Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Salt Lake Drug Possession Defense Lawyer - Utah Criminal Attorney

The consequences of a conviction for drug possession in Utah can carry consequences including jail time, prison time, and thousands of dollars in fines.  There are a number of options for defending against drug charges in Salt Lake.  Defense options can include drug motions to suppress, jury trials, pleas in abeyance, drug court and more.  Stephen Howard is an experienced Salt Lake criminal defense attorney with extensive experience defending Utah drug cases, ranging from first-degree distribution to misdemeanor marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia.

The level of drug possessions charge in Salt Lake typically depends on what drugs are involved.  Possession of marijuana and some prescription drugs typically begins at a misdemeanor level.  Most common "street drugs" (e.g., cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and many prescription drugs, including methadone, begin as third-degree felony charges.  Utah drug possession charges can be enhanced if police or prosecutors suspect that the defendant had the intent to distribute the drugs.  A simple possession charge in Salt Lake is often enhanced if the defendant is determined to have possessed the controlled substance withing the boundaries of a "drug free zone."  Given the density of development in the Salt Lake County area, "drug free zones" are widespread, and this enhancement is commonly added both to simple possession and to drug distribution charges in Salt Lake.  Enhanced penalties can also be imposed if a person is found in possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility.

Many people who are charged with drug crimes in Salt Lake courts are also struggling with addiction or substance abuse.  Stephen Howard's experience in Salt Lake drug courts has provided him with insights into issues surrounding addiction, and an understanding that addressing addiction is critical in finding a long-term solution to his clients' legal problems.  If you have been charged with drug possession or other drug-related charges, one of the most important decisions you will face is choosing the best attorney to handle your case.  Stephen Howard's experience both in Salt Lake drug courts and in fighting drug charges in the traditional court system can be an invaluable asset to your case.  

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - 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.
  • 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 402 Reduction Attorney Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
  • 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 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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