Can I resolve criminal charges without coming to Utah if I live in another state?

As a general rule, if you are charged with a crime in Utah you are required to appear in person to defend your case in court. However, under some circumstances, if you live out of state you may be be able to resolve your case without having to return and appear personally in court. Salt Lake criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard assists clients facing criminal charges throughout Utah.

If you intend to take your case to trial, as a practical matter you will need to be present to participate and assist in your own defense. But if you want to reach a negotiated resolution, Utah law may allow you to waive your right to be present and enter a negotiated plea by affidavit. Under the Utah criminal code, a plea may be entered by affidavit if the case involves only misdemeanor charges. If you are facing felony charges, Utah Code 77-13-4 requires that any felony plea "be entered by the defendant in open court." But in many felony cases, a plea negotiation may be reached which involves reducing the felony charge to a misdemeanor. In such cases, you may still be able to enter a plea by affidavit.

Finding a Utah Criminal Attorney

As a Utah criminal defense lawyer, Stephen Howard has defended cases ranging from aggravated murder to DUI and virtually everything in between. He has a track record that includes dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reversals on appeal. He has assisted out-of-state clients avoid returning to Utah by negotiating resolutions that have included plea in abeyance agreements, probation recommendations on misdemeanor charges, and misdemeanor reductions on felony charges.

Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard offers legal services to clients facing criminal charges throughout Utah. Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.