Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Should I represent myself in court on a Utah criminal charge?

There are times when representing yourself in court on a minor (very minor) Utah criminal case can  make sense.  But in most cases, obtaining the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer is advised.  Before you decide to represent yourself, you should strongly consider consulting with a Utah criminal defense lawyer to ensure that you understand the risks and potential consequences involved in your case, as well as what the various options may be for defending your case.

We are sometimes asked the following question: "Do I have to have an attorney for this?"  Almost every time, the answer is "No, you don't HAVE TO have an attorney."  But consider the following by way of analogy.  While it might be possible for you to perform certain surgery on yourself, most people would prefer to have a doctor perform a surgical operation.  Similarly, having an experienced criminal defense attorney handle your case is usually the best way to go.

Having an attorney who understands the Utah criminal courts system and has handled your kind of case previously gives you the advantages of experience and knowledge that you would not have if you were representing yourself.  You may not realize the importance of certain facts in the case.  You may not be aware of possible legal defenses that are available under the law.  You may not understand the procedural rules and rules of evidence and how those rules may protect you, or how they may hurt your case.

Sometimes, a prosecutor will offer to recommend probation in exchange for a guilty plea.  But even if the prosecutor says he/she is not asking for jail, there may be other consequences of a guilty plea that should be considered.

Based in Salt Lake City, we provide legal services to individuals charged with crimes throughout the state.  Before you represent yourself in court in a Utah criminal case, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to arrange for a consultation.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot 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.
  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony drug distribution charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and ultimate dismissal of case.
  • Utah 402 Reduction Attorney Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
  • 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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  • What Constitutes Drug Parpahernalia in Utah 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. . . .
  • Utah Misdemeanor Attorney Salt Lake 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. . . .
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Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....

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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....

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Utah Criminal Attorney - Reasons to Hope

An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....

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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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