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 Victories
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
Dismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
Probation - Client
charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
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Can
I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve
the case without returning to the state. . . .
You want the best defense. Agressive is good. But results ultimately are what really matter. Creating an effective strategy for defending against criminal prosecution requires a thorough understanding of statutes, case law, and evidentiary and procedural rules. A successful outcome is more likely when....
Strategy »
Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....
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 »
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 »
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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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