Every Person Deserves Best Available Defense

Take the first step in securing a successful defense.
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what our team can do for you.

Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start Here^SM

White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

Attorney for Expungements Reductions and Pardons

Defendant Constitutional Rights Criminal Lawyer

Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

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
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
Dismissed 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.
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 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.

Recent Posts
What should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
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. . . .

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 »

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 in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

Even a single misdemeanor conviction in Utah can result in extended jail time and substantial fines. The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can last a lifetime. Whether you are facing misdemeanor prosecution in a justice court or more serious felony charges in the district court, obtaining advice and assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney is....

Consequences »

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Never give up hope. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. And it is usually not the end of the world. While the consequences of a criminal charge can be serious, there are often several options and strategies for handling your case. Understanding your options and how an experienced criminal lawyer can help....

Reasons to Hope »

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.