How will my prior record
affect the sentence in my current Utah criminal case?
When
you are being sentenced in a Utah criminal case, one of the factors a
judge may consider is your prior criminal record. The judge
may
consider the number of prior charges, the nature or kind of charges on
your record, as well as the age of those charges. Of course,
having a perfectly clean criminal record is ideal. But an
experienced
Utah criminal defense attorney
can help present your prior
record in a positive light and improve your chances of getting a good
sentencing result.
Stephen Howard is an experienced
criminal
defense attorney based in Salt Lake City. He has
represented clients and achieved probation and suspended sentences for
clients in Utah sentencing hearings in cases as serious as
kidnapping,
aggravated
robbery,
aggravated
assault,
burglary,
communications
fraud,
felony
DUI,
drug
distribution, and even child abuse
homicide.
If you will be facing sentencing in a Utah criminal case, it
is important to have an experienced criminal lawyer on your side.
Contact us today to
schedule an initial consultation with Utah
criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard.

- Selected Victories
Not 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.
Dismissed - 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.
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.
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.
- Recent
Posts
What
should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .

Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....
Strategy
»

Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your Utah criminal case may be the single most important decision you make. The courtroom can be a hostile place. Prosecutors receive extensive training on legal and tactical issues. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical to defending your case and protecting your rights....
Experience
»

A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....
Consequences
»

Never give up hope. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. And it is usually not the end of the world. While the consequences of a criminal charge can be serious, there are often several options and strategies for handling your case. Understanding your options and how an experienced criminal lawyer can help....
Reasons to Hope
»
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Contact Us
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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