Consequences of Conviction in Utah Criminal Cases
In Utah, even "minor
misdemeanors"
carry the potential for serious jail
time
and significant fines. A single misdemeanor can carry
up
to a one year
jail
sentence.
Felonies
can result in many years in
prison,
or even a
life sentence. Hiring an experienced
Utah
criminal defense attorney
can
give you the best chance at a positive outcome for your case.

While
a few days in jail is
short in comparison to a life prison term,
even a few days in jail can have serious consequences. A jail
term could mean
losing your job. Losing your job could mean missing rent or
mortgage payments, which in turn could lead to eviction or
foreclosure. Without the help of an effective lawyer, the
consequences can come like dominoes.
Many charges also carry "hidden"
consequences beyond jail time and fines. Seemingly unrelated charges
can result in the loss of your driver's license, loss of the right to
own or carry a gun, loss of
professional licensing, and more.
Potential Jail/Prison Time and Fines
- Infraction - no jail - up to $750 plus 35% surcharge*
- Class C Misdemeanor - up to 90 days jail - up to $750 plus
35%
surcharge*
- Class B Misdemeanor - up to 180 days jail - up to $1000
plus 90%
surcharge*
- Class A Misdemeanor - up to 365 days jail - up to $2500
plus 90%
surcharge
- 3rd Degree Felony - 0-5 years prison - up to $5,000 plus
90%
surcharge
- 2nd Degree Felony - 1-15 years prison - up to $10,000 plus
90%
surcharge
- 1st Degree Felony - 3, 5, 6, 10,15, 20 or 25 year
minimum, with
life in prison maximum - up to
$10,000
plus 90% surcharge
- Capital Felony - can result in the death penalty, life in
prison
without parole, or 20
years to life in prison
*According to Utah Code 51-9-401, the 90% surcharge applies to all
felony and class A misdemeanor charges. Class B misdemeanors for DUI
and for other criminal offenses (excluding offenses not classified as
traffic offenses under Title 41, Motor Vehicles) are also subject to
the 90% surcharge. Most other offenses (generally class C misdemeanors
and infractions) are subject only to a 35% surcharge.
Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
Every case needs to be
taken seriously. Based in
Salt
Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen
Howard has spent years defending the most serious felonies, such
as
murder, rape, armed robbery, burglary, kidnapping, and aggravated
assault. He
has also handled an equal number of misdemeanor cases. And he knows
that even "minor" charges carry potentially serious consequences.
Regardless of the level of your charges, your case is serious because
it
affects your life. Stephen Howard understands this, and takes
each case
seriously.
Contact us to see how an
experienced
Utah criminal defense lawyer can
help.
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