Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney - Cocaine Possession

Utah law classifies cocaine as a Schedule II controlled substance. Being charged with possession of cocaine in the Salt Lake district courts can result in a felony conviction, prison time, and other serious consequenses. The best step toward achieving a successful outcome in your case can be hiring an experienced Salt Lake criminal defense attorney. Stephen Howard has successfully defended drug charges in Salt Lake County ranging from first-degree distribution charges to straight possession of a controlled substance.

Potential Penalties for Cocaine Possession in Utah

Charges for possession of cocaine begin at the third-degree felony level and carry potential consequences that include up to five years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. In Salt Lake County, a simple possession charge may also be enhanced to a second-degree felony level if the possession occurs within a "drug free zone." Given the density of developments in Salt Lake County, the chances of unintentionally entering a drug free zone is much higher than it might be in a more rural county. The consequences of being convicted of possession within a drug free zone increases the potential pentalties for simple possession of cocaine from a five year prison term to a maximum of fifteen years in prison. Possession with the intent to distrute a controlled substance can increase the potential penlaties to include a life prison term.

In any given drug possession case, it is unlikely that the absolute maximum penalties would be imposed by the court. But in fighting a drug possession case, there are a number of legal goals to work toward, including keeping a felony conviction off your record and staying out of prison or jail. When drug charges are involved, it is important to consider treatment for substance abuse or addiction as part of your legal strategy. Becoming involved in drug treatment early in the case proceedings may actually increase your chances of obtaining a successful result in the case. Stephen Howard is one of a relatively few criminal defense attorneys in private practice in Salt Lake County who has worked inside the Salt Lake County drug court system, and has a unique understanding of how the addiction treatment and criminal justice system relate to each other.

Fighting a Cocaine Possession Charge in Salt Lake City

There are many factors to consider in determining the best strategy to use in fighting a criminal charge for drug possession in Salt Lake.  Fourth Amendment violations, Fifth Amendment violations, constructive possession issues, witness reliability, the use of confidential informants, and other issues are common. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can be the best way to determine how these issues mayaffect your case. As an experienced Utah criminal attorney, Stephen Howard can help you choose the best strategy for addressing your Salt Lake criminal charges.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake City

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney can help give you the best chance of success. Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients' rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases. Contact us today for an initial consultation with Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard.