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.
- What You
Need to Know - Choosing an Attorney
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
- First-Time
Offenders
- Repeat
Offenders
- Out-of-State
Clients
- What to Expect in Court
- Potential Penalties
- Reasons for Hope
- Attorney Practice Areas
- Felonies / Misdemeanors
- District / Justice Courts
- Jury Trials / Bench Trials
- Pleas in Abeyance
- Expungements
- 402 Reductions
- Bench / Arrest Warrants
- Constitutional Violations
- Probation
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- Selected Crimes
- Drug Crimes / Addiction
- DUI / Alcohol Crimes
- Property Crimes
- Financial / White Collar
- Violent Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Aggravated
Crimes
- 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 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.
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.
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
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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 »
Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your Utah criminal case may be the single most important decision you make. The courtroom can be a hostile place. Prosecutors receive extensive training on legal and tactical issues. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical to defending your case and protecting your rights....
Experience »
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 »
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 »
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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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