Criminal Mischief; Disorderly Conduct; Reckless Endangerment
Criminal Defense Attorney in Lehi, UT
HOYER LAW FIRM
51 E. Main St.
Lehi, UT 84043
(801) 901-0797
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A conviction for criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, or reckless endangerment in a Utah court can have serious criminal consequences, including jail time and hefty fines.
Criminal Mischief in Utah
Criminal Mischief potentially undermines the safety of humans and property. Utah law enforcement and prosecutors take these types of crimes seriously. A conviction can lead to devastating criminal consequences.
Under Utah law 76-6-106, you can commit Criminal Mischief in several ways, including the following:
- Causing damage to property with the intention of committing insurance fraud.
- Deliberately tampering with someone’s property that leads to the endangerment of human life, safety, and health.
- Knowingly defacing or destroying someone’s property. This may include graffiti.
- Throwing any kind of missile at a moving or a stationary vehicle.
- Recklessly causing a substantial interruption or weakening of a “critical infrastructure.” Critical infrastructures include information and communication systems, transportation systems, healthcare facilities, utility services, government operations, and food distribution systems.
If a law enforcement officer charges you with Criminal Mischief in Utah, you need proper legal representation by an experienced and reputable criminal defense attorney.
The attorney will help you understand the nature and potential consequences of your charges. The attorney will also help you develop the most effective strategy to protect your rights and ensure you get the best outcome for your case.
Disorderly Conduct in Utah
Disorderly conduct is one of the most rampant crimes in Utah. According to Utah Criminal Code Section 76-9-102, disorderly conduct comprises a number of potentially criminal acts, including:
- Failure to comply with a law enforcement officer
- Makes unreasonable noises
- Creating a harmful or offensive condition
- Fighting or engaging in threatening behavior
- Obstructing traffic
The penalty for a disorderly conduct conviction will depend on the severity of the offense. A charge of not listening to a law enforcement officer is a charge of a class C misdemeanor. Utah considers the other offenses as an infraction.
While disorderly conduct offenses don’t sound serious, they can have life-changing criminal consequences. If you’re facing any of these charges, be sure to find a reputable criminal defense attorney to help you prepare a solid defense to the charges.
Reckless Endangerment in Utah
According to Utah Criminal Code 76-5-111.1, reckless endangerment happens when you recklessly engage in an act that creates a significant risk of death or severe injury to another person.
You can be charged with reckless endangerment even if no one gets hurt. Actions that fall under this type of offense include:
- Reckless driving
- Recklessly firing a gun
- Reckless use of explosives or fireworks
- Throwing objects at moving vehicles
- Throwing heavy objects at people
These actions often don’t involve injuries, so it’s easy for people to downplay the gravity of the charges. But reckless endangerment is a class A misdemeanor that can cost you up to $2,500 in fines and one year in jail. Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer if you’re accused of reckless endangerment.
Expert Legal Help and Defense in Utah
If a law enforcement officer accuses you of any of these crimes, the first thing you should do is to contact Hoyer Law. We are experts at criminal law, with extensive experience and an excellent track record.
Hoyer Law will communicate with law enforcement on your behalf and represent you at all legal proceedings.