Criminal Defense Attorney - Real Results

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys / Former Prosecutors
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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 Lawyer - Utah Drug Possession Attorney

If you are facing drug charges in Salt Lake City, Utah, you could be sentenced to extended jail or prison time and thousands of dollars in fines. Stephen Howard has extensive experience dealing with drug charges in Salt Lake County courts. As one of only a few Salt Lake criminal defense attorneys with substantial experience working inside the Salt Lake felony drug court system, he is uniquely qualified to help clients charged with drug possession in Salt Lake.

Possession of most common drugs ("controlled substances") can be filed as a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and over $9,000 in fines and surcharge. A drug possession charge in Salt Lake City can also be enhanced based on proximity to a "drug free zone." Since the Salt Lake metropolitan area is so densely populated, drug free zones cover most of the county. An enhancement for drug possession in a drug free zone can increase the maximum sentence for simple possession to 15 years in prison and $19,000 in fines and surcharge.

Whether you intend to take your case all the way to trial, or you are looking for help in dealing with addiction, Stephen Howard has the experience, knowledge, and skill to help you achieve the results you need. He has successfully defended literally thousands of serious criminal charges during his career as a Utah criminal defense lawyer. His track record speaks for itself.

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.
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.
Dismissal - Client was charged with first-degree felony home burglary and facing potential life in prison. Defense analysis revealed flaws in prosecutor's case which led to abeyance agreement intended to lead to a full dismissal of the case.

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

Never give up hope. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. And it is usually not the end of the world. While the consequences of a criminal charge can be serious, there are often several options and strategies for handling your case. Understanding your options and how an experienced criminal lawyer can help....

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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