Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

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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.



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  • 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 was facing multiple cases involving first-degree felony drug distribution charges for allegedly selling to a confidential informant. Defense analysis of the case revealed fatal flaws in the prosecution case that ultimately resulted in a complete dismissal of all cases and charges.
  • Utah Expungement Attorney Salt Lake Davis 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.
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  • Utah Misdemeanor Attorney Salt Lake Can I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve the case without returning to the state. . . .
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

The best outcome is more likely when the right strategy is employed. Developing the best strategy can require real courtroom experience, a thorough understanding of procedural and substantive legal issues, and a determination to ensure that important constitutional and other legal rights are protected. Choosing the right attorney....

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Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....

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Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....

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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Hope

Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....

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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

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