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 DUI/Alcohol-Related Crimes Defense Attorney

The Utah criminal code contains a variety of alcohol-related offenses. Many are misdemeanor offenses. But depending on the circumstances of the offense and the criminal history of the defendant, some may be charged as felonies. Depending on the charge, consequences for alcohol-related offenses in Utah can include jail or prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the loss of a driver's license. Because the consequences can be serious, it is important to have an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney on your side.

Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients' rights in thousands of serious Utah criminal cases. Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard provides legal services to clients throughout the state. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Common Alcohol-Related Crimes in Utah

Public Intoxication - typically filed as a class C misdemeanor, this charge can be filed in situations where a person is intoxicated to a point that the person becomes a danger to himself/herself or another person, either in a public place or in a private place where the person unreasonably disturbs others.

Minor in Possession (MIP) - typically filed as a class B misdemeanor, this charge can be filed where a minor (a person under the age of 21 years) has possessed, consumed, purchased, attempted to purchase, or solicited another to purchase an alcoholic product, or is found to have a measurable blood, breath, or urine alcohol concentration. In addition to possible jail time and fines, a conviction for this charge in Utah can also cause you to lose your driver license.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor - this class B misdemeanor charge involves allegations that an adult has encouraged a minor (under the age of 18) to commit an act that would be a misdemeanor or infraction criminal violation of either state or federal law. While it applies generally to any misdemeanor or infraction, it is sometimes charged in cases where an adult has provided alcohol to a minor child.

Providing or Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor - this charge is specifically targeted at individuals who sell, attempt to sell, furnish, or otherwise provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. It can apply to store clerks who fail to adequately check customer ID's or even to an individual who lets an underage friend have a beer at a party. It is typically filed as a class B misdemeanor.

Open Container - a person can be criminally charged for keeping, carrying, possessing, or transporting an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. This charge does not apply to open containers carried in the trunk of a car.

DUI / Drunk Driving Attorney - Salt Lake City, UtahDUI - depending on the circumstances, Utah law allows a DUI charge to be filed as a class B misdemeanor, class A misdemeanor, or even as a felony. Even a class B misdemeanor carries minimum mandatory sentencing requirements. A felony DUI charge could result in extended prison time.

Impaired Driving - in some cases, a successful negotiated resolution to a DUI case can involve a plea to a reduced charge of Impaired Driving.  This avoids the minimum mandatory sentencing provisions of a DUI conviction, and may allow you to keep your driver license.

Automobile Homicide - a person may be charged with a felony if, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, negligently operates a motor vehicle and causes the death of another person.

Alcohol Restricted Driver - a person who is classified as an "alcohol restricted driver" under Utah law is guilty of a class B misdemeanor if the person operates or is under actual physical control of a vehicle with any measurable or detectable amount of alcohol in the person's body.

Interlock Violation - a person who is classified as "interlock restricted driver" may be charged criminally for tampering with an ignition interlock device, or if the person operates or is in actual physical control of a vehicle without an ignition interlock device installed and in working order.

Find a Utah Alcohol Crimes Attorney in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake Defense LawyerConviction for alcohol-related crimes in Utah can carry severe penalties with lasting consequences. If you are facing criminal charges, contact Salt Lake City criminal attorney Stephen Howard now for an initial consultation.

RELATED DUI DEFENSE TOPICS
What should I do if I am stopped by police for DUI in Utah
What are the penalties for DUI?
Do DUI field sobriety tests prove impairment?


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 was facing multiple cases involving first-degree felony drug distribution charges for allegedly selling to a confidential informant. Defense analysis of the case revealed fatal flaws in the prosecution case that ultimately resulted in a complete dismissal of all cases and charges.
  • Utah Probation Attorney Released - Client absconded for more than 10 years from felony probation with Adult Probation and Parole. At an order to show cause hearing, prosecutor argued aggressively for prison. Based on effective mitigation efforts by the defense, the judge agreed to release client without further jail.
  • 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 Constitutes Drug Parpahernalia in Utah How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
  • 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 Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

The right criminal defense lawyer can work with you to develop a defense strategy designed to achieve the best results. Hiring a Utah criminal attorney with real courtroom experience and an in-depth understanding of the legal issues involved in defending against a criminal prosecution can help ensure the best...

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 - Utah Criminal Defense

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....

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.