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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- Felonies / Misdemeanors
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- Selected Crimes
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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 -
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.
Released - Client absconded for more than 10 years from felony probation with
Adult Probation and Parole. At an order to show cause hearing, prosecutor argued aggressively for prison. Based on effective mitigation efforts by the defense, the judge agreed to release client without further jail.
Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
- Client
charged with aggravated robbery and facing life in prison. Full case analysis and consultation with client allowed the development of a strong defense strategy. Effective cross-examination of the alleged victim at the preliminary hearing resulted in an outright dismissal of all charges by the judge.
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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. . . .
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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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