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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

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White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

Attorney for Expungements Reductions and Pardons

Defendant Constitutional Rights Criminal Lawyer

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
Not 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.
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.
Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child kidnapping. Full defense analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.

Recent Posts
What should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
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. . . .

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....

Strategy »

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer for you Utah criminal case will be one of the most important decision you make. Before hiring any lawyer, there are a number of important factors to consider. The person you select as your criminal defense attorney will be responsible to defend your case and protect your rights....

Experience »

Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

Even a "minor" misdemeanor carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. The direct penalties and collateral consequences of a felony conviction are even more severe. Understanding these consequences is critical as you make decisions relating to your case. Even in a misdemeanor case, you should not....

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 »

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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