Salt Lake Criminal Defense - How to Clear a Bench Warrant
If you have an active bench warrant or outstanding arrest warrant, you are at risk of being arrested and taken to jail at any time. In Utah, there are several possible ways to handle your warrant. Going through a bail bonds company is not your only option. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Stephen Howard may be able to save you thousands of dollars.One option for dealing with a warrant is to go through a bail bondsman. The advantage to this option is that it is relatively swift and sure. You contact the bondsman and pay a fee (typically 10% of the bail amount), and the bondsman posts a bond for you. The disadvantage is that the fee you have paid is non-refundable. For example, if you have a $25,000 warrant, you will have to pay a non-refundable fee of $2,500 to a bondsman. You may also be required to put up some other collateral, such as allowing the bondsman to put a lien against your home.
But there are other options for dealing with your warrant. Salt Lake County Pre-Trial Services can supervise people while their criminal cases are pending, without requiring the posting of a bond. A judge may also be willing to recall your warrant if the court is convinced that you will voluntarily appear for your court hearings. A demonstration that you have strong ties to the community, a stable residence, and steady employment can help convince the judge that you are not a flight risk. On less serious charges, a judge may also allow you to simply sign a promise to appear.
Before deciding how to handle your outstanding Salt Lake County bench warrant, you should talk to an experienced Salt Lake criminal lawyer. Stephen Howard has handled more serious felony charges than most attorneys will see in an entire career. His record of results for clients includes not guilty verdicts or dismissals on cases including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, fraud, theft, drug distribution, DUI, and many more.
Contact us now to see what an experienced criminal lawyer can do for you.
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Dismissed - Contractor was charged with theft by deception for allegedly misusing customer funds and failing to complete work that had been agreed upon. A successful motion to quash on legal grounds following the bindover order at preliminary hearing resulted in a complete dismissal of all charges.
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.
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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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