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

How much time will I serve for selling drugs to an undercover police officer in Utah?

Selling drugs, offering to sell drugs, or even just telling an undercover police officer where he can buy drugs could result in a second degree felony charge in Utah.  Under Utah criminal law, distribution of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to distribute, and offering or arranging to distribute a controlled substance can all be charged as second degree felony criminal offenses punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Police in Utah engage in undercover operations to try to catch and arrest people who are dealing drugs.  While the stereotypical undercover police drug operation is aimed at "big time" dealers, the reality is that many people caught in Utah undercover operations are low level dealers, or people who working for the real dealer in order to support their own drug habit or addiction.

Most prosecutors and judges understand that there is a difference between a top level drug dealer and an addict who is just feeding his own habit.  And the sentences imposed by Utah judges for distribution charges can range from prison time to probation and drug treatment.

If you are facing drug distribution charges, having an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney on your side can help give you the best chance of avoiding the most serious consequences of a conviction.  Stephen Howard has handled thousands of serious criminal defense cases during his career, with a track record that speaks for itself.  He is also one of only a few attorneys now in private practice who has served as defense counsel in a Utah felony drug court program.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation with Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
  • 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 Probation Attorney Released - Client absconded for more than 10 years from felony probation with Adult Probation and Parole. At an order to show cause hearing, prosecutor argued aggressively for prison. Based on effective mitigation efforts by the defense, the judge agreed to release client without further jail.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Dismissal - Client was charged with first-degree felony home burglary and facing potential life in prison. Defense analysis revealed flaws in prosecutor's case which led to abeyance agreement intended to lead to a full dismissal of the case.
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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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