![]() Utah Criminal Code 76-5-102.6: Propelling Substance Or Object At A Correctional Or Peace Officer–Penalties1. Any prisoner or person detained pursuant to Section 77-7-15 who throws or otherwise propels any substance or object at a peace officer, a correctional officer, or an employee or volunteer, including a health care provider, is guilty of a class A misdemeanor, except as provided under Subsection (2). b. the object or substance comes into contact with any portion of the officer’s or health care provider’s face, including the eyes or mouth, or comes into contact with any open wound on the officer’s or health care provider’s body. Elements Of The CrimeA defendant commits a class A misdemeanor propelling a substance or object at a correctional or peace officer when they are detained and throw or otherwise propel any substance or object at a peace or correctional officer. A defendant commits a 3rd degree felony propelling a substance or objects at a correctional or peace officer when they are detained and throw or otherwise propel any substance or object at a peace or correctional officer; and the object or substance is: RestitutionThe court may order the accused to pay restitution if convicted of this crime. DNA Specimen AnalysisA defendant convicted of a class A misdemeanor or 3rd degree felony propelling a substance or object at a correctional or peace officer must provide a DNA specimen. Different Levels Of Assault Charges In UtahAssault charges range from a Class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. Depending on the circumstances of the assault and on its results, a person convicted of assault could spend up to 15 years in prison. Assault is typically considered a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to 6 months in jail. However, it can be classified as a Class A misdemeanor if the victim is pregnant or if the act causes substantial bodily injury to the victim. A Class A misdemeanor carries up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. You can also face multiple counts of assault depending on the situation when you were arrested for the charge. For example, let’s say you got into a bar fight with three different people. You would then face three separate counts of assault. You only got into one fight, but it’s compounded due to the number of people involved. This means you could be facing up to 3 years in prison versus just the original 1 you would have faced with a normal Class A misdemeanor. Aggravated Assault Charges In UtahAggravated assault is any assault that includes the use of a dangerous weapon. According to assault law, a dangerous weapon is any item that can cause death or serious bodily injury. Typically, aggravated assault is a second-degree felony that carries a prison sentence of 1-15 years and up to $10,000 in fines. If you are facing charges of aggravated assault, you could also be facing the additional charge of carrying a dangerous weapon with the intent to cause harm or to display it in a threatening manner. When your charges are compounded, it increases your potential jail time and any additional fines you might have to pay. Prosecution For Assaulting A Peace OfficerAssault is a criminal offence. Assaulting a peace officer is deemed an ‘aggravated assault’ and is treated more seriously by the courts. Prosecutors will seek the stiffest penalty allowed by Utah law when litigating an assault of a peace officer case. A conviction on this charge is a third degree felony conviction. Here is how the statute reads in the Utah Penal Code: “A person the actor knows is a public servant while the public servant is lawfully discharging an official duty, or in retaliation or on account of an exercise of official power or performance of an official duty as a public servant.” A third degree felony may result in a jail sentence of between 2 and 10 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000. Self-DefenseSelf-defense is an effective defense to use in criminal law cases that involve the use of violence. However, a defense lawyer must prove a peace officer attacked his or her client first. Another way to argue self-defense is to assert a client felt threatened by a peace officer. Self-defense works only when the force used to repel an attack by a peace officer is proportionate to the force applied by the peace officer. Constitutional ViolationsAssault against a peace officer will trigger strong emotions from other law enforcement officers at the scene of the alleged crime. In reaction to an alleged assault, one or more peace officers might shirk their duty to uphold the constitution. Free Initial Consultation with LawyerIt’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Legal problems come to everyone. Whether it’s your son who gets in a car wreck, your uncle who loses his job and needs to file for bankruptcy, your sister’s brother who’s getting divorced, or a grandparent that passes away without a will -all of us have legal issues and questions that arise. So when you have a law question, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you!
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
What Does The Woman Get In Divorce? Why Should I Get A Legal Separation? Corporate Lawyer Woods Cross Utah What Are Short Sales In Real Estate? Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post Utah Criminal Code 76-5-102.6 first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/utah-criminal-code-76-5-102-6/
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![]() A short sale occurs when a home is sold but the amount of the sale is not enough to cover what is owed on the seller’s mortgage loan, as well as closing costs, taxes and the commission owed to the real estate agent. In a short sale, the seller is not willing to make up the difference. Oftentimes, a short sale is happening because the owners are behind on their mortgage payments and are heading down the trail to foreclosure. Other reasons for a short sale could be because the home was bought at the peak of the market and has decreased in value, the homeowners used a large amount of their home equity toward a refinance, the owners are being relocated or they are getting a divorce. If you are interested in purchasing a short sale, you will need to ask the seller how much is still owed on their debt. Then you can figure out the additional costs associated with the short sale. Many lenders will have their own forms to help calculate these costs. The lender and the title company will have exact figures that will be due at closing. You will also be able to find out if there are any other inspections that should be completed. When a seller decides that a short sale might be the best option, he or she will need to get the lender’s approval. Included in the approval request submission is the borrower’s W-2 forms from any employers, or if he or she is unemployed, a letter outlining the unemployment. It will also include bank statements, two years of tax returns and any other financial documents that show the amount of income and debt obligations. It is also a good idea to include a “hardship letter,” which explains the reasons why you are not able to pay the full amount of the loan. What kind of impact does a short sale have on credit reports? It is not unheard of for the lender to ask the seller to sign a promissory note. It can be for all or part of the difference between the short sale amount and the amount still owed on the debt. Overall, short sales show as negative activity on credit reports and can therefore lower credit scores tremendously. When looking to purchase a short sale property, it is important that you understand exactly what you are getting into and know that the process is a long one. Have your real estate agent walk you through each step of the short sale process. How a Short Sale WorksIn a real world, short-sale scenario, a home seller puts his or her property on the market, while formally designating the home for-sale as a potential “short sale/subject lender” deal to any potential buyers. Once a buyer agrees to make a short sale offer, the homeowner contacts his or her bank, and completes an application asking for short sale status on the home. There is no guarantee the bank will green light the application, but a short sale does eliminate many hassles associated with the mortgage loan, such as closing the books on the homeowner loan, and the bank or lender gets a portion of their loan repaid. Home sellers involved in short sales can expect to file several firms and documents to their mortgage lender. Those include a hardship letter stating why you can’t fully repay your mortgage loan, along with the filing of records like pay stubs and tax returns that back your case as being unable to repay the home loan. The bank will then review your application, send out an appraiser to estimate the full value of the property against the short sale offer, and then either approve or reject the short sale request. Benefits of a Short Sale to a Home SellerIf the property seller is presented with a short sale opportunity, it’s a good idea to thoroughly vet all the options on the table, and calculate the risks and opportunities and look at other relative personal financial options, before making a decision. Nobody is saying a short sale is a perfect solution to a home seller who has suffered a financial setback and owns a home with where the mortgage exceeds the property’s value – but it might be the best option. Benefits of a short saleCredit score advantages Emotional advantagesIn many instances, a home mortgage is the biggest financial event of a person’s life at least before retirement. The seller avoids a “worst case scenario” of foreclosure and can honestly say they sold their home and moved on with their life. • Lender interference: Lenders may also get directly involved in the home price negotiations, often asking for a higher sales price than the home seller (including the insistence that the buyer make all or most of the closing fees), in order to recoup more money on the home loan. Subject to the Mortgage Lender’s ApprovalIn a typical property sale, the only one who has to approve the sale is the person who owns the property. In a short sale, this is not the case. The current owner is not the only one who must accept the offer. Since the owner is trying to get their mortgage lender to accept less than they are owed for the property, the lender must approve the sale. Lenders are not necessarily too eager to take a loss on their loan. This process is further complicated if there are multiple liens on the property, meaning you would have to get multiple lenders to agree to the short sale. Property ‘As Is’Sellers attempting to negotiate a short sale are usually experiencing some sort of financial hardship. Therefore, they may not have the money to do upkeep on their property. This inability to keep up with maintenance may be obvious, or it may lie deeper in structural, electrical or plumbing issues. When you buy a short sale, you are usually buying the property ‘as is.’ The bank is already losing money on the property, so they will not usually make concessions for these maintenance issues. It is therefore extremely important to get a home inspection so you can uncover any major issues the property may have. Is the Seller Approved?Just because someone advertises a property as a short sale does not mean they have been approved for one. They may think they qualify for a short sale, but unless they are actually approved by the bank or mortgage lender, this classification means nothing. Before getting involved in a short sale, you should always verify that the seller has been approved by their lender for one. If they have not, you could be wasting your time or could become involved in a process that will draw on for months or even a year. Pros and Cons of Buying a Short SaleAny buyer considering participating in a short sale should be aware of these issues: Free Initial Consultation with LawyerIt’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Legal problems come to everyone. Whether it’s your son who gets in a car wreck, your uncle who loses his job and needs to file for bankruptcy, your sister’s brother who’s getting divorced, or a grandparent that passes away without a will -all of us have legal issues and questions that arise. So when you have a law question, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you!
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
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Corporate Lawyer Bountiful Utah Did Divorce Make Your Happier? What Does The Woman Get In Divorce? Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post What Are Short Sales In Real Estate? first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/what-are-short-sales-in-real-estate/ ![]() Utah Code 57-1-1: Definitions “(4) Stigmatized” means: The site or suspected site of a homicide, other felony, or suicide; How Do I Get a Copy of My Divorce DecreeIf you’ve ever been married before and seek a green card based on your current marriage, you’ll need to provide to the U.S. government a divorce decree (also known as a “divorce certificate“), a certificate of annulment, or a death certificate for each prior marriage. If you already have these documents, you can move on to the next step of the marriage green card process. Who must submit their divorce papers?For each prior marriage, both the sponsoring spouse (the U.S. citizen or current green card holder) and the spouse seeking a green card must provide a photocopy or certified copy (with the issuing office’s seal or stamp) of their final divorce decree. You must also bring the original document or certified copy to your green card interview. Where to Get a Divorce DecreeIf you filed for divorce in the United States, you generally can obtain a divorce decree from the court that issued the document. Alternatively, you can request an official copy from the office of vital records in the state where your divorce was finalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website specifies the name and address of each vital records office, as well as the current fee for requesting the paperwork. If you filed for divorce abroad, you may find information about the issuing authority in your home country — including its name, the current fee, and procedures for obtaining an official copy — on the U.S. Department of State’s website. If you can’t find your marriage certificate or get an official copy, you must submit both of the following documents instead: Financial DocumentsIt will be more difficult for a CDFA to get an accurate idea of your marital finances if he or she does not have the pertinent information. Keep in mind that these professionals are specifically trained to help you navigate a successful settlement and secure a stable financial future. Without all of the relevant data to review, you could miss out on your share of significant assets, investments, or accounts. You will need to keep in mind that documents should cover your long-term history, not just the most recent transactions. The gold standard is that your documentation should cover five years’ worth of data. Either way, three years’ worth of data should be sufficient to help your team assemble a settlement that you will be satisfied with. The divorce financial checklist will give you the most thorough rundown of the most commonly requested items: One of the most important steps to take before getting a divorce is understanding what each person in the marriage brought to the union. To get an idea of the important documents you need to round up for your divorce attorney or CDFA, take a look at the checklist below: Be sure to specify which assets you personally brought into the marriage as individual property. You should be clearly identified on your list of assets, so that everyone will be clear about who should belong in the settlement. Childcare DocumentsFor many couples, preparing a childcare plan is one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. However, since caring for the children together requires financial cooperation, it is essential that you draft a potential plan at this stage. You should start by creating a list of the parenting items that are most important to you. The two of you will need to make decisions about visitation, custody, and insurance expenses. You will even need to decide which one of you will claim them as dependents on your taxes. Consider your priorities for their futures, especially their college expenses. Will you both contribute to a savings account, or will the children pay for their own tuition costs? There is no right or wrong way to handle some of these issues, so you need time to think about what will work best for your family. These ideas are meant to be the catalysts for you and your spouse to start planning how you are going to handle everything after you split into two households. By taking a draft of this information to your divorce attorney now, you are giving him or her an opportunity to see if there is anything you left off that might still need to be considered. Therefore, you will have a bit more breathing room. That way, you can reflect on what will be best for the children, instead of selecting the easiest route in the heat of the moment. Personal DocumentsRemember, your financial information is not the only consideration that a financial planner will need to take into account. Other Pertinent IssuesIf there are any extenuating circumstances that led up to your divorce, you will need to find documentation and proof. This documentation could factor into the final amounts of spousal support payments, and it could help make decisions about the custody of any children involved in the split. Information that needs To be ChangedWhile you will not have to take this information to your divorce attorney, it is always a good idea to start planning ahead for things that need to be altered. You will not want your spouse’s name on documents that relate to your personal well-being, future finances, or healthcare directives. Lawyer For Real Estate In UtahWhen you need a real estate lawyer, please call Ascent Law LLC for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
American Sign Language Attorney What Is The Average Cost Of An Estate Plan? What Does The Woman Get In Divorce? Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post Utah Code 57-1-1 first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/utah-code-57-1-1/ ![]() Yes, it’s true, we have been asked this question. The short answer is a woman and a man should be treated equally in a divorce and each should received 50% of the marital estate. Divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage, is the process of terminating a marriage or marital union. Divorce usually entails the canceling or reorganizing of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, thus dissolving the bonds of matrimony between a married couple under the rule of law of the particular country or state. Divorce laws vary considerably around the world, but in most countries, divorce requires the sanction of a court or other authority in a legal process, which may involve issues of distribution of property, child custody, alimony (spousal support), child visitation/access, parenting time, child support, and division of debt. In most countries, monogamy is required by law, so divorce allows each former partner to marry another person. When those that is in a common-law relationship break up, it is referred to as separation, instead of a divorce. Divorce is different from annulment, which declares the marriage null and void, with legal separation or de jure separation (a legal process by which a married couple may formalize a de facto separation while remaining legally married) or with de facto separation (a process where the spouses informally stop cohabiting). Reasons for divorce vary, from sexual incompatibility or lack of independence for one or both spouses to a personality clash. What Are A Woman’s Property Rights In DivorceMuch here will depend on how the property is owned and whether it is in joint names. It can also be affected by any prenuptial or co-habiting agreement drawn up when you first acquired the property. Basically, if you are married you have a right of occupation. Whether or not your name is on the deeds, you have the right to live there and not to be excluded, for instance by the other party changing the locks. If you are married and have children living with you, you may be able to secure the right to live in the property until the children have left school. In any situation, if your partner is trying to force you out of the house you should take legal advice straight away. Financial SettlementsThere are no hard and fast rules regarding your financial rights in the breakdown of a relationship or how a divorce settlement will be calculated. If you are better equipped to “re-generate” your finances than the other party, you may well receive less than they do. It can appear that you are losing out because you have worked hard, but this is the way a court is likely to deal with things. There will often be a range of possible solutions to dividing the assets, and it is important that you explain fully to your lawyer your own preferences within that range. It may be that you can come to an amicable agreement with your partner. If you can’t agree however you have the right to invite the court to decide on a division of the assets with your partner. Your lawyer will guide you through the factors that the court may take into account, such as the age of the parties, the length of the relationship, jointly and individually held assets (including property), your income and pension provisions. Sorting out these arrangements with your former partner outside the bounds of the court will save time, money and additional heartache. If there are children from the relationship, generally speaking, the court will give priority to whoever is caring for them, and will try to address the reasonable needs of the parties for things like housing. It can sometimes seem as though men have fewer rights than women. This will often be a result of any children living with their mother, who earns less, has a lower mortgage capacity and less pension provision than the other partner. The Wife’s Grounds for DivorceThe right of the wife to demand a divorce is as legally entrenched as is the right of the husband to demand a divorce. This legal entrenchment goes all the way back to biblical times, and is not merely an adjustment to more modern contingencies. It would be a basic inequity in the relationship if the husband would be allowed to sue for divorce for whatever precipitating factor, whilst the wife would not be allowed to demand exit from the marriage no matter what happened. No one can deny that there are inequities in the system, but these inequities emanate more from abuse of the system rather than from its basic weaknesses. What About Equity in the Law?It is therefore not surprising and quite natural that the woman has access to exit from the marriage not only in cases of mutual desire, but also in situations when she is obviously disadvantaged by a callous and insensitive husband. To force a woman to endure the agony of a cruel husband who abuses her is unfathomable. IrresponsibilityThe primary right of a woman to demand a divorce is linked to situations when basic marital needs have been neglected, or abused by the husband. The husband is then “convinced” by the court to both grants the get to his wife, and to give her the marital contract settlement. The husband who has been derelict with regard to the sustenance that he is obliged to give to his wife, or the conjugal visitation that he must share with his wife, has thereby violated a primary responsibility of the marital covenant, and the wife has the right to a divorce in these situations. These elements of the marriage are so crucial, that their being used by the husband as a weapon with which to deprive the wife, either emotionally or physically, is considered a breach of the sacred marital trust. A woman may demand a divorce from her husband, if he has been found to be philandering with other women. There need not be proof of his having committed adultery, just of his having cavorted with other women. Even his causing her a bad name through his lecherous actions is likewise considered legitimate justification for the wife launching a divorce action. If the wife feels repulsed by her husband, it is wrong to force her to remain in the union. If the wife should make a vow that affects the marital union, such as a vow related to abstaining from conjugal union or some other impediment to marital viability, and the husband purposely fails to annul that vow, this is interpreted as a desire on his part to sever the relationship. The wife may then demand a divorce. Marital AbuseThe husband who hits his wife, curses her, ridicules her, insults her, or insults his wife’s parents in the presence of his wife, or forbids his wife from visiting her parents or family, or whose general mode of communication with his wife is through temperamental outbursts and disrespectful language, creates a situation which is untenable. The wife cannot be expected to live in such an environment, and she is well within her rights to demand a divorce. In this situation, the wife must be able to show that this is not a rare occurrence, or an isolated outburst, but that it is reflective of the husband’s usual demeanor. Should a husband counterclaim with the charge that his behavior is instigated by her; the burden of proof is upon him. We assume the correctness of the wife’s position unless and until the husband can prove otherwise. Unbearable ConditionsThe woman whose husband insists that his mother (that is, the wife’s mother-in-law) move into the house and this thereby restricts the wife’s freedom may demand a divorce if this is an unbearable situation for her. The wife whose husband forces her into conjugal relations during her menstrual period may also demand a divorce. This is the case even if she may not be scrupulous with regard to observing the laws of menstruation, which forbid conjugal union during that period and seven days beyond. The underlying common denominator in the mother-in-law and menstrual situations is that the husband fails, or refuses, to accord to the wife the freedom, dignity and respect to which she is entitled beyond any question. The wife has the right to demand a divorce if the husband, for whatever reason, makes life unbearable for her. Aside from some of the reasons heretofore cited, this untenable situation may come as a result of the husband having developed a repulsive blemish, or having adopted a noxious habit, such as cigarette smoking. It may ensue from his having taken on a malodorous, offensive trade, from which he comes home with an intolerable stench. AlimonyAlimony payments also known in some states as “spousal support” or “maintenance”—are alive and well in Utah divorce system. And if you earn substantially more money than a spouse to whom you have been married for several years, there is a good chance you will be ordered to pay some alimony. On the other hand, alimony generally isn’t awarded for short marriages or where you and your spouse earn close to the same amount. If you expect to pay alimonyThe fact you have to pay alimony to your ex-spouse doesn’t amount to a finding that you are a bad person. Consider it part of the cost of entering a marriage that you probably thought would last until death parted you, but for reasons you didn’t anticipate didn’t. Alimony has been the law for more than 100 years, and while it is ordered somewhat less frequently these days, there is no sign that courts are going to stop making alimony orders for good. If you expect to receive alimonyThe question of whether you qualify for alimony is usually resolved by looking at your capacity to earn which is not necessarily what you are earning at the time you go to court how much your spouse earns and your standard of living during the marriage. You might also be required to make some changes in your life and work. For example, if you have a part-time job that doesn’t pay well, you may be required to attempt to find full-time employment in a better-paid field. Experts called “vocational evaluators” are sometimes hired to report to the court on the job prospects for a spouse who hasn’t been fully employed for a while. The evaluator will administer vocational tests and then shop your credentials with potential employers in order to estimate how much income you could earn. Alimony PayerThe person paying alimony should keep: Alimony ReceiverThe spouse receiving support should make a list that shows each payment received. Include the following information: Division Of Marital Property In DivorceIn general, all property owned by either spouse is marital property. It can be property one of you got before or after you were married. It includes all kinds of property: personal property, homes and land, bank accounts, retirement accounts, etc. After the divorce is filed, things you or your spouse buy are not considered marital property. The court can consider many factors when making this decision, including: Separate PropertySeparate property is property that one of the spouses owned before the marriage. For example, a bicycle that the wife had owned since before her marriage would be considered separate property. Any inheritance one spouse gets, even during marriage, is separate property. So are personal gifts (unless they came from the other spouse) and payments for personal injuries. Woman Divorce LawyerWhen you need a Woman Divorce Lawyer, please call Ascent Law LLC for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Lawful And Unlawful Use Of Force Is A Divorce Settlement Taxable? American Sign Language Attorney Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post What Does The Woman Get In Divorce? first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/what-does-the-woman-get-in-divorce/ ![]() Utah Criminal Code 76-5-102: Assault–Penalties What Is An Assault?In legal terms, an assault refers to “the intentional creation of a reasonable apprehension of harm.” This refers to situations in which one person causes another person to fear being harmed. Thus, assault is an attempt or threat that causes another person to be apprehensive of imminent bodily harm. An example of this would be if a person pulls their fist back as if they were going to punch someone, and that person believes that they are going to be punched. Assault is often confused with battery, due to the fact that assault and battery are commonly charged together. However, assault is a separate charge from battery. Assault refers to the fear of being harmed, whereas battery refers to the actual act of harming another person. Battery is the unlawful use of force against a victim, with the intent to cause injury, or offensive touching. In some jurisdictions, assault may also be considered to be attempted or unsuccessful battery. Although assault is considered to be an intentional tort, every state has its own criminal statutes for both assault and battery. This means that an assault could serve as the basis for a civil lawsuit as well as prosecution by a state court, which could result in fines and/or jail time. An assault is carried out by a threat of bodily harm coupled with an apparent, present ability to cause the harm. It is both a crime and a tort and, therefore, may result in either criminal or civil liability. Generally, the common law definition is the same in criminal and Tort Law. There is, however, an additional Criminal Law category of assault consisting of an attempted but unsuccessful Battery. What Are The Elements Of Assault?Generally, the essential elements of assault consist of an act intended to cause an apprehension of harmful or offensive contact that causes apprehension of such contact in the victim. The act required for an assault must be overt. Although words alone are insufficient, they might create an assault when coupled with some action that indicates the ability to carry out the threat. A mere threat to harm is not an assault; however, a threat combined with a raised fist might be sufficient if it causes a reasonable apprehension of harm in the victim. Intent is an essential element of assault. In tort law, it can be specific intent, if the assailant intends to cause the apprehension of harmful or offensive contact in the victim or general intent if he or she intends to do the act that causes such apprehension. In addition, the intent element is satisfied if it is substantially certain, to a reasonable person, that the act will cause the result. A defendant who holds a gun to a victim’s head possesses the requisite intent, since it is substantially certain that this act will produce an apprehension in the victim. In all cases, intent to kill or harm is irrelevant. In criminal law, the attempted battery type of assault requires a Specific Intent to commit battery. An intent to frighten will not suffice for this form of assault. There can be no assault if the act does not produce a true apprehension of harm in the victim. There must be a reasonable fear of injury. The usual test applied is whether the act would induce such apprehension in the mind of a reasonable person. The status of the victim is taken into account. A threat made to a child might be sufficient to constitute an assault, while an identical threat made to an adult might not. Virtually all jurisdictions agree that the victim must be aware of the danger. This element is not required, however, for the attempted battery type of assault. A defendant who throws a rock at a sleeping victim can only be guilty of the attempted battery assault, since the victim would not be aware of the possible harm. What Is An Aggravated Assault?An aggravated assault, punishable in all states as a felony, is committed when a defendant intends to do more than merely frighten the victim. Common types of aggravated assaults are those accompanied by intent to kill, rob, or rape. An assault with a dangerous weapon is aggravated if there is intent to cause serious harm. Pointing an unloaded gun at a victim to frighten the individual is not considered an aggravated assault. What Is The Punishment For Assault?A defendant adjudged to have committed civil assault is liable for damages. The question of the amount that should be awarded to the victim is determined by a jury. Compensatory Damages, which are aimed at compensating the victim for the injury, are common. Nominal damages, a small sum awarded for the invasion of a right even though there has been no substantial injury, may be awarded. In some cases, courts allow Punitive Damages, which are designed to punish the defendant for the wrongful conduct. The punishment for criminal assault is a fine, imprisonment, or both. Penalties are more severe when the assault is aggravated. Many states have statutes dividing criminal assault into various degrees. As in aggravated assault, the severity of the crime, the extent of violence and harm, and the criminal intent of the defendant are all factors considered in determining the sentence imposed. The terms application of force and apply force mean to touch in a harmful or offensive manner. The slightest touching can be enough if it is done in a rude or angry way. Someone commits an act willfully when he or she does it willingly or on purpose. It is not required that he or she intend to break the law, hurt someone else, or gain any advantage. What Are The Types of Assault?In the legal context, assault implies a threat or an attempt to physically strike or touch a person in an offensive way. This is regardless if or not the contact has been made or not. The assault is a misdemeanor but it is regarded as a felony since it is an act of criminal violence against an individual. There are varied types of assault and the penalties for the same vary vehemently. Felony Assault: This is regarded as an attempt to attack or an unlawful attack through violence or force that has caused a physical injury to a person. In this assault, the weapon is utilized and is regarded as an assault irrespective of whether or not the victim suffers from physical pain or injury. Do I Need an Attorney for Assault Charges?You should always have an attorney. Call Ascent Law LLC if you believe you have been assaulted, or you are being accused of assault, you should immediately contact a skilled and knowledgeable criminal attorney. An experienced criminal attorney can help you understand your state’s laws regarding assault, and compile evidence supporting your claim. Finally, an attorney can represent you in court as needed. Free Initial Consultation with LawyerIt’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Legal problems come to everyone. Whether it’s your son who gets in a car wreck, your uncle who loses his job and needs to file for bankruptcy, your sister’s brother who’s getting divorced, or a grandparent that passes away without a will -all of us have legal issues and questions that arise. So when you have a law question, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you!
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Lawful And Unlawful Use Of Force Drafting LLC Operating Agreements American Sign Language Attorney Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post Utah Criminal Code 76-5-102 first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/utah-criminal-code-76-5-102/ ![]() The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires attorneys to provide equal access to their services by providing accommodations necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These accommodations include qualified interpreters, CART, and assistive listening devices. Public attorneys, such as public defenders (lawyers assigned to represent people charged with a crime) or other state or local government lawyers may be unfamiliar with their obligations under the ADA. Public attorneys must ensure that communication with deaf or hard of hearing clients and members of the public are as effective as communications with others. Why Study American Sign Language (ASL)?• Career-wise (working with Deaf people): One of the most common jobs using ASL is as an interpreter. As facilitators of communication between Deaf people and people who don’t sign, interpreters are in high demand, especially after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Interpreters work in a wide variety of settings: educational, medical, community, theater, legal, and job-related. You can work as a teacher for Deaf children. Deaf children especially need teachers who know and understand their natural language. You can become an ASL teacher. ASL is accepted as a foreign language in high schools and colleges/universities in most of the states. These are just a few examples. There are many other possible jobs working directly with Deaf people. • Career-wise (not working directly with Deaf people): Many of your clients will be Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. It will be to your immense advantage to be able to communicate with them directly. As a Nurse, one will be able to communicate with your Deaf patients while doing routine tasks. Elementary school teachers will possibly have Deaf children mainstreamed in their classroom. Mental health workers, social workers, and counselors who know and understand Deaf people are in high demand. In fact, Deaf people have sought out service providers who use ASL and helped augment the number of clients utilizing a particular service provider. Advocates such as lawyers or lobbyists who work with legislators will be able to use their knowledge and skill in ASL when parts of legislation affect Deaf people. Even if you don’t plan to focus on serving Deaf people, you can probably expand your client base by offering expertise in ASL. Sales assistants in stores and shops will often encounter Deaf customers seeking to make purchases. In fact, a background in ASL will be useful in absolutely any field or employment. When Is Sign Language Interpreting Required By Law?Sign language interpreting helps deaf and hard of hearing people communicate, and in the United States, it is often legally required. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 established a series of measures to prohibit instances of discrimination because of a person’s disability. The ADA requires that the communication needs of hard of hearing and deaf persons are met, and this frequently demands the use of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. Sign Language Interpreting & Discrimination LawThe ADA very clearly states the need for proper communication with hard of hearing and deaf individuals. Specifically, the ADA states: “No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.” Where Sign Language Interpreting Is RequiredOne extremely important area covered by the ADA is the medical field, where sign language interpreting services are often required. Hospitals, for instance, must provide an appropriate means of communication to any patients, family members, or hospital visitors who may be hearing impaired. This is applicable in all hospital areas, from the emergency room to the gift shop. In some cases, the ADA specifies that an effective form of communication may consist simply of a written note, but if a conversation is more complicated such as explaining a patient’s symptoms or a medical procedure a qualified ASL interpreter may be necessary. The ADA extends beyond medical settings and also covers areas like the legal, educational, law enforcement, and employment systems. If a company is interviewing a deaf individual, for instance, they are required to provide sign language interpreting. Similarly, hard of hearing defendants in a legal proceeding must be provided with an interpreter. The ADA even covers the hospitality industry. For example, hotels must meet hard of hearing communication needs by providing a teletypewriter the device hard of hearing persons need in order to use a telephone to guest rooms upon request, and they must also have a teletypewriter available at the front desk. Penalties for Non-ComplianceAccording to ADA standards, it is usually up to the institution in question to provide and pay for any necessary sign language interpreting. If an institution does not comply by providing ASL interpreting to meet the needs of a hard of hearing individual, it may suffer serious penalties. The key phrase used by the ADA when it comes to deaf and hard of hearing individuals is “effective communication.” Whatever is necessary to ensure effective communication is required, by law, to be done. Although the details of what “effective communication” entails may be hazy in some cases, there’s no doubt that ultimately sign language interpreting is the most straightforward way for institutions to fulfill their obligations under the ADA. How to Find a Sign Language LawyerFirst, call Ascent Law LLC. We want to help you. Many people prefer to find a lawyer who is deaf or hard of hearing, a lawyer who understands and is familiar with deaf and hard of hearing people, or a lawyer who knows American Sign Language. However, you need a lawyer who is experienced in your type of legal problem. Like doctors, most lawyers have expertise in specific areas of the law. For example, a lawyer who defends people accused of a crime might not be a good choice if you need a divorce. When you contact lawyers, ask them if they have experience with your kind of legal problem. If they do not, ask them if they can recommend a lawyer who can handle your kind of legal problem. Most people hearing, hard of hearing, or deaf are puzzled about how to find a lawyer to help them with their legal problem. However, here are some tips to help you find an advocate or lawyer in your state who may be able to help you with discrimination or other legal problem: • If you are unemployed or have a very low income, you may be eligible for free legal help from your local legal aid society, legal services office, or a nearby law school’s legal clinic program. Your state’s bar association may have information about these services, too. Here Are Some Tips for Working with Your Lawyer• Make sure you understand the lawyer’s rates and billing system. Ask questions if you are not sure about the lawyer’s fees or the expenses you will pay. • Be prepared when you meet with a lawyer. Bring all paperwork connected with your legal problem. It may be helpful to write out your questions ahead of time. Does An Attorney Have To Provide Services To Deaf Individuals Beyond The Services Provided To Other Individuals?Attorneys are not required to fundamentally alter the services they provide in order to serve individuals with disabilities. So, an attorney who only practices bankruptcy law would not be required to meet with a deaf individual to discuss that individual’s housing discrimination issue. Interpreter To A Client Or Potential Client Who Is Deaf?When the client or potential client asks for a sign language interpreter in order to participate in a meeting with the attorney. Throughout this document, client is used to refer to both client and potential client. The ADA does not distinguish between an attorney’s obligation to provide effective communication at an initial meeting to evaluate a potential case and a later meeting with a client who has signed a retainer agreement. Are There Any Situations In Which An Attorney Can Refuse To Provide A Sign Language Interpreter To A Deaf Client?The ADA permits attorneys to offer alternate auxiliary aids/services if those will meet the client’s need. For example, some individuals who are deaf might be able to communicate by computer assisted real time translation (CART). If so, it would be okay for an attorney to offer CART as an alternative to a sign language interpreter. As a practical matter, please keep in mind that because American Sign Language (ASL) or other manual communication is generally the first language of most people who are deaf, many deaf individuals are not proficient in reading written English and may only be able to effectively engage in complex communications through use of a sign language interpreter. In addition, the ADA does not require attorneys to provide auxiliary aids or services if doing so would constitute an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the nature of their services. However, these standards are very difficult to meet. Determining whether providing a particular auxiliary aid or service constitutes an undue financial or administrative burden should be evaluated by looking at the overall resources of the attorney’s practice. The fact that the cost of providing an auxiliary aid or service to one client may be more than the fees paid by that client to the attorney is not a sufficient reason for an attorney to refuse to provide an auxiliary aid or service. Generally, sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids/services needed by people with disabilities will not constitute an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the nature of the attorney’s program. A Qualified Sign Language InterpreterA qualified sign language interpreter is an interpreter who can translate sign language into speech and speech into sign language in order to provide effective communication. It is generally not appropriate for family members or friends to interpret for a person who is deaf. ASL AttorneyWhen you need legal help from an ASL Lawyer, please call Ascent Law LLC for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Lawful And Unlawful Use Of Force Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post American Sign Language Attorney first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/american-sign-language-attorney/ ![]() Utah is a stand your ground state. This means that one does not have to retreat, or find safety, before resorting to force. To qualify for this type of defense, the defendant has to be in a place where he or she has a legal right to be. Therefore, the stand your ground rule can apply on private or public property. A stand-your-ground law (sometimes called “line in the sand” or “no duty to retreat” law) establishes a right by which a person may defend one’s self or others (right of self-defense) against threats or perceived threats, even to the point of applying lethal force, regardless of whether safely retreating from the situation might have been possible. Such a law typically states that an individual has no duty to retreat from any place where they have a lawful right to be (though this varies from state to state) and that they may use any level of force if they reasonably believe the threat rises to the level of being an imminent and immediate threat of serious bodily harm and/or death. There are some situations where a person is not authorized to use self-defense. First, a person cannot use force in self-defense when he or she has initiated a conflict. This rule prevents people from starting fights and evading the legal consequences. Second, a suspect may not claim self-defense when he or she is assisting in, or committing a felony crime. Third, when a person voluntarily agrees to enter a fight (by words or conduct) he or she cannot use the defense. However, there is one exception to the rule prohibiting a claim of self-defense in a mutual fight. If the aggressor formally withdrawals from the fight and is attacked, he or she can rely on self-defense. Utah Misdemeanor and Felony Assault LawsAn assault can be defined as an attempt to do bodily injury to another with unlawful force or violence, an act committed with unlawful force or violence that causes bodily injury to another, or as an act that creates substantial risk of bodily injury to another. It can be the use of unlawful force or the attempted use of unlawful force that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another. In Utah, a person commits the crime of assault by causing, threatening, or attempting to cause injury to another person. Assaults that cause serious injuries, assaults committed with dangerous weapons, assaults by prisoners, and second and subsequent assaults against law enforcement officers and military personnel are felony assaults. What are the Different Levels of Assault Charges in Utah?There are different levels when it comes to the classification of assault. Simple assault is considered a Class B misdemeanor in Utah, and it occurs between two people that don’t have any prior relationship with one another. For example, a fist fight between two strangers would be considered a simple assault. If the victim of a simple assault is a pregnant woman, then the charge can be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor. What are the Factors That Would Enhance Assault Charges?If there is substantial bodily injury or a weapon involved, then a Class B misdemeanor could be enhanced to a felony. An assault with a weapon is pretty broadly defined under the code, but it can enhance a charge of simple assault to a charge of aggravated assault, which is a third degree felony. A third degree felony is the lowest degree of felony in Utah. The order of charges from least serious to most serious is as follows: Class B misdemeanor, Class A misdemeanor, third degree felony, second degree felony, first degree felony. Felony level charges are very serious, especially assault charges. Who Would Be Classified as a Special Victim in an Assault Case?A special victim is a person who is over the age of 65 and/or somewhat incapacitated. Assault on a police officer can enhance an assault charge. Sometimes assault on a minor can enhance an assault charge, but there would also be a charge of child abuse. A person can potentially be charged for assault and child abuse if they assault someone who is under 18 years of age. How Does the Degree of Injury Affect the Level of Assault Charges?The degree of injury can make a difference. Simply shoving someone is considered an assault, but it won’t necessarily result in bodily injury. However, if you punch someone and break their nose, then there is clear bodily injury and the charge could be enhanced as a result. If you severely injure someone, then the charge could be enhanced to a felony. A charge can also be enhanced for the age of the victim, the use of a weapon, the degree of the assault and the degree of the injury. Many variables can go into a prosecutor’s decision regarding which level of assault to charge a defendant. Does an Alleged Victim Have to Be Injured in Order to Bring Assault Charges?No, an alleged victim does not have to show injury for an assault to have occurred. According to the statute, even an attempt to assault someone is considered an assault. Similarly, creating a substantial risk of bodily injury is considered an assault. So, a person could be charged with an assault without having actually injured or even touched another person. People have to be very careful when dealing with situations that could lead to assault. Assaults Against Protected VictimsIn Utah, assaults against certain victims are punished by longer jail terms. Assaults against pregnant women (if the defendant knows of the pregnancy) are punished more severely. Utah’s laws also punish more severely assaults against certain public officials and employees, including: Hate CrimesIn Utah, hate crimes are criminal activities, including misdemeanor assault, committed with the intent to intimidate or terrorize the victim in order to infringe on or resulting in an infringement on the victim’s civil rights. These crimes are punished more severely than non-hate crime assaults. In the prohibition against hate crimes, lawmakers made clear that the law is not intended to limit any individual’s right to free speech or any other Constitutional rights. Different Levels of AssaultIn Utah, an assault charge can range from a Misdemeanor B to a 2nd Degree Felony. Possible Penalties for an Assault ConvictionAs stated above, it depends on the level of offense. Here’s a chart showing maximum penalties depending on the level: “But What If It Was Self Defense?”Utah law does provide a “defense” to the crime based on a claim of self-defense, specifically: “A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that force or a threat of force is necessary to defend the person or a third person against another person’s imminent use of unlawful force.” If you have a self-defense claim, a key question will be whether or not your belief that you had to defend yourself was “reasonable.” This will be a matter for the jury (or sometimes the judge) to decide. Some of the relevant factors under the self-defense law are: “But What If I Never Even Touched the Other Person?”Most people think of assault as, at the least, a shove or punch–some sort of physical contact–but that’s not the case. Assault certainly can include a shove or punch, but it also can include “an attempt, with unlawful force or violence, to do bodily injury to another or a threat, accompanied by a show of immediate force or violence, to do bodily injury to another.” So, technically, you could be convicted of assault if you tried to throw a brick at someone’s head, but missed. You could also be convicted if you got up in someone’s face and threatened to beat them up. However, threatening someone over the phone probably would not be an assault crime (although it may be another crime) because it’s hard to make a show of immediate force or violence over the phone. Free Initial Consultation with LawyerIt’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Legal problems come to everyone. Whether it’s your son who gets in a car wreck, your uncle who loses his job and needs to file for bankruptcy, your sister’s brother who’s getting divorced, or a grandparent that passes away without a will -all of us have legal issues and questions that arise. So when you have a law question, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you!
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
Recommended Property Division Divorce Attorney Does It Matter Who Files For Divorce First? Counterfeiting Legal Defense In Utah Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post Lawful And Unlawful Use Of Force first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/lawful-and-unlawful-use-of-force/ ![]() The Probate and Family Court always used to call the time children spend with a parent they do not live with “visitation.” In July 2015, the Court changed the words they use on their forms to “parenting time.” The Court says that “parenting time” is the time that children spend with the parent they do not live with. The Court still uses the word “visitation” for supervised visitation and grandparent visitation. Parenting time and visitation decisions can be part of a larger case, like divorce cases, or the case can just be about parenting time or visitation. How do judges make parenting time and visitation decisions?Judges make these decisions based on “the best interests of the child.” The “best interests of the child” requires courts to focus on your child’s needs. Parenting time schedules Transportation for parenting time or visitation Sometimes, it may not be safe to leave your child alone with a parent during visitation. In these situations, the court can order supervised visitation. Supervised visitation means another person stays with the visiting parent during visits. It is the supervisor’s job to make sure that your child is safe and feels safe. The supervisor also makes sure that the visiting parent acts appropriately. The court prefers to order a supervisor that both parents can agree on. The court also thinks it is important for your child to be comfortable with the supervisor. Generally, the supervisor can stop the visit if he or she believes your child is not safe during the visit. Supervised visitation is important if the visiting parent is abusive, has an alcohol, drug abuse, or other problem that could put your child in danger. Can my child visit with the other parent if I get a restraining order? Modifying A Custody Order Either parent can request a professional custody evaluation through the court. This evaluation looks at the custody issues being experienced and determines whether or not the current custody arrangement still makes sense for all involved Parent Time AttorneyWhen you need a parent time lawyer in Utah, please call Ascent Law LLC for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
What Does A Private Placement Memorandum Look Like? Corporate Lawyer South Jordan Utah Recommended Property Division Divorce Attorney Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post Parent Time Utah first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/parent-time-utah/ ![]() Domestic violence means any criminal offense involving violence or physical harm with a cohabitant, including assault, a threat of violence or physical harm, or an attempt to commit a criminal offense involving violence or physical harm. Cohabitants refer to people living together as boyfriend/girlfriend, spouses, or the parents of a child. When we say domestic violence, we are talking about a criminal offense that involves a cohabitant. There can be domestic violence assault, domestic violence criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of children. Criminal mischief essentially means damaging property. For example, if you and your spouse got into an argument and you threw a plate, causing it to break, then that would be considered criminal mischief. If your children were present during that time, that would be considered domestic violence in the presence of children. I’d like to think of it as an enhancement; it’s more serious because of the familial relationship. How Serious Are Domestic Violence Allegations In Utah?In Utah, once the police show up to a domestic violence call, there is about a 95% chance that one person is going to go to jail. It’s almost an unwritten rule that if they have to go out there and get in the middle of your familial relationships, then someone is going to jail. It just seems that way; it’s not an official rule. When that person goes to jail, they don’t automatically get a bail or a bond like they would with other offenses, such as DUI or theft. A lot of times they have to wait there until they can be seen by a judge. They are prohibited from contacting the alleged victim, and they are not going to be able to reach them through the phones at the jail. If they go in on a Friday night, they might not see a judge until Monday morning. Even if they do get out of jail on Monday morning, the terms of the release will disallow them from having any contact with the alleged victim. That means that they won’t be allowed to enter the residence without the assistance of a police officer- not even to gather some clothes for work. Are Orders Of Protection Automatically Placed In A Domestic Violence Case?If charges are filed, part of the prosecutor’s duty is to contact the alleged victim or victims and see if they want the criminal court to enter an order of protection. An order of protection is not ordered automatically; it’s the prosecutor’s obligation to make contact with the victim and see what they want. If they want that order in place, then it could stay in place as long as the criminal court has jurisdiction over the case. Depending on the outcome of the case, that could be 12 to 18 months. I see those orders of protection being issued quite frequently because the victims are afraid and worried about their children, their health and their safety. How Are Domestic Violence Charges Determined To Be Either A Misdemeanor Or A Felony?There are different things that can make a charge a felony versus a misdemeanor. Aggravated assault, the use of a weapon, very serious injury, and criminal mischief resulting in over $2,500 worth of damage could all lead to felony charges. Another factor that’s taken into consideration is whether or not there are prior domestic violence convictions. For example, if you have an ongoing problem with one of your family members and you were charged and convicted with domestic violence a year ago, then your next domestic violence offense could be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor. If you have another episode six months down the road, then that can be a felony. Basically, the determining factors are the classification of the charge, the seriousness of the damage involved and prior convictions. Suing for Domestic ViolenceAlthough for many years suing ones spouse was prohibited under spousal privilege, these days most states do allow one to sue your spouse, either while still married or afterwards. Ten states (Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming) and Washington D.C. still do prohibit immediate family from suing one another. But even these states generally allow exceptions for “intentional torts,” or specific and purposeful acts of wrongdoing on the family member’s part. All of the typical behaviors which generally constitute domestic violence assault, battery, psychological abuse, etc… are almost certainly categorized as “intentional,” so you can likely sue in these states as well. What Kind of Behavior can be Considered Domestic Violence?There is no all-encapsulating definition of what constitutes domestic violence; every state defines it differently. But any of the following behavior: Why Should I Sue my Abuser?Besides the obvious possible financial benefits, suing your abuser in tort can provide a sense of emotional relief and control. If you’ve missed work because of your abuse, you can receive lost wages and medical expenses, as well as general damages for pain and suffering. Some states will even allow punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant, and can be considerable sums of money that can help you start a new life. But obtaining vindication through the court system comes at a cost. There is certainly a lot of stress involved, and already damaged family ties will be further strained. It also difficult for many victims to just recognize their own abuse; actually taking the abuser to court may be too difficult for them to contemplate. But sometimes when victims realize the position they’ve been put in and want to fight back, suing their abuser may be the best way to break ties with the past, especially if the abuser may be going to jail anyway. And while litigation is expensive, courts can often force the abuser to pay your litigation fees, and many attorneys work on contingency. If you’re considering bringing a tort action for injuries you received from a family member, keep the following points in mind: Understanding how domestic violence charges work in Utah is important if you have been charged with domestic violence. In Utah, there is not a single crime that is specified as “Domestic Violence” rather, there are many crimes that are considered a “Crime of Domestic Violence”. To be considered a crime of domestic violence the offender and the victim must have a relationship that is included in the definition of cohabitant that has been set forth in Utah law. Some of these relationships include: If you are convicted of a domestic violence offense, you should understand that you will more than likely be restricted from possessing a firearm pursuant to federal law. You will also be required to complete an assessment and 12-14 weeks of counseling through the Division of Child and Family Services. If you are accused of domestic violence you may find that the accusation is followed by a protection order for or against your spouse and children. Being accused or convicted of a domestic violence charge can be scary. How Domestic Violence Affects Child Custody in UtahThe effects of domestic violence are far-reaching and can leave visible and invisible scars for years to come. A parent’s past record of abuse, also called “domestic violence,” may significantly alter the outcome of a child custody case. In cases of chronic abuse, a parent may have limitations placed upon his or her visitation rights, or in the most extreme situations, the abusive parent may lose his or her parental rights entirely. Protective OrdersIn situations where domestic violence is ongoing or there is a fear of future abuse, a protective order may be appropriate. Utah’s court website provides protective order forms and basic information about obtaining a protective order. In order to obtain a protective order, you must show that you have been harmed or threatened by one of the following categories of individuals: Supervised VisitationSupervised visitation may be required in cases of chronic or recent domestic violence; it requires the presence of another adult at visitation sessions between the child and abusive parent. Although restrictive, a supervised visitation order does not mean that the abusive parent will only ever receive supervised visits with their child. Nevertheless, before the supervised visit requirement can be lifted, the abusive parent must prove to the court that the child would be safe in his or her care and there is no likelihood of ongoing abuse. Termination of parental rightsWhen a judge decides to terminate a parent’s custodial rights, including all rights to visit with or otherwise parent his or her child, the decision is permanent and cannot be undone by a parent’s subsequent good behavior. A judge will only terminate parental rights in the most extreme circumstances. Some reasons a Utah court would terminate parental rights include sexual abuse of any child, causing a disabling injury of or disfigurement of the child, murder or attempted murder of any child, and intentionally or recklessly causing the death of the child’s other parent. Ways to Help a Victim of Domestic Violence• Make Time for Them: If you decide to reach out to an abuse victim, do so during a time of calm. Getting involved when tempers are flaring can put you in danger. Also, make sure to set aside plenty of time in case the victim decides to open up. If the person decides to disclose years of pent-up fear and frustration, you will not want to end the conversation because you have another commitment. Reasons Why Victims StayIt can be hard to understand why someone you care about would seemingly choose to stay in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. Here are a few reasons why it’s not easy to part ways. Domestic Violence LawyerWhen you need legal help from a Domestic Violence Lawyer, call Ascent Law LLC for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506
Ascent Law LLC
4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews
What Does A Private Placement Memorandum Look Like? What Happens After I File My Taxes? Recommended Property Division Divorce Attorney Ascent Law St. George Utah OfficeAscent Law Ogden Utah OfficeThe post Domestic Violence Lawyer Utah first appeared on Michael Anderson. via Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/domestic-violence-lawyer-utah/ In every divorce, couples must divide marital property and debt before the judge will grant the request for a divorce. Couples have two choices: work together to determine what property each spouse will take away from the relationship, or ask the court to decide for you. If you live in a community property state, the court presumes that any assets (or debts) accrued during the marriage belong equally (50/50) to both spouses. If you have property that belongs to you, whether you brought it with you to the marriage, or you acquired it alone during your relationship, you’ll need to ask the court to award the separate property to you. In equitable distribution states, the court will divide marital property fairly between the spouses, which doesn’t always mean a 50/50 split. The court will categorize the property as marital or separate before the judge awards any portion to either spouse. If you have separate property, you’ll need to prove your ownership with receipts, witnesses, or any other evidence. Work Together to Reach a Property AgreementThere’s no doubt that a judge won’t understand your family’s circumstances as well as you do. If you’d like to keep control of how you split your assets and debts in your divorce, it’s best to work with your spouse, rather than letting a court decide. Create a List of AssetsOne of the easiest ways to start the property division process is for each spouse to create a list of assets and identify which spouse should receive it in the divorce. When you’re both finished with your list, you can come together to compare. If you have a dispute, work together to resolve it and determine who should get the property. It’s important to be transparent through the property division process. Both spouses must identify all assets that they acquired throughout the marriage, which includes bank accounts, insurance policies, vehicles, retirement accounts, pensions, real estate, recreational vehicles and equipment, and anything else that holds value. If you agree to a property settlement and later find out that your spouse didn’t disclose an asset, you can ask the judge to reopen your case to revaluate the property division. In addition to potentially losing assets later, the guilty spouse may also face fines or penalties from the court if the judge believes your ex intentionally failed to disclose or hid information the asset. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to disclosure. Generally speaking, courts will accept the fair market value (FMV) of each item, which is what you can get for the item if you sell it on the open market today, not what you paid for it. Value Your PropertyAnother important step is to determine what the property is worth. Generally speaking, courts will accept the fair market value (FMV) of each item, which is what you can get for the item if you sell it on the open market today, not what you paid for it. Try to agree on a value for each asset worth more than a specific amount—say, $100 or $500. There are some useful websites that can help you value certain property, such as Zillow.com or Redfin.com for real property, and Kelly Blue Book for vehicles. For more difficult or complex valuations, like of a business or antique collectibles, you may need to hire an appraiser. If you can’t agree on a value for a specific item, you may each have to hire independent appraisers, and ask a judge to pick from one of the two valuations. Determine If the Property Is Marital or SeparateWhether you’re in a community property or equitable distribution state, if you own separate property, it will remain in your possession. That said, you must first categorize and agree that the assets were separate before you can move forward. Each spouse should identify the owner of each asset. If there is a disagreement about whether an asset is marital or separate, the person claiming the item will have to prove to a judge that it’s owned separately. You can do this by showing the date of purchase, where the funds came from to purchase the item, and how the item was kept separate during the marriage. Don’t Forget About Your DebtMarital debt is not excluded from property division in a divorce. If you acquired joint debt during your marriage, like a mortgage, car payment, or tax debt, you will probably have to split that between the two of you during your divorce. If you owned a credit card in only your name, and you never used it for marital purposes, like groceries, you may be solely responsible for the amount owing. Remember, while the court can assign the debt to either (or both) spouse, it can’t change the contract you have with your creditors. For example, if the judge requires your spouse to pay off a joint credit card, but your ex fails to pay the monthly payment to the creditor, the credit card company can (and will) still come after you for payment. Unless you want your credit score to be in jeopardy, you’ll need to pay it, and ask the court for reimbursement from your spouse later. Draft a Settlement AgreementIf you and your spouse can agree on all of the terms of your property and debt division, you can create a property settlement agreement to present to the judge. Your agreement should list each asset and debt, the owner, and the value. If you want to be sure that you’re not making a bad deal, you should ask an experienced attorney to review the agreement before you sign it. In most cases, the judge will honour your agreement. However, if a party without a lawyer agrees to a property settlement that awards more than half of the property to the other spouse, the judge may want to investigate before approving it. No court wants to see a spouse walk away with an unfair distribution of property. What If We Can’t Agree on How to Handle a Specific Asset?If you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement on property and debt division, you can eliminate the issue by selling the asset and dividing the profits. For example, in most divorce cases, the couple will sell the marital home, subtract the mortgage debt, and split the proceeds. However, if you can’t decide what percentage of the profits each spouse should take, you may have to ask a judge to decide for you. Dividing Property and Debt During DivorceVery generally, here are the rules for determining what community property is and what isn’t: Who gets to stay in the house?If children are involved, the parent who spends the most time with the kids, or who provides their primary care, usually remains in the marital home with them. If you don’t have children and the house is the separate property of just one spouse, that spouse has the legal right to ask the other to leave. If, however, you don’t have children and you own the house together, this question gets tricky. Neither of you has a legal right to kick the other out. You can request that the other person leave, but you can’t require it. If you and your spouse don’t come to a decision, the court will decide for you during divorce proceedings or earlier, if you ask for a temporary order on the issue. If your spouse changes the locks or somehow prevents you from entering the home, you can call the police. The police will probably direct your spouse to open the door and let you back in. When you both own the home, the only time you can get your spouse to leave is if your spouse has committed domestic violence and a judge grants a restraining order. Whatever you do, do not claim domestic violence has occurred just to get your spouse removed from the home. (Some people have resorted to this extreme tactic.) Once a judge realizes this has occurred, the party claiming violence may be asked to vacate the home and the judge may be biased against him or her during future negotiations. If you believe you are a victim of domestic violence, but are not sure, go to the Yellow Pages and call your local domestic violence hotline. It is common for a divorcing couples to decide about dividing their property and debts themselves (with or without the help of a neutral third party like a mediator), rather than leaving it to the judge. However, if a couple cannot agree, they can submit their property dispute to the court, which will use state law rules to divide the property. Courts divide property under one of two basic schemes: community property or equitable distribution. Debts are divided according to the same principles. • Community property. In Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico, all property of a married person is classified as either community property (owned equally by both spouses) or the separate property of one spouse. At divorce, community property is generally divided equally between the spouses, while each spouse keeps his or her separate property. • Equitable distribution. In all other states, assets and earnings accumulated during marriage are divided equitably (fairly), but not necessarily equally. In some of those states, the judge may order one party to use separate property to make the settlement fair to both spouses. Community PropertyThere are nine states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin) that consider property acquired during a marriage to be community property. In these states, marital property is split 50-50 between the divorcing couples. In community property states, “lawmakers believe property should be divided equally because they view marriage as a joint undertaking in which both spouses are presumed to contribute equally to the acquisition and preservation of property,” according to the American Bar Association, a professional organization for attorneys. Alaska actually uses a hybrid of community property. The state allows married couples to “opt in” to having a community property partnership by either a legal agreement or trust. Generally, in both community property and equitable distribution states, property acquired before the marriage and kept separately from other property obtained during the marriage is not shared in the divorce but retained by the spouse to whom it belongs. Equitable DistributionNearly all the other states have property division laws that use equitable distribution as a method to divvy up the property. Equitable distribution attempts to achieve fairness, which may or may not result in a 50-50 split. “The division of property could be 50-50, 60-40, 70-30 or even all for one spouse and nothing for the other,” the ABA writes in a book about divorce. The Nuts and Bolts of Divorce Property DivisionJudges will usually approve a property division agreement if the couple figures who gets what on their own. If divorcing spouses cannot agree, they should consult with their attorney as to whether it makes any financial sense – based on the value of the property in question – to pay for an expensive trial. This is called a cost-benefit analysis. To figure out what to divide, divorcing spouses need to take an inventory of their property. It is very important to list all property and not try to hide any assets. Besides the usual places – bank accounts, real estate, jewelry – marital property can be found in pensions, IRAs, stocks and bonds, certificates of deposit, money market account and safety deposit boxes. If spouses cannot agree as to the value of various property, they should hire a professional appraiser to assist them in determining value. Once the spouses are settled on the property division, the attorneys can write up the property settlement agreement and present it to the court. If, after the agreement is entered, one of the spouses refuses to abide by it, one of several remedies – depending on state law – can help. Non-receiving spouses can file a contempt proceeding where they ask a judge to hold the other spouse in “contempt of court.” The penalties may include a jail term, usually no more than 30 days, a fine or both. In other states, an injunction is a step that comes before a finding of contempt. In an injunction, the court orders someone to perform a certain act, in this case, dividing the property instructed in the property settlement agreement. Dividing DebtsJust like property, debts accrued during the marriage will also be split between divorcing spouses. Again, state laws will dictate how this is done. In general, though, those who will keep a financed piece of property, such as a car or house, also get the debt associated with that property. Divorce Property LawyerWhen you need legal help from a Divorce Property Lawyer, please call Ascent Law LLC for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
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