Mens Rea and Criminal Intent
filter by
1-6 of 136 results
-
- Utah Court of Appeals
Can defective jury instructions still support criminal convictions?State v. Lopez
January 10, 2019
The court affirmed criminal convictions despite finding one jury instruction error because overwhelming evidence prevented any showing of prejudice from counsel’s performance.- Criminal Appeals
-
- Utah Supreme Court
When can Utah courts deny bail in murder cases?State v. Jennings
February 20, 2025
This case clarifies the substantial evidence standard for bail denials in Utah capital cases and addresses whether the State must disprove self-defense at bail hearings.- Criminal Appeals
-
- Utah Court of Appeals
Can defense counsel strategically withdraw an entrapment instruction request?State v. Slater
April 16, 2026
Trial counsel may reasonably abandon an entrapment defense when the defendant’s testimony contradicts the elements of entrapment and pursuing both entrapment and mens rea defenses would be contradictory.- Criminal Appeals
-
- Utah Court of Appeals
Can appellate courts overturn concurrent prison sentences within statutory limits?State v. Moreau
April 7, 2011
The Court of Appeals affirmed concurrent prison sentences for multiple drug offenses where the defendant repeatedly violated drug court requirements and accumulated additional felonies.- Criminal Appeals
-
- Utah Supreme Court
When does solicitation constitute a substantial step for criminal attempt?State v. Arave
December 30, 2011
The court clarified the distinction between criminal solicitation and attempt, holding that solicitation alone cannot satisfy the substantial step requirement for attempt charges.- Criminal Appeals
-
State v. Sosa-Hurtado
October 31, 2019
The Utah Supreme Court clarified that the ‘great risk of death’ aggravator extends beyond the precise murderous act to encompass related acts occurring within a brief timeframe.- Criminal Appeals


