Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Can addiction be used as a legal defense to a Utah criminal charge?

Drug addiction plays a major role in many Utah criminal cases - even cases that are not traditionally viewed as "drug crimes."  Under Utah criminal law, both voluntary intoxication and involuntary intoxication can provide a defense to criminal prosecution under certain circumstances.  An experienced Utah criminal defense attorney can help you determine whether drug addiction can become a central part of a defense strategy in a Utah criminal defense case.

While drug addiction does not create a legal defense to criminal prosecution in Utah, it can provide a significant tool in negotiating a reasonable resolution to your case.  Many Utah criminal cases stem from drug use or substance abuse.  Property crimes, white collar crimes, and even violent crimes can have their roots in drug use and substance abuse.  If a prosecutor can be convinced that the real problem is substance abuse or addiction, you may be able to obtain a more favorable offer by demonstrating your willingness to participate in substance abuse treatment.

As an experienced criminal defense lawyer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Stephen Howard has defended thousands of serious felony criminal charges during his career.  He has extensive experience defending drug charges in Utah, and has a record of achieving real results for his clients.  He is one of only a few criminal defense attorneys now in private practice who has worked inside Utah's drug court system.  If drugs have played a role in your life or in your criminal case, contact us now to schedule your initial consultation.



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  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client 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.
  • Utah 402 Reduction Attorney Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
  • Utah Burglary Defense Attorney 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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  • Utah Misdemeanor Attorney Salt Lake 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. . . .
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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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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....

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Even a "minor" misdemeanor carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. The direct penalties and collateral consequences of a felony conviction are even more severe. Understanding these consequences is critical as you make decisions relating to your case. Even in a misdemeanor case, you should not....

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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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