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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

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White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

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Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney - Heroin Possession

Utah law classifies heroine as a Schedule I controlled substance under Utah Code 58-37-4. If you are convicted of possession of heroin in the Salt Lake County criminal courts, you could be facing prison time and thousands of dollars in fines. Hiring an experienced Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer can help give you the best chance of achieving a positive outcome in your case. Stephen Howard has extensive experience defending criminal drug charges in Salt Lake County and elsewhere in Utah. He has achieved successful results in cases ranging from first-degree distribution charges to straight possession cases. Contact us today to learn how he can help you.

Penalties for Heroin Possession in Utah

As a Schedule I controlled substance, heroin possession charges begin at the third-degree felony level with a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. Enhancements can be added based on the presence in a "drug free zone" or the intent to distribute. A single enhancement can increase the maximum penalty from five years to fifteen years in prison. Multiple enhancements can increase the penalties to a maximum of life in prison.

Defending Heroin Possession Charges in Salt Lake City, Utah

Facing criminal charges for heroin possession in Salt Lake can present a number of issues: Fourth Amendment search and seizure, Fifth Amendment Miranda warnings and violations, constructive possession, confidential informants, and more. As an experienced Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer, Stephen Howard can help you understand how these issues may affect your case. And he can help you develop the an effective strategy for defending your case.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Selected Victories
Dismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
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.
Expungement - Worked to restore client's expungement eligibility through 402 reduction process, then filed successful expungement petitions in multiple courts obtaining expungement orders and clearing client's official criminal history.
Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.

Recent Posts
How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .

Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....

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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....

Experience »

Conviction Consequences in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....

Consequences »

Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah - Reasons to Hope

Clients sometimes ask what the "worst case scenario" is for their charges. We prefer to take a more positive approach. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. But you can take steps and make choices right now that will improve your chances of a positive outcome. Let us help you....

Reasons to Hope »

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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