What are my "Miranda" rights?
What are my "Miranda" rights?
Practical legal guides and articles from the attorneys at Hepworth Legal.
What are my "Miranda" rights?
Utah Court of Appeals Upholds Noncompete Agreements but Reverses on Tortious Interference Claim
Not all assets pass through a will in Utah. Learn which types of property bypass probate and how to plan your estate accordingly.
If you believe a loved one's will doesn't reflect their true intentions, you may be able to challenge it in Utah court. Learn about the legal grounds.
Can you write your own will in Utah? Learn why hiring an attorney to draft your will helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures your wishes are honored.
Workplace defamation can damage careers and morale. Learn about your legal rights, recourse options, and strategies to prevent defamation at work.
A comprehensive guide to the four types of invasion of privacy claims in Utah, including intrusion upon seclusion, appropriation, public disclosure of private facts, and false light.
In a world where information spreads faster than ever, understanding the legalities surrounding the words we use is crucial.
Defamation law serves as a crucial check on the spread of false information, but when it comes to public figures, the legal landscape becomes particularly...
Learn what types of evidence are needed to prove a defamation claim, including written statements, witness testimony, and documentation of damages.
Defamation Law: Recent Changes and Legal Updates
Navigating Defamation in Utah
In a significant shift in labor law, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a new rule that marks the end of non-compete clauses for most American...
Hepworth Legal, with its broad expertise spanning from personal injury to defamation law, stands at the forefront of providing nuanced legal insights.
A practical guide to recognizing defamation, documenting evidence, and taking legal action to protect your reputation under Utah law.
Defamation in the digital age is a complex issue, evolving with the rise of social media and online platforms.
Defamation claims can significantly impact a business or individual's reputation and financial stability.
Being sued for defamation can be overwhelming. Learn what to expect, common defenses available, and how to protect yourself in Utah court.
Understand how a plea in abeyance works in Utah criminal law, what conditions you must meet, and which charges are not eligible for this resolution.
In the digital age, social media has become a central hub for personal expression, news dissemination, and public discourse.
In the bustling marketplace of ideas, the line between defamation and freedom of speech often seems as thin as a tightrope.
Being accused of defamation can be an overwhelming experience.
In the era of instant communication and social media, the term "defamation" is thrown around more frequently than ever.
This article is intended as a brief overview of the nuts and bolts of defamation law in Utah.
Learn why incorporating your Utah business protects your personal assets, the differences between LLCs, partnerships, and corporations, and how an attorney can help.
In a recent opinion, the Utah Court of Appeals upheld a trial court's decision to award one spouse 95.5% of the equity in the parties' marital home and divide...
What Utah tenants can expect at an eviction hearing, why paying rent is the critical factor, and how an attorney can help protect your rights and dignity.
Online defamation crosses state lines. Learn how Utah courts handle internet defamation jurisdiction and what it means for your case.
Utah's statute of limitations for defamation is only one year. Learn when the clock starts, how multiple statements are treated, and why acting quickly is critical.
Understand the critical differences between a Will and a Living Will in Utah, why you need both, and how they protect you and your family.
In a world where the internet has amplified our ability to communicate, the risk of damaging someone's reputation through false statements has never been hig...
A comprehensive guide for Utah landlords and tenants covering the essential lease provisions that protect both parties, from eviction terms to pet policies.
In today's digital age, where information spreads faster than ever, the risk of defamation has significantly increased.
Learn the key differences between mediation and arbitration in Utah civil cases, how each process works, and when alternative dispute resolution may be right for you.
Understanding Insurrection and Rebellion In the fabric of American history, terms like "insurrection" and "rebellion" carry profound legal and historical...
If you implemented an estate plan more than a year ago, or don't yet have one in place, it may be time to revisit your situation.
Estate Planning Trust Options for Married Couples
The Utah Supreme Court recently upheld an appeals court ruling that reversed Alfonso Valdez's conviction. Valdez was arrested for assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Understanding the steps of a criminal case in Utah, from arrest and booking through arraignment, trial, and sentencing.
Why you should exercise your right to remain silent during police encounters and how speaking without an attorney can hurt your case.
Learn the most common legal defenses against DUI charges in Utah, from challenging the traffic stop to questioning breathalyzer accuracy.
A comprehensive overview of Utah DUI laws, including BAC limits, penalties for first and repeat offenses, and what to expect after an arrest.
Divorce, an often complicated and emotional journey, can seem daunting.
Navigating through a divorce can be a challenge, even in the most amicable circumstances.
Divorce, while difficult, can be navigated with understanding and patience.
In the world of divorce, child custody can often be the most complex and emotional battleground.
Child Custody This is the first in a series of blog posts on custody evaluations.
Real estate transactions are complex and involve many legal considerations.
In its simplest form, Seller disclosure fraud happens when a seller lies about the condition of their home in order to entice buyers to purchase the property.
Under Utah law, stalking is considered a criminal offense. There are two ways that a person may be found guilty of this crime.
A 1031 exchange is a powerful tool that allows investors to defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of an investment property by reinvesting the proceeds...
I'm buying a home, but I don't want to pay for title insurance. Should I get it or not?
There have been several trademark infringement cases in Utah involving small businesses. Here are a few examples: Legacy Flooring v.
Applying for a patent can be a complex and time-consuming process, but generally, the following steps are involved.
If you've ever bought or sold a home, you are likely familiar with a very important document called the "Seller's Property Condition Disclosures." If you...
Individual inventors can face significant challenges when it comes to protecting their patents and enforcing their rights, as they may lack the resources and...
Received a letter threatening a patent infringement lawsuit? Or worse, being sued for alleged infringement?
One of the most prevalent scams that have been sweeping the internet for the past few years is the "romance scam." This scam involves creating a fake identity...
Why Should You Register Your Trademark with the USPTO? A trademark protects a distinctive word, phrase, or symbol that indicates your services or products.
A patent is a legal document granting an inventor the exclusive right to make, use, and sell an invention for a certain period of time, typically 20 years from...
A trademark is a symbol, word, phrase, design, or combination thereof that is used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one party from those of...
What to do if a Boundary Line is in Dispute?
Many Utah-born children are adopted each year.
According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, specifically, the July 24, 2018, U.S.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states that "Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech".
My Dad passed away years ago. Now my mom has passed away too. What should I do with everything they left behind?
Some car accidents are catastrophic; others are relatively minor by comparison.
#_ftn1) Jim slid his rent payment under his apartment manager's office before he left.
There has been a lot of confusing information circulating related to the Coronavirus and the restrictions put in place by local, state, and federal...
Traffic tickets, like speeding, can really mess up your day.
Were you injured in a car accident? Did your neighbor's dog bite you? Maybe your employer discriminated against you and now you're out of a job.
#_ftn1) that your business has an employee handbook that contains at least the following things: - Anti-Discrimination Policies, - Compensation Information, -...
The 4th of July is right around the corner and it is time for America to celebrate.
We tend to associate the concept of an individual's "last Will and Testament" with the looming prospect of their nearing death.
In order to get a divorce, you have to personally serve your spouse with the Petition for Divorce.
You've probably heard the word "hearsay" tossed around in conversations with your friends or perhaps from the characters of your favorite legal drama.
What Are My Legal Rights After a Winter Driving Car Accident in Utah?
<u></u> Have you or a loved one had a boat, vehicle, RV, or similar item repossessed?
You have probably heard of an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD), perhaps at a doctor's office, hospital, or from a family member who has recently completed...
John and Anne are neighbors.
What do alimony and cohabitation have in common? Until death or cohabitation do we part.
Many people create a will in an effort to help their family and loved ones navigate their estate after they die.
If you have been discriminated against or sexually harassed at your Utah workplace, you may be wondering if you will get in trouble for reporting it.
Many people are unclear about the real differences between a divorce and an annulment, and which is the best option for them.
Whether it was a quick and uncontested divorce or a fiercely litigated one with multiple battles spanning many months or even years, the Judge has just signed...
Drug Dog Search Drug-sniffing dogs have been around for decades, and we all have seen and possibly had some experience with them.
WHAT IS DOCTOR SHOPPING?
Dog Bites and Dog Injuries Have you been injured as a result of a dog bite or dog aggression?
Cohabitation and Termination of Alimony Alimony in Utah can be terminated by the paying spouse establishing that their former spouse is cohabitating with...
If your Utah employer has asked you to do something that you think violates your religious beliefs, you may be wondering if you have any legal protection.
Criminal and Civil Consequences in Whenever a fatal shooting involving a police officer occurs, the district attorney will consider whether criminal charges...
When a defendant is charged with a criminal offense, he or she must generally choose to plead either guilty or not guilty to the offense.
The Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution protects every individual's right to Due Process.
Each year Utah Law Related Education hosts a mock trial program for middle school and high school students in the state of Utah.
Best Interests of the Child - The Standard by Which Custody is Measured One of the greatest unknowns in a divorce proceeding is child custody.
We all make mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes are minor and we can go on with life like nothing happened.
Supervised Visitation Here at Hepworth & Associates, parents don't come first, the children do.
Alimony, perhaps the most universally hated and feared word in divorce proceedings. Neither party likes to discuss alimony.
Hiding Assets in Divorce Dividing assets in a divorce can be a grueling and emotional task.
Should I get a Prenup? You found the love of your life and decide you want to get married. Before you take the plunge, think about the future.
Grandparent Visitation Rights Under Utah Code Ann. 30-5-2, grandparents have a right to petition the court for visitation with their grandchildren.
Should I Go It Alone?
"BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW" Everyone has heard the term "ignorance is no excuse." In fact, most people have probably used it at one time or...
Critical Business Update—Important Change to Utah's Employment Law The Utah legislature has passed new legislation this year that affects agreements between...
Sam is married to Kayla and they have two children together. Sam never executes a will, and at his death, all of his property and assets are valued at $500,000.
When a marriage is ending, many people look for someone to blame, but does fault really matter legally? Not in Utah.
In order to practice law within the United States, either in state courts or in federal courts, an attorney must have a license to practice law in that...
There's no question that smoking cigarettes is on the decline – and everyone agrees that's probably a good thing. Smoking is unhealthy. It just is.
You are the parent of a great kid, and both you and the other parent love that kid more than anything.
You've got the kids. The Ex went to London. Or Guatemala. Or Timbuktu. What does it matter? The Ex is gone. Like gone gone. Another country gone.
Suppose that Jane owns a large piece of land in Utah. She decides to divide up her land and sell a smaller portion of the land to Rick.
My Spouse Cheated on Me. You notice your spouse is absent for long periods of time.
Can I post about my car accident on social media? Car accidents in Utah can be extremely traumatic and frustrating.
Upcoming Legislative Actions—Will the Sale of Powdered Alcohol be Banned from Utah?
A "common law" marriage is a relationship recognized as a marriage by law, between two people who never actually got married.
In order to get a divorce, you have to personally serve your spouse with the Petition for Divorce.
<u></u> If you have purchased or renewed your car insurance in Utah recently, you may have been shocked at the initial quote from the insurance company and...
Did a slip and fall injury ruin your day out with your family? Everyone enjoys spending time out and about with their family and friends.
If you have been injured in a car crash in Utah, you may be wondering how long you have to file your lawsuit, or if too much time has passed since the car...
Each year almost thirty million Americans are victims of identity theft.
Going through a divorce can be an emotionally difficult process, add on to this the complexities of the legal system and the process may start to seem...
On January 21, 2016, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments on Utah's bigamy law forbidding cohabitation.
What provisions/clauses should be in a lease? Renting property to another person can be an intimidating prospect.
Want the best chance of making your marriage work? Get married in Utah. According to the U.S.
Have you experienced discrimination in your workplace based on your gender, race, national origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, or age?
Amy and John were married in California. While living in California, they opened a bank account and deposited community property funds into the account.
The vast majority of us have been pulled over by law enforcement for one reason or another.
If you have driven on a freeway in Utah lately, you may have noticed some of the humorous messages reminding you to pay attention to the road.
If you are a party to a contested divorce, Utah law requires you to attend a mandatory divorce mediation session.
IT'S JUST A MISDEMEANOR Perhaps one of the most common questions when discussing criminal charges with someone is, "It's just a misdemeanor, do I need an...
Gifts Given During An Engagement During the course of any relationship, gifts are freely given and received; but when an engaged couple breakup before...
<u>What Should I Do if I am Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Utah?</u> If you have been involved in a car accident with a driver in Utah who doesn't have car...
An Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IGDT) is an estate planning tool often used by estate tax planners who are attempting to freeze the value of an asset...
If a hearing for a Civil Protective Order (CPO) is granted, the District Court will give both sides the opportunity to present evidence to support their case.
Grandparent Visitation The birth of a child is an incredibly exciting time for a family, especially for grandparents.
If you have heard recent news stories about crooked Utah contractors disappearing after taking money or performing shoddy work, you may be wondering what legal...
If you have seen the local news recently, you have probably heard about a car accident in downtown Salt Lake City caused by a teen drunk driver who had stolen...
If you have been hurt in an accident with a tractor-trailer, big rig, or semi in Utah, you may be wondering what your rights are.
WHEN IS THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE JUSTIFIED UNDER THE LAW?
Let me start off by saying, as a former police officer, I know that not all police officers are the same.
Back in the days of Ozzie & Harriet, mom wore pearls while vacuuming, all problems were solved in under thirty minutes, and every nuclear family had two...
Can my boss not pay me and keep my last paycheck? Even if you are fired, your boss is required to pay you for every hour that you worked.
It can be an unsettling and frightening experience – or just a very annoying one – to be on the receiving end of unwanted attention.
Increasing Parent Time
Lost Wages After Car Crash
What are the Miranda Rights? The most common version that people are aware of is: You have the right to remain silent.
Most people are familiar with the so-called Miranda Rights. You've heard them on TV and in movies. You have the right to remain silent.
The Utah Legislature put into effect Utah Code 30-3-37 to provide guidelines that help parents handle when their co-parent decides to "relocate." The code...
Ding dong. The doorbell rings. The ears of your beloved pooch perk up in curiosity. Your dog, Fido, raises his head slowly and utters a low, rumbling growl.
Protecting Your Professional License
You've been pulled over and the officer says they can smell something funny in your car. They tell you it smells like marijuana.
Many Americans are dangerously underinsured.
THE PROBLEM If I was to tell you that a biological mother could lie, steal and cheat her way into placing her child for adoption, without the knowledge and...
For criminal charges of Class A misdemeanors and higher (more serious), the person charged—the "Defendant"—has a right to what's called a Preliminary Hearing.
What is a traditional family?
If you have been involved in a hit and run car crash and the police have been unable to identify the driver of the vehicle that caused the crash, you may be...
It's a fair question. To us, the answer is pretty clear: YES!
I've been arrested for DUI – do I have a right to an attorney before a chemical test?
A good lawyer should respect you for asking these questions.
A recent Utah amendment drops the DUI BAC level from .08 to .05.
REFUSING THE BREATHALIZER IN UTAH If you have been drinking alcohol the best advice to avoid a conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is to have a...
Sticks and Stones and Defamation We've all heard the phrase, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." That isn't the case when it...
In order to be convicted of Driving Under the Influence in Utah, the prosecution must prove: (1) the person must have been "operating" or in "actual physical...
If a police officer confiscates your driver's license as a result of a DUI charge, the Driver License Division allows you to request a hearing on whether or...
DUI Checkpoints Generally, whenever a police officer stops your vehicle, it is considered a "seizure" under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Prescription drugs and DUI Even if you are taking a legally prescribed controlled substance, it is possible that you could be cited with "metabolite DUI" or...
What is an annulment?
How does the "points" system work and how does it affect my driving privilege? Anyone that has a Utah driver's license should be aware of Utah's points system.
Impaired Driving vs. DUI
No per se exception to the warrant requirement for a blood draw—what is required before a blood draw is allowed? Under the U.S.
Can I be forced to testify against my spouse? Can my spouse prevent me from testifying against them?
How Same-Sex Marriages came to be recognized in Utah In 2004, in response to the growing number of states recognizing same-sex marriages, the Utah Legislature...
Creating a Marriage without a Wedding - If you have been in a serious relationship, and have been living with the other person, you may be able to have a court...
When is an ignition interlock device required for DUI charges?
I've heard a lot about the "Grand Jury" in the case down in Ferguson, but how does a grand jury actually work?
Under the Fourth Amendment, the U.S. Constitution guarantees that every person shall be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Violating the terms of a contract is known as a breach of contract.
When a violent crime occurs, the prosecutor represents the state during the criminal prosecution, the defense attorney or public defender represents the...
In Utah, there are three ways to establish paternity: (1) a voluntary declaration of paternity; (2) an administrative paternity order; and (3) a judicial...
If you are seeking spousal support, during the divorce process, spousal support should be included as a term of the divorce decree.
What is the process for filing for divorce in Utah?
How do Utah Protective Orders work?
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