Utah County Attorney David Leavitt is in favor of House Bill 228, here’s why

Utah County Attorney David Leavitt  is in favor of House Bill 228, which would bar law enforcement from sharing with the public or the media a photo taken during the booking process unless the person is convicted or a judge orders its release. Exceptions also could be made if the individual is an imminent threat or a fugitive being sought by police.

Leavitt has served as a defense lawyer and now a prosecutor and says he knows a mugshot can harm a reputation for life, even if the person is acquitted or the charges are dropped.

He explained how a recent case of a Utah man whose mug shot was shared when his arrest was reported on the evening news. When the case went to court and reviewed by several Lawyers, they all agreed unanimously that no charges should be brought.  To this day the man’s mugshot remains online.  Leavitt said he recognizes that sometimes there’s a need to publish a mugshot but not in all cases.