Drug Paraphernalia - Salt Lake Criminal Defense Lawyer
Conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia in Salt Lake can result in fines, losing your driver license, and even jail time. Stephen Howard is an experienced Salt Lake criminal defense attorney who represents clients facing drug paraphernalia and other drug-related charges throughout the state. He has the experience necessary to help you successfully navigate the Utah criminal justice system. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.Penalties for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia charges in Salt Lake begin at the class B misdemeanor
level (punishable by up to six months in jail). But an enhancement can
increase the level of the offense to a class Amisdemeanor (punishable
by up to a year in jail) if the offense
occurs in one of the area's may "drug
free" zones.
In addition to possible jail time, the maximum fine for a class B
paraphernalia conviction is $1,900 (including surcharge). A class A
paraphernalia conviction carries a potential fine of $4,750
(including surcharge).What Constitutes Drug "Paraphernalia" in Utah?
Utah law defines "drug paraphernalia" in very broad terms. Whether an item will be considered drug parapneralia ultimately depends on the item's intended use.While items such as pipes or syringes may be commonly recognized types of drug paraphernalia, other innocent items (such as pens, spoons, aluminum foil, baggies, balloons, or even paper) can become paraphernalia if a police officer is convinced that an item's intended use involves drug use, packaging, manufacturing, growing, etc.
Choosing the Right Criminal Attorney for Your Case
With offices centrally located in downtown Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has extensive experience dealing with drug cases in Salt Lake and surrounding areas. He is one of only a few criminal defense lawyers in private practice with experience working inside Utah's felony drug court system. He has successfully protected his clients' rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases.Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
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- Selected Victories
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
Dismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
2-Step Reduction - Client needed a two-step reduction to bring a prior conviction to the misdemeanor level. Collection of substantial evidence of reform and rehabilitation convinced a normally reluctant prosecutor to stipulate to the defense 402 reduction motion.
Probation - Client
charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
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Reasons to Hope »
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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
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
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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