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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

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White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

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Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

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.

Selected Victories
Dismissed - 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.
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.
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.

Recent Posts
How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
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. . . .

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 »

Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

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....

Consequences »

Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....

Reasons to Hope »

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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