Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what the right attorney can do for you.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

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.



Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • 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 facing first-degree felony drug distribution charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and ultimate dismissal of case.
  • Utah Expungement Lawyer Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with residential felony burglary and theft charges. Effective cross-examination of alleged victim at preliminary hearing resulted in an admission by the alleged victim that the charges were based on a false report to police, made for the purpose of getting revenge against the defendant. Case was dismissed outright.
Best Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

The right criminal defense lawyer can work with you to develop a defense strategy designed to achieve the best results. Hiring a Utah criminal attorney with real courtroom experience and an in-depth understanding of the legal issues involved in defending against a criminal prosecution can help ensure the best...

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your Utah criminal case may be the single most important decision you make. The courtroom can be a hostile place. Prosecutors receive extensive training on legal and tactical issues. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical to defending your case and protecting your rights....

Experience »
Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....

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 »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us

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.