Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what our criminal defense team can do for you.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Utah Drunk Driving / DUI / DWI Defense Attorney

Utah DUI Drunk Driving AttorneyUtah prosecutors and judges take drunk driving charges seriously. Driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated can result in jail time, substantial fines, losing your license, having an ignition interlock device required in your car, probation, felony enhancements for subsequent convictions, and more. As an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer, Stephen Howard can help. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.

Utah DUI Defense - Better Than "Aggressive"

Many attorneys claim to be "aggressive." When it comes to Utah DUI defense, "aggressive" isn't good enough. Utah DUI defense requires a solid understanding of the testing standards and procedures, how the results of these tests are analyzed, medical issues that may result in flawed test results, evidentiary rules relating to expert testimony that may be required to prove your case, Fourth Amendment law that may affect the admissibility of illegally obtained evidence, and more.

An "aggressive" defense isn't good enough. If you are facing a Utah DUI charge, you need an experienced attorney who is capable of mounting a sophisticated defense. You need an attorney who knows how to fight hard, and fight smart.

Utah "Drunk Driving" - Not Just Alcohol

Utah's drunk driving laws apply to more than just alcohol. The typical DUI charge involves allegations that a person's blood or breath alcohol level is above 0.08, or that the person is so intoxicated that they are unable to safely operate the vehicle. This can be proven by use of a blood test or breath test ("Intoxilyzer" test). A skilled prosecutor may also try to prove the case even without these tests by introducing evidence of a reckless driving pattern, or poor performance on field sobriety tests (FST's).  

But even if a person has not consumed any alcohol, prosecutors can file charges based on a person having a "measurable amount" of a controlled substance metabolite in their blood or urine. Even if you are "sober," some metabolites can stay in your system for days and even weeks after the drug was used. If a blood or urine test shows the presence of drugs or drug metabolites in your system, you can still be charged. Sometimes these tests indicate only the presence of lawfully prescribed and medically appropriate medications. But a prosecutor may still file a DUI-metabolite charge against you.

Utah DUI - Consequences of Conviction

The consequences of a Utah DUI conviction can be serious.  Even a first time misdemeanor DUI can result in jail time. The fines are substantial, and the conditions of probation can be heavy. If a person has been injured or killed in an accident, the level of the charge increases substantially. A third DUI within a 10-year period can be charged as a felony.

Even without a conviction, the Driver License Division can suspend your driver license for 120 days for a first DUI charge, or for two years if it is your second or subsequent DUI charge. The Driver License Division can take action even before you go to court unless you request a hearing within 10 days from the date you are cited with DUI or other alcohol-related offenses. You have the right to be represented by an attorney at this hearing. But unless the hearing is requested within 10 days, the Driver License Division will take action on its own.

Finding an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah

Defending your Utah DUI charge right the first time is critical. Subsequent convictions can result in enhanced penalties and felony charges. You need an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney on your side.

Contact Stephen Howard now to see how he can help you with your case.


Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - Contractor was charged with theft by deception for allegedly misusing customer funds and failing to complete work that had been agreed upon. A successful motion to quash on legal grounds following the bindover order at preliminary hearing resulted in a complete dismissal of all charges.
  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony drug distribution charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and ultimate dismissal of case.
  • Utah Expungement Lawyer Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
  • Violent Crimes Assalt Defense UtahProbation - Client charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
  • Recent Posts
  • What to Do When Arrested for DUI What should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
  • Utah Misdemeanor Attorney Salt Lake Can I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve the case without returning to the state. . . .
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

The best outcome is more likely when the right strategy is employed. Developing the best strategy can require real courtroom experience, a thorough understanding of procedural and substantive legal issues, and a determination to ensure that important constitutional and other legal rights are protected. Choosing the right attorney....

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....

Experience »
Conviction Consequences in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....

Consequences »
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Hope

Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....

Reasons to Hope »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us

Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.

Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.

Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041

Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.

In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.

Stephen W. Howard, PC

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.