What Does Utah Law Say About...

The following subjects:

We will abbreviate lengthy Utah Code section wording to keep from boring you. If you need word-for-word, or other sections of Utah Code, they are available at the Utah State Legislature Official website.

(Disclaimer is at the bottom of this page, please read it.)

Subject: "Do I Have To Sign A Ticket?"

Utah Code 77.7.18-24, etc.

In general this paragraph speaks to violations of the Code that are misdemeanors.

The violator (for more serious offenses) must be taken immediately before a magistrate by the officer. For less serious offenses, the officer may (if he believes a promise is sufficient) accept the violator's signature as a promise to appear at a later date.

So, to say it another way:

If the officer is not required to, and does not intend to, take the violator before a magistrate immediately, and the person does not request an immediate hearing, there is a provision under the law which can quickly end the stop and delay the court appearance for up to fourteen days. It is about as simple as the Legislature could make it: Sign the ticket and be on your way.

"In order to secure release as provided in this section, the arrested person shall promise to appear in court by signing at least one copy of the written notice prepared by the arresting officer."

(Then, after the violator has signed his promise to appear...)
"The arresting officer shall immediately:
(1) deliver a copy of the notice to the person promising to appear; and
(2) release the person arrested from custody"

One Utah appeals case, Case No. 20041090-CA (.pdf format) is a lengthy similar case.

Maryland v. Wilson, 519 US 408 (U.S. Supreme Court)
Trooper control of vehicle occupants upheld by 7-2 Supreme Court Decision
"...The government has an overriding interest in maintaining officer safety..."

(Supreme Court and other case law, easy to read): Jerry Goldman's Case Repository

So, once again; "Do I Have To Sign The Ticket?"

Of course not. "BUT" read this carefully: Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt; it is simply a promise to appear within five-to-fourteen days before the magistrate so the officer may release you from your present custody. If you don't want to sign the ticket, you can request an immediate appearance before the magistrate, which the officer must provide you. Or, if you refuse to sign the ticket, and don't ask for an immediate appearance before the magistrate, you have an excellent chance of riding in the patrol car wearing handcuffs while the officer provides you with an immediate appearance, in accordance with Utah law. And most other states also.

Some courts will not process a citation unless the violator has signed the promise to appear. That leaves the officer with no choice.

Most motorists simply sign the promise to appear and be on their way.

Really, not too complicated.

Subject: "Tampering With A Witness"

Utah Code 76-8-508 (Felony 3^rd Degree)

Any person who is to provide testimony in a court case is called a "witness"

Officers provide testimony to the court in any case where they are the arresting officer or a witness.

Anyone who threatens a witness in any way is guilty of witness tampering.

Witness Tampering is a Felony Third Class.

Anyone who believes their threats in cyberspace against witnesses are not traceable,
has been missing w-a-y too much sleep.