Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409 now for help protecting your rights.
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

Impaired Driving - Utah DUI Defense Lawyer

Utah DUI Drunk Driving AttorneyWhen facing DUI charges in Utah, you have the choice of taking the case to trial or pursuing a negotiated resolution. Both options should be considered and explored. In some cases, a negotiated plea to a reduced charge of Impaired Driving may provide a better outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you determine which option is best for you.

What are the advantages of an Impaired Driving plea?

A reduced charge of Impaired Driving under Utah Code 41-6a-502.5 presents one option for resolving a DUI case. A negotiated plea to a charge of Impaired Driving does not have the same minimum mandatory sentencing requirements that a Utah DUI charge carries. A plea to Impaired Driving in Utah also avoids the driver license suspension that accompanies a conviction for DUI.

What is Impaired Driving?

Impaired Driving is not a charge that can be independently filed against in a Utah criminal case. It is a charge that can only result from negotiations with the prosecutor and the agreement of the court. A charge of Impaired Driving does not have its own independent set of elements. Rather, a conviction for Impaired Driving may be considered as a reduced form of a full DUI under Utah Code 41-6a-502.  

When is a plea to Impaired Driving an option?

In order to obtain a negotiated plea to Impaired Driving in Utah, a person must be charged with DUI under Utah Code Ann. 41-6a-502. A person may either have their misdemeanor DUI conviction reduced to an Impaired Driving upon the completion of probation, or a person may be allowed to enter a plea to the reduced Impaired Driving with the agreement of the prosecutor and if the court determines that allowing the plea is in the interest of justice.

Choosing a Utah Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake

If you have been charged with a DUI in Utah, consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best way to determine the best way to handle your case. Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients rights in felony and misdemeanor cases ranging from homicide to DUI. He has a track record of achieving real results.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Salt Lake City criminal attorney Stephen Howard.


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.
  • 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.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with residential felony burglary and theft charges. Effective cross-examination of alleged victim at preliminary hearing resulted in an admission by the alleged victim that the charges were based on a false report to police, made for the purpose of getting revenge against the defendant. Case was dismissed outright.
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....

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 »
Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah - Reasons to Hope

Clients sometimes ask what the "worst case scenario" is for their charges. We prefer to take a more positive approach. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. But you can take steps and make choices right now that will improve your chances of a positive outcome. Let us 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.