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Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Cocaine Possession

Cocaine is considered a Schedule II controlled substance under Utah law. This makes possession of cocaine a criminal offense punishable under Utah law beginning at the third degree felony level. With enhancements, the penalties can be as high as life in prison. Any criminal charge is serious. But a felony charge potentially carries more serious consequences. If you are facing felony drug charges in Utah, you should consult with a Utah criminal defense attorney with extensive experience defending drug charges.

Stephen Howard has successfully defended drug cases ranging from first degree felony distribution to simple possession. He also is one of only a few Utah criminal defense attorney in private practice who has previously served as defense counsel for a Salt Lake felony drug court program. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Penalties for Cocaine Possession in Utah

Utah Drug Charges Cocaine Possession Salt LakeMost cocaine possession charges in Utah are filed as third degree felonies, with a maximum punishment of up to five years in prison and approximately $9,000 in fines and surcharges. Enhancements based on proximity to a drug free zone, prior convictions, or the intent to distribute can each increase the level of a cocaine possession charge by one level to a second degree felony. Combined enhancements can increase the level of the charge as high as a first degree felony with life in prison as a possible sentence.

While most prosecutors and judges acknowledge that drug treatment may be more appropriate than extended prison sentences in many cases, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can increase your chances of staying out prison, staying out of jail, and keeping a felony off your record.

Defenses to a Cocaine Possession Charge in Utah

There are multiple facets to defending any cocaine possession case in Utah. There are a number of legal issues to consider, including: possible Fourth Amendment violations (search and seizure issues); possible Fifth Amendment violations (Miranda violations); and evidentiary issues (the use of confidential informants, witness reliability, constructive possession, etc.).

In addition to legal and factual defenses, treatment concerns should also be considered in assessing any cocaine or other drug possession charge in Utah. If a prosecutor or judge is convinced that treatment and addiction issues are being appropriately addressed, the judge and prosecutor may be much less likely to consider jail or prison time as being necessary in a cocaine possession case. Prosecutors may also be more likely to agree to a plea in abeyance if a defendant is successfully engaged in substance abuse treatment.

Choosing a Utah Criminal Attorney in Salt Lake

The potential consequences of a cocaine possession conviction in Utah are serious. The consequences of continuing to struggle with cocaine addiction are perhaps even more serious. If you are being prosecuted for drug possession, you need a Utah defense attorney who understands both sides of a drug possession case, and works with his clients to formulate the best strategy for addressing the issues involved in Utah drug possession cases.

Contact us today for an initial consultation with Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard.


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  • Criminal Appeals Defense AttorneyDismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
  • 402 Reduction Lawyer Utah 2-Step Reduction - Client needed a two-step reduction to bring a prior conviction to the misdemeanor level. Collection of substantial evidence of reform and rehabilitation convinced a normally reluctant prosecutor to stipulate to the defense 402 reduction motion.
  • Violent Crimes Assalt Defense UtahDismissed at Preliminary Hearing - Client charged with aggravated robbery and facing life in prison. Full case analysis and consultation with client allowed the development of a strong defense strategy. Effective cross-examination of the alleged victim at the preliminary hearing resulted in an outright dismissal of all charges by the judge.
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Best Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

Successfully defending against criminal prosecution requires more than just an 'aggressive' defense. The best defense attorneys understand that a sophisticated defense requires a thorough understanding of a variety of nuanced legal issues, real experience in the courtroom, good negotiation skills, and much more. Fighting hard is good. Fighting smart is better....

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Even a "minor" misdemeanor carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. The direct penalties and collateral consequences of a felony conviction are even more severe. Understanding these consequences is critical as you make decisions relating to your case. Even in a misdemeanor case, you should not....

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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. But just being charged can affect more than you may have imagined - jail, job, family, bills, rent or mortgage. It can feel like everything has gone wrong, and may you wonder if anything can go right. But facing criminal prosecution does not mean giving up hope....

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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

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