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.

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