Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Is there a way to keep a Utah shoplifting charge off my record?

Any time you are charged with a crime in Utah, you have the right to have a jury trial.  If you win at trial with a not guilty verdict, no conviction will enter on your record.  Additionally, if a not guilty verdict is achieved a trial, you may be eligible to have the entire matter (including an arrest and charge) expunged from your record after 30 days.

Depending on your circumstances, a Utah shoplifting charge can range in severity from a minor misdemeanors to a more serious felony charge.  If you are facing a misdemeanor shoplifting charge and do not have a prior criminal record, there may be another option for keeping a shoplifting charge off your record.  A "plea in abeyance" agreement can allow you to essentially earn a dismissal of your case by complying with certain conditions imposed by the judge.  Upon full compliance with the court's orders, you can file a motion to dismiss the entire case.  Under Utah law, you may be eligible to have the arrest expunged thirty days after the case is dismissed.

If you are facing shoplifting charges or other crimes in Utah, there are many ways to deal with your case.  An experienced Utah criminal defense attorney can help you decide on the best strategy for handling your case.  Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has a track record that includes dismissals or not guilty verdicts in cases ranging from aggravated robbery to DUI.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation with Utah criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard.


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  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - 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.
  • Criminal Appeals Defense AttorneyDismissed 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.
  • 402 Reduction Lawyer Utah 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.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with residential felony burglary and theft charges. Effective cross-examination of alleged victim at preliminary hearing resulted in an admission by the alleged victim that the charges were based on a false report to police, made for the purpose of getting revenge against the defendant. Case was dismissed outright.
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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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