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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start Here^SM

White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

Attorney for Expungements Reductions and Pardons

Defendant Constitutional Rights Criminal Lawyer

Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Will a protective order show on a Utah background check?

Most background checks conducted by Utah employers look for criminal charges. While violation of a protective order is considered a criminal offense under Utah law, the protective order itself is considered a civil matter. If you have been convicted of violating a protective order, the conviction may show up on a background check. But because the protective order itself is civil in nature, it should not show up on a criminal background check.

While any criminal conviction may show up on a criminal background check, some employers are only looking for felony convictions. A first violation of a protective order is typically filed as a misdemeanor in Utah, and therefore would not show up if a prospective employer was only looking for felony charges. However, if a person repeatedly violates a protective order, subsequent violations can be charged on the felony level.

It is important to note that even if you have not been convicted of violating a protective order, merely having a protective order filed against you will affect your rights to possess guns ("firearms") or other weapons.

If you are facing prosecution in Utah for a protective order or other criminal offenses, it is vital to have the assistance of an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal attorney Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout the State. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

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 - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
Expungement - Worked to restore client's expungement eligibility through 402 reduction process, then filed successful expungement petitions in multiple courts obtaining expungement orders and clearing client's official criminal history.
Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.

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. . . .
How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .

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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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....

Experience »

Conviction Consequences in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....

Consequences »

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. But just being charged can affect more than you may have imagined - jail, job, family, bills, rent or mortgage. It can feel like everything has gone wrong, and may you wonder if anything can go right. But facing criminal prosecution does not mean giving up hope....

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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