Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Utah Criminal Defense - When Should I Hire a Lawyer?

What is the best time to hire a criminal defense lawyer?  As soon as possible.

There are many reasons to contact a criminal lawyer early on in your case.  Even before charges are filed, a skilled criminal defense lawyer may be able to take action that can put you in a position that will help you achieve the outcome you need in your case.

Early Intervention Can Avoid Criminal Charges


The only thing better than a dismissed case is a case that never gets to court.  Through early intervention in a criminal investigation, a skilled criminal defense lawyer may be able to help convince prosecutors to decline charges before you even go to court.  Even if your attorney is not able to completely derail the case, he may be able to help minimize your exposure to risk as well as ensure that you don't inadvertently give the police information that will hurt your case.

Investigation Preserves Necessary Evidence


If criminal charges cannot be avoided, you need to be in the best possible position for a trial.  That means having the best possible evidence to support your case.

Evidence can be lost, destroyed, or tampered with.  Witnesses can move.  Memories can fade.  If you are facing criminal prosecution, there may be a limited window of opportunity during which critical evidence can be preserved.  Talking to an experienced criminal lawyer early on can improve the chances that the evidence you need for your case will still be there when the time for trial comes.

The Best Mitigation Begins Early


There are times when the best strategy for defending a criminal case does not involve taking the case to trial.  While a lot of attorneys in Utah claim to be "aggressive" and to "fight hard," in some circumstances, you may be better off working toward a negotiated resolution.  An experienced criminal lawyer can help you determine what steps you can take immediately to help put yourself in a better position to negotiate a more favorable resolution to a case.

Early Representation Can Prevent Police Questioning


If you have not hired an attorney or notified police that you will not talk to them without an attorney present, police may continue pressuring you to make a statement or allow an interview.  Without consulting with a lawyer first, it is highly likely that giving a statement to police may provide them with information that may be used against you later in the case.  Once you hire a lawyer, your attorney can step between you and the police and help insure that you do not inadvertently provide police with evidence that will hurt your case.

This list is just the beginning.  There are many reasons to hire a lawyer as soon as you discover that there is an investigation or charges pending against you.  There is no good reason to wait.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has handled literally thousands of serious felony charges during his career.  He has a track record of achieving real results for his clients.  Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for alleged attack using broken bottle as a weapon. Despite the testimony of numerous prosecution witnesses, thorough defense investigation to support a self-defense claim resulted in acquittal by jury 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.
  • 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.
  • Felony Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child kidnapping. Full defense analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

You want the best defense. Agressive is good. But results ultimately are what really matter. Creating an effective strategy for defending against criminal prosecution requires a thorough understanding of statutes, case law, and evidentiary and procedural rules. A successful outcome is more likely when....

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Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer for you Utah criminal case will be one of the most important decision you make. Before hiring any lawyer, there are a number of important factors to consider. The person you select as your criminal defense attorney will be responsible to defend your case and protect your rights....

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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....

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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Never give up hope. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. And it is usually not the end of the world. While the consequences of a criminal charge can be serious, there are often several options and strategies for handling your case. Understanding your options and how an experienced criminal lawyer can help....

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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

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.