The Appellate Group

State v. Jones

State v. Jones, 2024 UT App 13 (Christiansen Forster, J.)

Mootness Doctrine

Defendant pleaded guilty to sexual battery and was sentenced to 180 days in jail as a condition of probation. On appeal, Defendant argued that the sentence was illegal. The Utah Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal, holding:

  • The issue was moot because Defendant’s requested relief (relief from the jail component of his sentence) was rendered impossible or of no legal effect because Defendant already completed his sentence.
  • Defendant did not carry his burden of demonstrating that an exception to the mootness doctrine should apply.

Read the full court opinion