Can I still hire an attorney if I originally told the judge I would represent myself?
In a Utah criminal case, you have a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney. One of the first questions a judge will ask when you appear in court is whether you are hiring an attorney, requesting a public defender, or will be representing yourself. Choosing to represent yourself in a criminal case may be a big mistake. As the case progresses, you may discover that defending yourself is more complicated than you anticipated. You may also learn that the consequences you are facing are more serious than you originally realized.If you find yourself in this situation, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney and provide notice to the court and prosecutor that you are hiring counsel. You have a constitutionally protected right to be represented by an attorney. But your attorney will likely need time to gather discovery, do a thorough case analysis, determine necessary investigation, develop a defense strategy, and prepare the case for court. A delay in hiring an attorney may put you at a strategic disadvantage or may create a situation where the court denies you additional time needed for your attorney to prepare.
If you initially told the judge that you would represent yourself, it may not be too late. Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation with Utah criminal attorney Stephen Howard. Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah.
When is it safe to represent myself in a Utah criminal case?
The only time you should seriously consider representing yourself is when you can accept the worst consequences that you may be facing. If you are facing a simple parking ticket with a $40 fine, you may be better off representing yourself. But even minor misdemeanor cases in Utah can carry serious consequences, including the possibility of substantial jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. Felony cases can involve much more serious penalties.An experienced defense attorney can help to give you the best chance of avoiding the most serious consequences of a criminal conviction. If you are prepared to accept all of those consequences, you may not need to hire an attorney. Otherwise, you would be well-advised to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you.
How much time will my new attorney need in order to prepare to handle the case?
Most of the time, your new attorney will want to ask the court for a continuance, to allow the necessary time to review discovery, pursue any needed investigation, develop an appropriate defense strategy, etc. The amount of time needed to adequately prepare the case can depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, cooperation from witnesses or government agencies, the need for expert witness evaluations, etc.If you wait to try to hire an attorney until the night before trial, the judge may refuse to grant a continuance. Many experienced criminal attorneys will not be willing (and for good reasons) to take on a case unless the judge grants the continuance. Waiting till the last minute to hire an attorney may also be viewed by the judge as a delaying tactic, and may cast you in an unfavorable light with the court.
Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City
Even
minor criminal charges in Utah can have serious consequences. Hiring
an experienced Utah
criminal defense attorney can help give you the best chance
of success in defending your case.Based in Salt Lake City, criminal attorney Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah. He has successfully protected his clients' rights in thousands of cases ranging from homicide to shoplifting, and virtually everything in between. His track record includes not guilty verdicts and dismissals in some of the most serious charges on the books in Utah.
Contact us now to arrange for an initial confidential consultation with Salt Lake City defense attorney Stephen Howard.
RELATED QUESTIONS:
Do I need to have a lawyer to represent me in a criminal case?
How do I choose the best lawyer to handle my criminal defense case?
Do I need an attorney even if the case involves only misdemeanor charges?
- What You
Need to Know - Choosing an Attorney
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
- First-Time
Offenders
- Repeat
Offenders
- Out-of-State
Clients
- What to Expect in Court
- Potential Penalties
- Reasons for Hope
- Attorney Practice Areas
- Felonies / Misdemeanors
- District / Justice Courts
- Jury Trials / Bench Trials
- Pleas in Abeyance
- Expungements
- 402 Reductions
- Bench / Arrest Warrants
- Constitutional Violations
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- Selected Crimes
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Crimes
- Selected Victories
Dismissed - Contractor was charged with theft by deception for allegedly misusing customer funds and failing to complete work that had been agreed upon. A successful motion to quash on legal grounds following the bindover order at preliminary hearing resulted in a complete dismissal of all charges.
Dismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
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.
Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.
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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. . . .
The best outcome is more likely when the right strategy is employed. Developing the best strategy can require real courtroom experience, a thorough understanding of procedural and substantive legal issues, and a determination to ensure that important constitutional and other legal rights are protected. Choosing the right attorney....
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 »
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 »
An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....
Reasons to 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
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
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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