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 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.
Probation - Client
charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
- 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. . . .

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
»

With decades of combined experience, our criminal defense team attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and determination to help you achieve the results you need. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. Choosing the best attorney to defend your case may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make....
Experience
»

In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....
Consequences
»

Clients sometimes ask what the "worst case scenario" is for their charges. We prefer to take a more positive approach. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. But you can take steps and make choices right now that will improve your chances of a positive outcome. Let us help you....
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
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