimum.  Call us today at 801.413.1753 to speak with one of our lawyers for free.

 

DUI Checkpoints in Utah | Provo Lawyers

February 15th, 2012 by | Comments Off on DUI Checkpoints in Utah | Provo Lawyers

A new bill is being considered by the Utah state legislature this session which may lead to the banning of DUI checkpoints in Utah. Many Provo lawyers have been calling for the ban on these methods for years. Every year in Provo, Utah County, and throughout the state, DUI check points are set up in order to aid police in making arrests on drunk drivers. The Utah Supreme Court as well as the United States Supreme Court have upheld checkpoints as constitutionally sound practices as long as certain retirements are met. However, many individuals including many Utah law makers consider these checkpoints to be unconstitutional because they amount to a warrantless search without probable cause. Others argue because the courts have found them to be ok, lawmakers should leave it alone. However, other states have already banned DUI and other checkpoints and it seems likely that this bill will pass and Utah will soon follow suit with good reason. DUI checkpoints are a relatively new concept in the law that has garnered little support from private citizens. Certain groups, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, are lobbying hard on capitol hill this week to fight against the proposal.

Provo DUI Attorneys

At our law firm, our team of Provo DUI attorneys have helped many individuals in Utah County and throughout the state of Utah who have been arrested and charged with drinking and driving after being stopped at a DUI checkpoint. We understand that laws related to this practice and know what it takes to put forward your best defense. In order for a checkpoint to be legal, a judge must approve a plan of the checkpoint, it must be advertised to the public prior to being set up, and there must be road signs directing people into the checkpoint. In some cases law enforcement fail to follow these procedures and any subsequent stopped or arrests may later be determined to be illegal.

DUI Charges in Utah

If you have been charged with a DUI in Utah whether through a checkpoint or otherwise, you need a lawyer to help ensure your rights are protected and you put forward the possible defense. DUI charges in Utah carry severe penalties including the possible loss of your driving privileges. Get a Provo Criminal Defense Attorney on your side today. We have the experience and dedicated to fight your case and ensure you have your fair day in court. Call us now at 801-900-3717.

Provo Theft Increases | Property Crime Defense Attorney

January 20th, 2012 by | Comments Off on Provo Theft Increases | Property Crime Defense Attorney

Property Crimes Are Not Victimless Crimes

Many crimes committed in the Provo area are victimless crimes.  A victimless crime is a crime where there is no victim of an illegal action by another person.  A an example of such a crime is marijuana possession.  Many people may argue that a drug crime still hurts the community as a whole so there is still a victim, but this argument misses the point of there being no specific, identifiable person hurt by a illegal act.  Crimes committed that hurt other people are often treated more harshly than victimless crimes because the victim wants justice or restitution for the hurt caused by the perpetrator.  An example is a property crime such as theft.  The victims of thefts often push prosecutors to aggressively go after thieves because they want their property back and want the thief to suffer.  Fortunately for those accused of theft, there are Provo criminal defense attorneys to protect them from prosecutor abuse.

Provo Suffers From String of Thefts

The Provo City Prosecutor may be very busy in the coming weeks prosecuting theft if the Provo police catch those responsible for a string of recent thefts.  It was reported today that there have been 17 separate thefts from storage units at a Provo self-storage facility within the last two weeks.  This type of thievery from storage units is not unique either.  Stealing from storage units has been happening in the past to other storage facilities.  Provo police believe it may be the work of one person although it could be multiple people working together too.  If the person is caught, he or she is facing serious charges.  The person would probably be charged with multiple felonies and could face years in prison.  Hopefully the person hires the best Provo criminal defense attorney from Criminal Defense Provo to minimize his or her punishment or the only facility he or she will be in is a prison facility.

Provo Criminal Defense Attorneys Help Those Charged With Theft

If you are facing a theft charge in Provo, Orem, Lehi, or anywhere else in Utah, call the Provo criminal defense attorney experts from Criminal Defense Provo.  Our lawyers have handled many theft cases and will help you achieve the best outcome possible in your case.  Contact one of our attorneys today by calling 801.413.1753.

Marijuana Charges Are Common in Provo Area

January 9th, 2012 by | Comments Off on Marijuana Charges Are Common in Provo Area

Utah Law Treat Marijuana Possession Harshly

The debate on the legality of marijuana possession continues to rage in American especially as the current election season is ratcheting up.  Some candidates believe marijuana should be legal while others believe the marijuana laws need to be more harsh.  Each state handles marijuana possession differently as well.  California allows medical marijuana and treats smoking weed as an infraction instead of a misdemeanor or felony.  Utah is much different then California though.  Utah law treats possession of marijuana more harshly than some states and police forces in cities like Orem, Provo, and Lehi actively seek to bust people for smoking weed.  A Provo criminal defense lawyer fights weed charges and protects those charged with drug crimes.

Provo and Orem See Large Amounts of Marijuana Charges

Because the Provo/Orem area is home to two universities, they especially see their share of marijuana possessions.  Many young people smoke weed and because Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University are in the Provo/Orem area, there are many college age students living in this area who are charged with marijuana possession.  Marijuana charges are more common than people realize.  There are also many high schools in Utah Valley so many teenagers are charged with smoking weed too.  Marijuana possession is a class B misdemeanor meaning a person could conceivably be sentenced to 6 months in jail and pay a $1,000.00 fine.  A person’s driver’s license can also be affected when one is caught with marijuana.  Smoking weed may seem like a harmless activity by many, but there are serious consequences unforeseen by many people, especially younger adults.

Police from cities like Provo, Orem, Lehi, and Spanish Fork actively seek out juveniles and young adults because they can often find marijuana in their possession.  Anyone who does get into trouble because of drugs should not speak to police about it but remain silent and call a Provo criminal defense lawyer.  A drug crime is a blotch on a person’s record and a drug crime lawyer from Criminal Defense Provo can help keep a crime off a person’s record.

Contact a Drug Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with possession of marijuana or another drug crime, get a free consultation with a drug crime lawyer from Criminal Defense Provo.  Our attorneys will tell you the different options you have to fight your charge and what your best outcome will likely be.  Call 801.413.1753 to set up an appointment today.

Wanted Drug Dealer Fights Police with Machete

December 27th, 2011 by | Comments Off on Wanted Drug Dealer Fights Police with Machete

Over the holiday weekend police raided a home in American Fork where they believed a known drug dealer, Remo Espinoza, was hiding. As officers entered the home they found Espinoza hiding behind the door and as he emerged he raised a machete ready to use it on a nearby officers. The officers were eventually able to pin the man down and cuff him with no injury to Espinoza or officers. Officers believe that the irrational and erratic behavior of Espinoza was due to methamphetamine use which they found on him. Espinoza was booked into jail on charges of attempted homicide on a police officer, resisting, arrest, and several other drug charges.

Drug Laws and Resisting Arrest

In the case above of Remo Espinoza, he was obviously facing some serious felony and misdemeanor drug charges before the arrest, but because of his actions when police came to the home he ended up with an additional first-degree felony, and a class B misdemeanor. Resisting arrest or assaulting a police officer never works, and always ends up costing an individual more heartache, especially if they are actually guilty of the original offense. The best advice that can be given to anyone in such a situation is to cooperate with police and not tell them anything until you talk to an attorney.

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney | Provo, Orem, & American Fork

If you are facing drug charges or any other criminal charges in Utah County then call Provo Criminal Defense today. Our attorneys are experienced in defending against criminal charges and can help you obtain the best outcome available. We understand that you are innocent until proven guilty and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights. Call or email us today to set up a free consultations and get your questions answered.

Springville Man Acused of Sex Crimes

December 16th, 2011 by | Comments Off on Springville Man Acused of Sex Crimes

Kenneth Bond, a 66-year-old man from Springville, appeared in court this week as his defense attorney notified the court that he was competent to stand trial. Bond has been charged with a myriad of crimes after he allegedly groomed two teenage girls for prostitution after they had done some volunteer work around his house. It is suspected that Bond paid other individuals to perform sex acts with the girls while Bond filmed it. Prosecutors are describing the alleged acts as egregious, even among sex abusers. Bond is facing 39 felony charges, of which are rape, aggravated exploitation of a prostitute, and aggravated sexual assault, among others.

Defending Against Sex Crime Charges

Sex crimes seem to be all over the news these days with everyone from teachers to coaches being accused of and convicted of sexual acts with minors and others. With all of this in the media, our society is quick to believe accusations and anyone being charged with sex crimes is immediately ostracized from the community and considered guilty. This can make legal defense of such crimes difficult and it can also be very disheartening for those accused.  It is important to remember that accusations are not the end of the legal process and even if someone did something wrong that doesn’t mean they did everything they’re accused of.

Sex Crimes Defense | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime then it is important that you call the lawyers at Provo Criminal Defense. We know that you are innocent until proven guilty and we treat you as such. Furthermore, our attorneys are experienced in criminal defense and will work tirelessly to get you the best outcome available. Call or email us today to set up a free consultation.

 

Jazz Player’s Girlfriend Charged with Domestic Violence | Provo Defense Lawyer

December 11th, 2011 by | Comments Off on Jazz Player’s Girlfriend Charged with Domestic Violence | Provo Defense Lawyer

Utah County Assault Attorney

A breaking news story  just hit reporting Al Jefferson’s girlfriend was arrested for domestic violence in the presence of a child. According to the police report, the girlfriend (a Ms. Lewis) was arrested after she bit and attacked the Jazz player. Ms. Lewis’ 2 children were present in the home at the time of the incident which makes the charge more than just domestic violence. Ms. Lewis, who apparently has been living with the NBA center for some time, apparently became very aggressive with him after an argument. Mr. Jefferson called the police to respond after she became violent and attacked him. Since the incident, Mr. Jefferson has declined to comment on the story. Some are wondering how this may distract Mr. Jefferson and the team as they gear up for the delayed season to finally start. You can view the video posted by KSL on the story below:

Utah Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence in the presence of a child is a serious charge that can carry potentially devastating consequences. At our law office, we understand how difficult these situations can be. We do everything we can to protect the rights of the accused. In some cases, one party accuses the other of domestic violence or assault just to gain an advantage in a pending custody or divorce matter. Not all cases are justified and many times the allegations are unfounded. Whether you feel you are innocent of the charges or not, it always makes sense to have a Provo criminal defense lawyer protect your interests in the case.

Call for Free Consultation

If you or a friend have been charged with domestic violence, we can help. Whether you have been charged with domestic violence in the presence of a child or assault, we know what it takes to get you the best possible resolution to this difficult situation. You can speak to a lawyer for free anytime in our office by calling 801.800.8246.

Man Arrested For Brandishing Revolver | Provo Criminal Defense Lawyer

December 9th, 2011 by | Comments Off on Man Arrested For Brandishing Revolver | Provo Criminal Defense Lawyer

Provo police received a call this week that a man was wielding an old pistol at his girlfriend. The couple was at a friends house, when they got into a heated argument and 23 year-old Trevor Cambray started chasing his girlfriend around the house with a pistol. The owner of the home ended up calling the police and when they showed up Cambray was on the sidewalk in front of the home. Cambray had allegedly aimed the gun at his girlfriend and at himself during the argument. He was later booked into jail for charges of aggravated assault as well as two outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Utah Assault Laws

The basic definition of Assault is an attempt, threat, or act of force to do bodily injury. From that starting point assault charges branch of into many directions. For example a basic assault charge is a class B misdemeanor, but if the actor actually causes substantial bodily injury, or if the victim is pregnant then the charge is enhanced to a class A misdemeanor. There are also separate charges for assault against a school employee and assault against a peace officer. In the case above the accused was charged with aggravated assault because he used a dangerous weapon (i.e. the gun), which makes the charge a third degree felony.

Violent Crimes | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

Violent crimes are very serious in nature and the laws are set up so the state can be very tough with offenders. The penalties involved with violent crime charges such as aggravated assault are very harsh and could result in serious jail time. If you have been charged with a violent crime and are looking for legal help in Utah then call the lawyers at Provo Criminal Defense. Our attorneys are experienced in criminal defense and can help you obtain the best outcome available. Call or email us today to set up a free consultation.

Previously Deported Man Arrested for Rape | Utah County Criminal Defense

November 21st, 2011 by | Comments Off on Previously Deported Man Arrested for Rape | Utah County Criminal Defense

Angel Adrian Jauregui-Lopez was arrested this week upon accusations of child rape and sexual abuse of a child. Lopez allegedly started molesting the child while living in Mexico and the child was only 5 years old. Five years later Lopez and the girl both moved to Orem, Utah where the girl alleges that the abuse continued. The girl states that she finally felt safe when Lopez was eventually deported back to Mexico, however, Lopez quickly obtained illegal documentation and changed his name to get back into the country. Lopez was arrested by Orem Police on Wednesday and has been booked into jail while the investigation into the rape and child abuse begins.

Utah Rape Laws

In Utah, rape charges are divided by age groups. The elements of a rape charge are pretty much the same but if the victim is under the age of 14 then the crime is considered rape of a child. As far as sentencing goes the biggest difference between the charges is that a child rape charge carries a minimum sentencing of 25 years imprisonment while a rape charge may carry a minimum sentence of 5 years if there was no serious bodily injury.

Utah County Criminal Defense Attorney | Sex Crimes Defense

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sex crime in Utah County then call the attorneys at Provo Criminal Defense. Our lawyers have worked on hundreds of criminal cases and they are familiar with the courts and prosecutors in Utah County. We can make sure that your rights are protected and that you obtain the best outcome available. Call us today to set up a free consultation, we can answer all of your questions and help you understand the legal process and what your options are. 801.800.8246