Davis County Utah

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Utah

Many attorneys claim to be “aggressive.” But just being “aggressive” is not good enough. If you are facing criminal charges, you need more than a sales pitch. You need straight talk from an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer with a record of real results.

The best results in a Utah criminal defense case can depend on a more sophisticated approach. Fighting the case in trial is just one of the options you have when you are facing criminal prosecution. A thorough analysis of the law and facts involved in your case are necessary in determining the best strategy for defending you. It is vital to have a criminal defense attorney on your side with the experience necessary to the legal complexities that may be involved in your case.

Whether you are hoping to resolve your case through negotiations or take the case all the way to trial, an attorney who can mount a sophisticated defense will often get better results than an attorney who takes a “bull in the china shop” approach to criminal defense.

During his career, Stephen Howard has successfully handled thousands of serious felony charges – more than most attorneys will see in their entire careers. His track record includes dismissals or not guilty verdicts on cases including attempted murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, drug distribution, DUI, fraud, forgery, theft, and more.

When you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference. Contact us today to see how we can help.

Attorney Profile – Utah Criminal Defense

Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has handled thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases – more than most attorneys will see in their entire careers. Beginning his legal career with the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association, he quickly advanced to a position on the felony trial team. His skill and dedication to his work as a criminal defense lawyer ultimately earned him a position on the capital defense team.

Mr. Howard has been recognized with honors including the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy and membership in the National Order of Barristers. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and is a member of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society.

As a criminal defense attorney in private practice, Mr. Howard works personally with clients, to ensure that he understands their goals and is able to tailor a defense strategy intended to meet their needs. Having defended clients against thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor charges during his career, the representation he provides is based on a depth of experience that is matched by few criminal attorneys in Utah.

Consequences of Conviction in Utah

Whether you are facing prosecution for a felony or misdemeanor charge, the consequences of conviction in Utah can be serious. Even a single misdemeanor conviction can result in up to a year in jail and nearly $5,000 in fine, surcharge, and fees. Felony convictions are punishable by indeterminate prison terms that can last up to 5 years, 15 years, or even life in prison.

Even after you complete any jail or prison time or are released from probation or parole, the consequences of a conviction can potentially follow you for life. Some of these collateral consequences can include loss of the right to own or possess a firearm, the loss of your driver license, revocation or suspension of professional licenses, problems getting or keeping a job, and more. If you are facing prosecution for a criminal offense in Utah, the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney is vital to achieving the best possible results.

Reasons to Hope – Utah Criminal Lawyer

The consequences of a criminal conviction can be potentially devastating. But merely being charged with a crime does not mean your life is over. The ultimate outcome of your case can depend on certain factors that are outside of your control – such as the statutory elements of the offense established by the legislature, mandatory sentencing requirements, or the memories of independent witnesses. But there are other actions you can take that can improve your chances of a successful outcome in your defense case.

There are reasons to hope. With the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can begin now to create a defense strategy designed to help you achieve the best results possible. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

Drugs and Substance Abuse in Utah Criminal Defense

Even if the case is not a “drug” case, drugs and substance abuse often play a significant role in many criminal cases. If a person facing criminal prosecution is also struggling with a drug or substance abuse problem, those drug or alcohol issues must be addressed in addition to the legal issues that are involved in the case in order to achieve a lasting solution.

Having an attorney who is familiar with how the criminal justice system deals with substance abuse issues can help you develop the best defense strategy. Utah criminal attorney Stephen Howard has significant experience in Utah’s felony drug court system, and has received training in the relationship between the criminal court system and substance abuse treatment, He understands when fighting addiction, the legal case is only half the battle.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney to handle your case is perhaps the most important decision you will make in your criminal defense case. With experience that includes some of the most serious charges on the books in Utah, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has the experience necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Contact us today to see how we can help.