Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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If I am a domestic violence (DV) victim, what happens if I don't show up?

In some situations, a criminal domestic violence case may be dismissed if the victim fails to appear in court on the scheduled trial date.  In other cases, a prosecutor may have sufficient evidence to proceed with the case even without the victim.  Either way, failing to show up at a court hearing for which you have been subpoenaed can cause you problems, whether you are a victim or just a witness.

Under Utah law, if you have been served with a subpoena requiring you to appear or testify in court, you can be held in contempt if you fail to appear as required by the subpoena.  Utah law gives a judge power to impose a fine or even jail time as a sanction for contempt of court.

If you are a defendant in a Utah criminal case, you should never say or do anything to discourage a victim from appearing in court.  Doing so can result in an additional felony criminal charge of witness tampering.

If you are listed as a victim in a Utah criminal case but you do not want to pursue the charges or testify in court, you should consult with an experienced Utah criminal attorney regarding your rights as a victim.  Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah.

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



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  • 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 was facing multiple cases involving first-degree felony drug distribution charges for allegedly selling to a confidential informant. Defense analysis of the case revealed fatal flaws in the prosecution case that ultimately resulted in a complete dismissal of all cases and charges.
  • Utah Expungement Attorney Salt Lake Davis 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.
  • Violent Crimes Assalt Defense UtahProbation - 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.
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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....

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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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