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 -
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.
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.-
Dismissed - Client
facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child
kidnapping. Full defense
analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.
- Recent Posts
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How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .
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 »
Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....
Experience »
Even a "minor" misdemeanor carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. The direct penalties and collateral consequences of a felony conviction are even more severe. Understanding these consequences is critical as you make decisions relating to your case. Even in a misdemeanor case, you should not....
Consequences »
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 »
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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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