Month: December 2019

Logan, UT— A panel of judges is scheduled to meet on Jan. 9, 2020, to hear testimony to determine whether good cause exists to call a grand jury. The meeting will take place at 135 North 100 West, Logan, UT 84321.
Those wanting to testify before the panel of judges should contact Michael C. Drechsel, Assistant State Court Administrator for the Administrative Office of the Courts, at (801) 578-3821 by Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, at 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment. If no appointments are scheduled by that time, the meeting will be canceled without further notice.
Individuals testifying must be prepared to give evidence to support claims that justify calling a grand jury. Controversies between individual parties will not be considered. Individuals who need special accommodations during the hearing must notify the court at least three business days prior to the hearing.
Utah’s Grand Jury Statute requires a panel of judges selected from throughout the state to hold hearings in each judicial district every three years. The purpose of the hearings is to determine whether a grand jury needs to be summoned based on evidence of criminal activity. The Grand Jury Panel is comprised of the following judges: Supervising Judge W. Brent West, 2nd District Court; Judge Lynn W. Davis, 4th District Court; Judge Elizabeth Hruby-Mills, 3rd District Court; Judge Eric A. Ludlow, 5th District Court; and Judge Kara Pettit, 3rd District Court.
The Attorney General, a county attorney, district attorney, or special prosecutor appointed under U.C.A. section 77-10a-1 can also present evidence of criminal activity. The panel of judges will hear, in secret, all persons claiming information that justifies calling a grand jury. All individuals appearing before the panel of judges will be placed under oath. If a grand jury is summoned, the jurors will be called from the state-at-large or any judicial district within the state.
Additional information regarding the Grand Jury panel of judges is available at the Utah Court’s website or in the Utah Code.
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Salt Lake City, UT—The Third District Juvenile Mental Health Court team has received the 2019 Governor’s Award for its dedication to helping juveniles struggling with serious mental health challenges, and their families, overcome difficulties and find healing.
The award was presented to team members on Tuesday before the Utah Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory Council (USAAV+), by council chair Scott Reed.
Third District Juvenile Judge Elizabeth Knight, who presides over the specialty court, thanked her team for their unrelenting support. She pointed out that her court doesn’t just help juveniles, but entire families.
Former juvenile defense attorney, and current Director of the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, Nubia Pena called Judge Knight a leader, “with compassion and grace,” saying it’s not easy to handle high-risk youth with mental health needs.
“Stepping to help youth who struggle with mental health issues is no easy task. I commend the bravery and dedication of the team members of the Third District Juvenile Mental Health Court for helping countless youth and families find healing and wholeness. They are improving lives,” said Hon. Mary T. Noonan, Utah State Court Administrator.
The team was one of four awards given out. The purpose of the aware is to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the substance use or mental health fields and who have effectively promoted the USAAV+ Council’s mission to create and coordinate a comprehensive strategy to effectively address substance use and mental health disorders throughout Utah.
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