Employers & Criminal Background Checks
Can I keep an employer from seeing my felony conviction in Utah?
Being convicted of a felony in Utah can dramatically affect your ability to get or keep a job. More and more employers are doing background checks as part of their pre-employment screening practices. Even if you already have a job, your employer may choose to fire you if it is discovered that you have been convicted of a felony. Speaking with an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney before deciding how to handle your criminal case is vital to protecting your rights your future employment prospects.In Utah, adult criminal convictions are considered a matter of public record, and your employer will be able to find out about a felony conviction as part of a criminal background investigation. While you can't keep your employer from finding out about your criminal record in Utah, there are steps you can take to actually change what is on your criminal record.
Utah law provides a way to reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor. Under Utah Code Ann. 76-3-402, a person who has successfully completed probation can petition the court to reduce a charge by up to two steps. For most felonies, this will reduce the charge to a misdemeanor. This process is often called a "402 reduction."
Utah law also allows most criminal convictions, charges, and even arrests to be completely expunged from your criminal record. You must meet certain qualifications relating to the number of convictions on your record and the length of time since the last criminal incident. But if you meet the requirements for expungement in Utah, you may petition the court to have your record expunged.
Getting and keeping a job is just one of the many areas of your life that a criminal conviction can affect. In Utah, the consequences of even a minor criminal conviction can be severe. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help give you the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has successfully defended thousands of serious criminal cases during his career. His track record speaks for itself.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Salt Lake City defense attorney Stephen Howard.
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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.
Dismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
Released - Client absconded for more than 10 years from felony probation with
Adult Probation and Parole. At an order to show cause hearing, prosecutor argued aggressively for prison. Based on effective mitigation efforts by the defense, the judge agreed to release client without further jail.
Dismissal - Client was charged with first-degree felony home burglary and facing potential life in prison. Defense analysis revealed flaws in prosecutor's case which led to abeyance agreement intended to lead to a full dismissal of the case.
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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 »
With decades of combined experience, our criminal defense team attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and determination to help you achieve the results you need. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. Choosing the best attorney to defend your case may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make....
Experience »
A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....
Consequences »
An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....
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.
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
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.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
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