Veteran Criminal Defense Attorneys / Former Prosecutors
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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

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White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

Attorney for Expungements Reductions and Pardons

Defendant Constitutional Rights Criminal Lawyer

Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Can I get an expungement in Utah if I still owe fines?

Utah Code section 77-40-105 sets out most of the requirements for obtaining an expungement in Utah. Among other requirements for an expungement in Utah, this section requires that all fines and interest ordered by the court as well as any restitution ordered by the court or by the Board of Pardons and Parole be paid in full before BCI can issue a certificate of eligibility for expungement. If you are seeking an expungement of your criminal record, you should consult with an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney.

Utah BCI has interpreted this section of the Utah Code as meaning that all fines and restitution in all cases must be paid in full before a certificate of eligibility may be issued for expungement of any charge. This means that, for example, you may not receive a certificate of eligibility for expungement of a 10-year-old drug possession conviction if you still owe fines on a more recent traffic-related citation. This may be true even if you are not seeking expungement of the traffic citation.

Successfully expunging a criminal record in Utah requires compliance with many statutory requirements. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Based in Salt Lake City, our attorneys provide assistance to clients throughout the state.

Selected 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.
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.
2-Step Reduction - Client needed a two-step reduction to bring a prior conviction to the misdemeanor level. Collection of substantial evidence of reform and rehabilitation convinced a normally reluctant prosecutor to stipulate to the defense 402 reduction motion.
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. . . .
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. . . .

Successfully defending against criminal prosecution requires more than just an 'aggressive' defense. The best defense attorneys understand that a sophisticated defense requires a thorough understanding of a variety of nuanced legal issues, real experience in the courtroom, good negotiation skills, and much more. Fighting hard is good. Fighting smart is better....

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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

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....

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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....

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

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