Utah Drug Charges FAQ
Following are links to questions and answers relating drug cases and drug-related crimes in Utah. This information is general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. If you are facing prosecution in the Utah criminal justice system, consultation with an experienced defense attorney is strongly advised. Having the assistance of the right criminal defense attorney is critical to achieving a positive outcome for your case. Contact us today to see how we can help.- Can addiction be used as a legal defense in a Utah criminal case?
- Can I be charged with drug distribution in Utah if I didn't actually sell any drugs?
- Is it possible to avoid a mandatory driver license suspension for drug charges in Utah?
- Can criminal drug possession charges be filed for failing a drug test in Utah?
- Can I be charged with a crime for flushing drugs down a toilet in Utah?
- Can DUI field sobriety tests be used by themselves to prove impairment?
- Can I be charged with drug charges in Utah if someone else has claimed ownership of the drugs?
- How does Colorado's legalization of marijuana affect Colorado residents charged criminally with drug possession in Utah?
- What is the potential prison term for a Utah felony drug charge?
- What should I do if I am arrested or cited for marijuana possession while just driving through Utah?
- What is the penalty for criminal possession of heroin in Utah?
- Can I be charged with marijuana possession if all of the marijuana is used before the police arrive?
- Will my driver license be automatically suspended if I am convicted on a drug charge?
- Is a marijuana DUI charge more serious than a regular alcohol-related DUI in Utah?
- Can I be criminally charged for having a gun in my car if police also find marijuana?
- Can I be charged with drug possession in Utah if someone else takes the blame?
- Can I be charged with possession in Utah if a passenger brings drugs into may car that I didn't know about?
- Can police search a vehicle based just on a prior drug conviction of the driver?
- Are synthetic cannabinoids (spice) legal or illegal in Utah?
- How is the term "possession" defined in a Utah drug case?
- How much time can I serve for selling drugs to an undercover police officer?
- What is the punishment for simple misdemeanor possession of marijuana in Utah?
- Can I get a plea in abeyance on a drug possession charge in Salt Lake County without doing drug court?
- Can I be convicted of drug possession just because drugs are found in my car?
- Is DWI a criminal charge recognized under Utah law?
- Will my prior felony drug conviction be automatically reduced under the 2015 legislative amendments?
- What are the penalties for marijuana possession following the enactment of the 2015 JRI amendments?
Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
If
you have been charged with a crime, whether the case involves felony
or misdemeanor
charges, the consequences of a conviction can be serious. Having
the assistance of the right criminal
defense lawyer is vital to achieving a positive outcome in
your case. We work hard to ensure that each client's rights are
protected. Contact us
today to see what we can do to help you.
- Selected Defense Victories
Dismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the 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.
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.
Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
- Client
charged with aggravated robbery and facing life in prison. Full case analysis and consultation with client allowed the development of a strong defense strategy. Effective cross-examination of the alleged victim at the preliminary hearing resulted in an outright dismissal of all charges by the judge.
- Recent Posts
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. . . .
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. . . .
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 »
Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your Utah criminal case may be the single most important decision you make. The courtroom can be a hostile place. Prosecutors receive extensive training on legal and tactical issues. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical to defending your case and protecting your rights....
Experience »
Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....
Consequences »
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 »
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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
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.
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
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.
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.
Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.
Stephen W. Howard, PC