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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

The Top-Ten Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Utah

Posted by Utah Criminal Lawyer Stephen Howard

Guess what?! I just found out that I may be the best criminal lawyer in Utah. Or even in all America!! And not only that, I may have also just won the Nigerian national lottery!

To claim my lottery winnings, all I have to do is pay a "processing fee" of a couple of thousand dollars and send some personal information to some stranger (who, coincidentally, works in a foreign bank and has access to millions of dollars in forgotten money that he can get for me too). In order to claim my recognition as one of the top attorneys in Utah, I only have to pay a few hundred dollars as "dues" for membership in the recognizing organization.

We all know that the Nigerian lottery emails are a total scam. But what about the letters that attorneys receive telling them that they have been named as one of the best attorneys in their state or major practice area?

Fairly frequently, I receive letters in the mail from various organizations informing me that I have been named as one of the "top" or "best” attorneys in Utah. The letters typically congratulate me on being one of the "top 10" best lawyers or a "leader" in a certain legal field, such as criminal defense. The letters also inform me that in order to accept this recognition, I only have to send in payment of a few hundred dollars as “dues” for membership in their organization.

In exchange for paying my dues, I will receive membership in their "prestigious" organization. I also receive the right to display their organization's logo on my website - a logo which proclaims to all the world that I am one of the best attorneys in Utah.

Perhaps the most entertaining communications from these organizations are letters indicating that they want to recognize me as one of “best” attorneys in another state, like Kansas - a state in which I have never practiced law - or informing me that I have been named as one of the “10 best” attorneys in Utah - but in a practice area in which I do not do any significant work. Given that certain of these organizations sometimes mistakenly believe that I practice in a state other than Utah or that I practice in areas of law that I do not deal with, I have never chosen to pay to accept their "honors."

Recognizing an attorney for excellence and achievement is appropriate. But when receipt of an “award” or other recognition appears to be based on an attorney’s willingness to pay a fee rather than on the reputation of the attorney or the quality of the attorney’s work, it raises serious questions.

But then again, maybe I really did win the Nigerian lottery. . . .

Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Utah

You should never face a criminal charge alone. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can be critical to achieving a successful outcome. Serving Salt Lake County and the rest of Utah, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has the experience necessary to ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

OTHER CRIMINAL DEFENSE TOPICS

Selected Victories
Dismissed - 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.
Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony drug distribution charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and ultimate dismissal of case.
Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.

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The best outcome is more likely when the right strategy is employed. Developing the best strategy can require real courtroom experience, a thorough understanding of procedural and substantive legal issues, and a determination to ensure that important constitutional and other legal rights are protected. Choosing the right attorney....

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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....

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Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....

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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....

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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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