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

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
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for alleged attack using broken bottle as a weapon. Despite the testimony of numerous prosecution witnesses, thorough defense investigation to support a self-defense claim resulted in acquittal by jury at trial.
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.
Expungement - Worked to restore client's expungement eligibility through 402 reduction process, then filed successful expungement petitions in multiple courts obtaining expungement orders and clearing client's official criminal history.
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.

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. . . .

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....

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 »

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 »

Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can 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

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.