Utah Law
Twenty-six years before it became a state, Utah gave women the right to vote in 1870. This made Utah the second state to do so before the 1920s, only coming behind Wyoming. The middle of the 1800s brought many people to the west to work in the mining industry. Utah’s Bingham Canyon Mine is partially responsible for this movement and is still one of the world’s biggest open mine pits.
Job opportunities opened the Utah Territory and expanded the soon-to-be state’s economy. Several mining communities still exist today and dot central Utah. Many include Eureka, Silver Reef, Mercur, Castle Gate, Hiawatha, and Spring Canyon. Many different kinds of minerals and fossil fuels are extracted from Utah’s mines today, including petroleum, coal, natural gases, lead, zinc, copper, silver, gold, beryllium, and molybdenum.
The communities formed during the mining boom gave way to the state of Utah today. Utah is governed by state laws that provide safety and organization for its residents. Some of these laws include labor laws, divorce laws, bankruptcy laws, expungement laws, gun laws, and drunken driving laws.
Firearms
Utah requires all its state residents who wish to carry a concealed weapon to first obtain a proper permit. These permits are also necessary for open carry firearms when the gun itself is not loaded. Utah law requires that there be no loaded rounds or any rounds in the firing position. Such stipulations allow those without permits to carry firearms with loaded magazines.
In order to obtain a firearm permit, each individual must submit application to the county sheriff and undergo backgrounds checking. Upon approval an individual must also display his or her ability to properly fire and handle a firearm.
Expungement
A majority of criminal records are not eligible for expungement. These normally include felony offenses, misdemeanor offenses, and traffic offenses. However Utah does allow Class A and Class B Misdemeanor offenses to be expunged as well as some felony offenses. Capital felony offenses and sexual offenses, as well as Class A and Class B Felony offenses, cannot be expunged under any circumstance.
The state of Utah allows some kinds of juvenile records to be expunged under certain terms. Juvenile records are eligible after one year has passed after all fines and jurisdiction have been terminated and all restitution paid. If an individual is over the age of eighteen and has not committed any crimes as an adult, his or her juvenile record may be expunged. Despite eligibility a petition for expungement can be denied if the jurisdiction deems the expungement not in favor of the court.
Drunken Driving
The consequences for driving under the influence are based on the circumstances of the offense and any prior convictions. First driving under the influence offenses are normally considered Class B Misdemeanors by the state of Utah, though this charges can increase to a Class A Misdemeanor or higher if circumstances allow.
Punishments for drunken driving most often include driver’s licenses suspension, jail sentencing, fines, and probation. A third or subsequent driving under the influence offense will increase to a third-degree felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Utah Law Articles
Utah Misdemeanor
Misdemeanor Levels in Utah A misdemeanor is a crime that carries a sentence of less than 365 days in a county jail. If the crime necessitates more time in prison,…
Utah Expungement
Petition for Expungement in Utah In order to obtain expungement in Utah, a certification of eligibility must first be obtained. This certification is obtained through the Utah Bureau of Criminal…
Utah Lemon Laws
Lemon Law in Utah One of the most favorite Latin expressions embraced by any type of manufacturer is “caveat emptor.” Loosely translated, this means “buyer beware.” When the maker of…
Utah Marijuana Laws
In the recent midterm elections, Arizona joined 14 other states in legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. Utah marijuana laws still side with the majority of states by prohibiting the medical…
Utah Labor Laws
Utah is a beautiful state to live and work in. When it comes to work there are two agencies that oversee labor laws. The Department of Workforce Services handles government…
Utah DUI Laws
Utah DUI Basics In 2005 a new law was created for Utah citizens who have had their driver’s licenses suspended. If these individuals have any amount of alcohol in their…
Utah Bankruptcy Laws
Bankruptcy Laws in Utah Despite bankruptcy’s ability to relieve debts, certain kinds of debts are not allowed for elimination in Utah. These include alimony, child support, most student loans, and…
Utah Divorce Laws
Utah Divorce Details In order to file for a divorce in a particular state, you need to be an official resident. The requirements for residency vary from state to state….
Utah Gun Laws
Gun Laws in Utah In opposition to other states, Utah has several restrictions that not many others do. However, there are no state permit requirements for purchasing handguns and shotguns….
Utah Felony
Utah Felony Basics Utah defines felony offenses as any kind of criminal offense that is punishable by incarceration or death sentencing. Felony offenses are more severe than misdemeanor offenses. Many…