find attorney who charges $500 fee to defend paraphernalia possesion charges in layton utah

by Theo Deckow 9 min read

How much is a paraphernalia charge in Utah?

Possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum sentence of six (6) months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Sale of drug paraphernalia in Utah is a Class A misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of up to one (1) year and a fine of up to $2,500.

What is considered drug paraphernalia in Utah?

Examples of the kinds of items that courts have considered to be drug paraphernalia are roach clips, rolling papers, hypodermic needles, pipes, scales, balances, balloons, envelopes, chemicals used to cut drugs like cocaine, items such as lamps used to grow marijuana, and kits used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Are bongs illegal in Utah?

Utah Criminal law makes it illegal to possess drug paraphernalia. Possessing bongs, pipes, baggies, scales or other contraptions used to consume or distribute drugs is illegal in the State of Utah.

How much is a possession charge in Ohio?

Ohio Penalties for Drug Possession OffensesLevel of OffenseMaximum FineJail or Prison TermMisdemeanor of the second degree$75090 days in jailMisdemeanor of the first degree$1,000Up to 180 days in jailFelony of the fifth degree$2,5006 to 12 months in prisonFelony of the fourth degree$5,0006 to 18 months in prison6 more rows

What is a Class C misdemeanor in Utah?

Class C Misdemeanors A conviction in Utah for a class C misdemeanor can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750. Class C misdemeanors are the least serious misdemeanor crimes under Utah's laws. Driving on a suspended license, for instance, is typically a class C misdemeanor.

Are edibles illegal in Utah?

Marijuana (cannabis) and its derivatives – the most common drugs used in edibles – are considered Schedule I illegal substances. This means that the illegal use, sale, possession, or distribution of controlled substances in Utah can lead to severe criminal penalties, including prison time and hefty fines.

What is a 3rd degree felony in Utah?

The “least serious” degree of felony in Utah, third-degree felonies carry penalties that include fines up to $5,000 and up to 5 years in state prison. Examples of third degree felonies in Utah include theft over $1,500 but less than $5,000, burglary of a non-inhabited dwelling, and promoting prostitution.

Is vaping legal in Utah?

Use of electronic cigarettes included in definition of “smoking” and prohibited in same places smoking is prohibited (Utah Code Ann. § 26-38-2(6) (2021) (defining smoking)), including most public indoor spaces (with some exceptions).

How many years do you go to jail for drugs?

Morphine, cocaine, heroin -Punishment is Rigorous imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to Rs. 20,000 or both. And for consumption of some other drugs- Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs. 10,000 or both.

How much coke is a felony in Ohio?

(f) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds one hundred grams of cocaine, possession of cocaine is a felony of the first degree, the offender is a major drug offender, and the court shall impose as a mandatory prison term a maximum first degree felony mandatory prison term.

Is Gabapentin a controlled substance in Ohio?

As a reminder, gabapentin is not considered a controlled substance in Ohio.

How old do u have to be to buy a bong in Utah?

In Utah, an individual must be 21 years old to purchase tobacco products, electronic cigarette products, and nicotine products (Utah Code § 76-10-114). Federal law requires a tobacco retailer, to check the photo identification of a customer buying tobacco if the customer is younger than 27 (21 C.F.R. § 1140.14(b)).

Can you buy glass pipes under 21?

A: No. Water pipes and glass pipes are considered tobacco paraphernalia and may not be sold or furnished to individuals younger than 21 years of age (Business and Professions Code Section 22958(a), Penal Code Section 308(a)).

Are bongs legal in California?

It's legal to possess marijuana paraphernalia in California–but not because of the marijuana legalization law Proposition 64. In fact, California's possession of drug paraphernalia law (Health and Safety Code 11364 HS) never applied to paraphernalia for smoking marijuana (such as bongs and papers for rolling joints).

What is the maximum sentence for possession of paraphernalia?

Possession of Paraphernalia. Possession of paraphernalia is a Class C misdemeanor, carrying a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500. If the person has a prior conviction for possessing paraphernalia, the offense is enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of 356 days in jail and maximum fine of $5000.

What is the penalty for possession of less than 30g of marijuana?

Possession of marijuana of less than 30g is a Class B misdemeanor ( IC 35-48-4-11 ). This carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and/or a $1000 fine. If the person has a prior conviction for possessing marijuana, the offense is enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of 365 days in jail and/or a $5000 fine.

What to do if you are accused of possession of marijuana?

If you have been accused possession of marijuana or paraphernalia, the first thing your lawyer will do is look for any possible defenses. Was it actually the client? Was the substance tested properly? Was there actual or constructive possession? Can the state prove possession? Was the client searched? Was the search valid? Were there any constitutional violations that can be used to contest the search and/or arrest? These are just some of the issues that should be reviewed to find weak spots in the state’s case to possibly have the charges dismissed or minimize the penalties.

What happens if you are arrested for possession of marijuana in Indiana?

Either way, if charged, you will be facing a criminal misdemeanor or felony charge.

How to convict a person of possession of drug paraphernalia in Utah?

In order to convict a person of possession of drug paraphernalia in Utah, prosecuting attorneys must prove three things: First, they must prove that the item found is drug paraphernalia. Second, they must prove that the defendant was in possession.

What happens if you find drug paraphernalia in Utah?

If drug paraphernalia is found on a person’s body, such as in a pocket, or in a person’s property, such as in a car or a purse, Utah law considers whether that person had actual possession of the item. If it is found close to the person, such as on the ground at his or her feet, the prosecution must prove that the person was in control of the item.

How many hours has Steven spent in court?

He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

What are some examples of drug paraphernalia?

Examples of the kinds of items that courts have considered to be drug paraphernalia are roach clips, rolling papers, hypodermic needles, pipes, scales, balances, balloons, envelopes, chemicals used to cut drugs like cocaine, items such as lamps used to grow marijuana, and kits used to manufacture methamphetamine.

What does a good defense lawyer do in Utah?

A good defense lawyer can show the court that there is reasonable doubt whether the defendant had actual possession of the item. Finally, Utah law requires that the defendant knows that he or she was in possession of the drug paraphernalia. A person is not guilty if the item was planted on them or in their belongings.

How long is drug possession in Utah?

Possession of drug paraphernalia in Utah is often charged in conjunction with other drug related crimes. It is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1000. If the case is solid against you, the Salt Lake City legal team at Intermountain Legal will negotiate to minimize the consequences and find the best solution for you. Because we have experience on the other side, we know what judges and prosecutors are looking for, and we will help you make the best decisions every step of the way.

What is drug paraphernalia in Utah?

“Drug paraphernalia” is the term Utah law uses to describe any item used for or intended to be used in connection with a controlled substance or used for making a controlled substance. Examples of the kinds of items that courts have ...

What is illegal paraphernalia in Utah?

As I explained in a recent blog post ( The Metaphysics of Utah’s Drug Paraphernalia Act ), illegal paraphernalia can be almost anything: a pipe, a baggie, or even the pocket of your jacket. The definition under Utah Code 58-37a-5 is very, very broad.

How long is a drug paraphernalia charge?

Possession of drug paraphernalia is a Misdemeanor B offense, so the possible penalties include up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine (with a 90% surcharge). Jail time is usually unlikely, especially for a first offender, but a hefty fine is a strong possibility. Perhaps the worst consequences are the collateral ones: loss of your driver’s license (see below) and a criminal record that could impact your future employment prospects.

How Much Do Attorneys Charge?

When you start comparing attorneys, pay attention to the types of lawyers that you're comparing. Typical fees for a personal injury attorney will be different from an immigration attorney or a divorce attorney. Every field of law has its own set of rules and best practices, so you need to make sure you're dealing with attorneys with specific experience in your type of case.

What is flat fee legal?

At first glance, flat-rate legal services seem to be a complete package deal so that you don't pay more for your case than is necessary. However, if you don't comply with every single term listed on the flat fee contract, then your attorney still has the right to bill you for additional costs that may come up in your case. For instance, a flat fee lawyer working on an uncontested divorce case may still charge you for all court appearances. Plus, they may also only offer the flat fee if you have no property issues and no child support issues either.

What is retainer fee?

An attorney retainer fee can be the initial down payment toward your total bill, or it can also be a type of reservation fee to reserve an attorney exclusively for your services within a certain period of time. A retainer fee is supposed to provide a guarantee of service from the lawyer you've hired.

How to avoid disagreements with your attorney?

Avoid disagreements with your attorney about how much you owe by taking the time to review your attorney fee agreement carefully. You may also hear this document called a retainer agreement, lawyer fee agreement or representation agreement. Either way, most states require evidence of a written fee agreement when handling any disputes between clients and lawyers. You must have written evidence of what you agreed to pay for anyone to hold you accountable for what you have or have not spent.

What is contingency fee?

An attorney contingency fee is only typical in a case where you're claiming money due to circumstances like personal injury or workers' compensation. You're likely to see attorney percentage fees in these situations to average around a third of the total legal settlement fees paid to the client.

How much does it cost to get a lawyer to write a will?

Hiring a lawyer on a flat-rate basis to create a simple will costs $300, while a will for more complex estates may be $1,200 to write.

What happens if you lose in court?

If you lose in court, you may still have to pay for the lawyer's expenses. Many cases such as those involving child custody or criminal charges are not eligible for a contingency fee structure.

Why do lawyers charge flat fees?

Flat fees also allow clients to financially plan without any surprises. They don’t have to worry about hidden costs or running out of a retainer in the midst of a case. Everything is upfront and clear from the beginning. On rare occasions, an attorney may include a provision if the case goes to trial. In those instances, it should be clearly indicated in the contract.

How to respond to a lawyer about a confidential meeting?

Respond honestly, and ask for explanations if you need them . Your meeting is likely confidential, so don't be afraid that disclosing information to your lawyer when they ask.

How important is it to know how an attorney will be paid?

For those not familiar with the legal profession, it’s important to understand the costs involved when hiring a criminal defense attorney. Like other professions, not all attorneys are alike and the payment structure for attorneys varies as well. In order to make an informed decision, knowing how an attorney will be paid is critical. There are several factors involved such as the complexity of the case, ones’ criminal history, the attorneys experience, additional fees, etc.

What is the role of a lawyer when representing an accused person?

If they represent the accused person, they are responsible for making sure that the defendant has all of their rights protected, in accordance with the law and constitutional implications within the criminal code.

Do criminal lawyers charge by the hour?

Criminal lawyers rarely bill by the hour. Usually, experienced criminal defense attorneys quote a flat fee for their services. They will often review the case with the client and then quote a price to represent them in the matter. This is a good thing for the client because it gives the lawyer an incentive to get the best possible outcome with the least amount of work and time. This can mean a quick resolution to a case and no further unexpected costs.

Does criminal history affect the cost of a lawyer?

The cost is also affected by one’s criminal history . The more legal trouble someone has had in the past, the more the lawyer will have to work to make sure that those issues from your past don’t impact your current predicament.

Do civil and family law attorneys bill by the hour?

Civil and family law attorneys often bill by the hour of work done on a case. It’s common for those attorneys to request a portion of the expected total cost upfront as a retainer. As they work on a case, they track the hours and will deduct it from the amount in the retainer. If they work more hours and exceed the amount in the retainer, they will likely require additional funds to proceed.