Endangerment of a Child or Vulnerable Adult in Utah

As marijuana becomes more widely accepted in the United States and Utah, more and more people are using it in an open atmosphere.  In Colorado people celebrate marijuana use in large, outdoor parties.  However, individuals who use any type of controlled substance in the Provo area should beware.  Not only can a person be charged with the actual possession of a controlled substance, such as marijuana, but individuals can also be charged with endangerment of a child or adult if the controlled substances are around a child or vulnerable adult.

Utah Law Regarding Child and Adult Endangerment

A person can be convicted in Utah for endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult if a person essentially has a controlled substance or chemical substance in front of a child or vulnerable adult.  Controlled substances include most illegal drugs, such as marijuana, but also includes prescription drugs such as adderall.  A chemical substance is a substance used to make a controlled substance and it also includes the by products resulting from the manufacture of a controlled substance.  This law primarily addresses meth production.

Utah law states that if a person exposes a child or vulnerable adult to a controlled substance it is endangerment.  Exposed means the child or adult is able to access or view an unlawfully possessed controlled substance or chemical substance.  Or, it can mean that the child or adult has the reasonable capacity to access drug paraphernalia.  Finally it could mean the child or adult is able to smell an odor produced during or as result of the manufacture or production of a controlled substance.

Speak with a Provo Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

The child and vulnerable adult endangerment law is written so broadly it that it is easy for it to apply to many people with a substance abuse problem.  This makes it all the more important for someone facing these charges to hire a criminal defense lawyer.  There is an affirmative defense to the charge of endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult.  The defense rests primarily on whether the controlled substance was obtained lawfully.  Without a defense too many people would be charged with endangerment.  If you have been charged with endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult please contact a Provo criminal defense lawyer today.  Our attorneys will be able to help you understand if you have a defense.  Contact a lawyer today by calling 801-800-8246.