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 Misdemeanor Defense Attorney - Utah Criminal Lawyer

Under Utah law, those criminal offenses punishable by one year or less in jail are classified as misdemeanors. As an experienced Salt Lake criminal defense attorney, Stephen Howard has successfully defended a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges in Salt Lake's district courts and justice courts. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can give you the best chance of success in defending your case. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Successfully Defending a Misdemeanor Prosecution in Utah

While a misdemeanor charge is not as serious as a felony prosecution, the potential penalties are severe and the case should be taken seriously. Many of the issues involved in defending a misdemeanor charge are the same as those involved in felony defense cases. Initial issues such release through Salt Lake County Pretrial Services, bond hearings, and discovery requests are handled in a similar manner. Constitutional violations of the Fourth or Fifth Amendment can lead to successful motions to suppress evidence. A thorough analysis of the defense case, and the experience to anticipate issues in the prosecution's case can be critical to determining whether to take your case to trial or attempt to reach a negotiated resolution.

Potential Penalties in a Salt Lake Misdemeanor Case

While misdemeanor charges are less serious as felony charges, the consequences of a misdemeanor conviction can still be significant. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in jail; class B charges carry a potential penalty of 180 days jail; and class C charges can be punished with up to 90 days in jail. Fines imposed in a misdemeanor case ca be up to $2500 plus an additional 90% surcharge. In addition to jail time and fines, certain misdemeanor convictions may also affect your driver license, your right to carry or possess firearms, and more.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake

Stephen Howard has defended thousands of felony and misdemeanor charges during his career. His experience in protecting his clients' rights ranges from murder case to bounced check charges, and virtually everything in between. Whether you intend to take your case to trial, or you plan to work toward a negotiated resolution in your case, Stephen Howard has the experience necessary to help you.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard is pleased to offer services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.


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  • 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.
  • Criminal Appeals Defense AttorneyDismissed 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.
  • 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 Defense Attorney 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.
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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....

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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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