Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

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Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

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.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot 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.
  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Utah 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.
  • Utah Expungement Lawyer Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
  • Violent Crimes Assalt Defense UtahDismissed 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.
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You want the best defense. Agressive is good. But results ultimately are what really matter. Creating an effective strategy for defending against criminal prosecution requires a thorough understanding of statutes, case law, and evidentiary and procedural rules. A successful outcome is more likely when....

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Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

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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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. But just being charged can affect more than you may have imagined - jail, job, family, bills, rent or mortgage. It can feel like everything has gone wrong, and may you wonder if anything can go right. But facing criminal prosecution does not mean giving up 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

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