Domestic Violence Attorney - Criminal Defense Lawyer Utah
Domestic violence charges ("DV" charges) are taken seriously by Utah
prosecutors and judges. Utah domestic violence cases can
range in level from simple
misdemeanors
up to serious
felony
charges.The level of the charge
can depend on the circumstances of the individual case, and also on the
background of the person charged. Enhanced penalties can also apply under the
Utah Cohabitant Abuse Act.
Defending a Utah domestic violence case is not always straightforward
or easy. You need an experienced
Utah
criminal
defense attorney
on your side. Stephen
Howard
represents clients charged with domestic violence and other crimes
in Utah. He has handled virtually every kind of
criminal
case ranging from aggravated murder to domestic violence assault.
He has a record of achieving
real
results for his clients.
Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard offers
legal services to clients throughout Utah.
Contact us today to
schedule an initial consultation and case analysis.
Defending Domestic Violence Charges in Utah
Getting an attorney involved in your Utah domestic violence case as
soon as possible can help ensure the best possible outcome.
Defending against a Utah domestic violence charge is not a
simple
matter. While the prosecution generally bases its case on
what was initially reported to the police, it is rare that those
initial police reports give a complete or accurate account of what
really happened.
Sometimes the reports made to police are
simply fabricated. Sometimes, the accounts are exaggerated
beyond what actually happened. Sometimes, there is an entire
side of the story that is missing from
the reports - your side. An experienced Utah domestic
violence
attorney can help you present your side of the story in the way most
likely to achieve the results you need.
Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions in Utah
The level of a domestic violence criminal charge in Utah can range from
a minor misdemeanor to a first degree felony. Maximum potential
penalties can range from 90 days in jail (for a class C misdemeanor) to
life in prison (for a first degree felony). Penalties can also include
thousands of dollars in fines.
In addition to the penalties imposed by the sentencing judge, there are
other collarteral consequences that can accompany a domestic violence
donviction. One of the most significant consequences relates to the
possession or use of firearms. A domestic violence conviction will
result in the loss of a concealed carry permit and the loss of the
right to use or possess firearms.
What crimes are considered "domestic violence" under the Utah
criminal code?
There are a number of criminal charges under Utah law that can be
considered "domestic violence" crimes. The key factor that
determines whether the crime can be charged as a domestic violence
crime is if the alleged victim is a "cohabitant" of the defendant.
The Utah criminal code gives a broad definition to the term
"cohabitant" which can include anyone you are related to either by
blood or by marriage, anyone you have lived with ("resided" with), and
anyone you have a child in common with.
Criminal charges that can be filed as "domestic violence"
crimes include:
Finding a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Utah
If you are facing prosecution for domestic violence or any other
criminal charges,
contact
us now to arrange an initial consultation. See what an experienced
criminal defense lawyer can
do for
your case.