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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  • 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.
  • Minor Possession Alcohol - MIP AttorneyDismissed - 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.
  • 402 Reduction Lawyer Utah 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.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with residential felony burglary and theft charges. Effective cross-examination of alleged victim at preliminary hearing resulted in an admission by the alleged victim that the charges were based on a false report to police, made for the purpose of getting revenge against the defendant. Case was dismissed outright.
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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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