Salt Lake Jury Trials and Bench Trials
One of the most fundamental rights associated with the criminal justice system is the right to a trial by jury. Being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. When criminal charges are involved, the prosecutor bears the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.The criminal trial process is complex. If you are facing criminal charges, you deserve to have an experienced and effective lawyer on your side. As a criminal defense attorney based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard has a record of achieving real results for his clients. He believes that taking a personal approach to each case is the best way to achieve the results that his clients need.
In every criminal case where jail or prison is a possibility, you have the right to have your case heard by a jury of your peers. Trials can also be heard by a judge instead of a jury. A trial heard by a judge is referred to as a "bench" trial. While there are circumstances where a bench trial may be to your advantage, those circumstances are relatively rare. Before deciding whether to have your case heard by a judge rather than a jury, you should discuss your case in depth with an experienced criminal lawyer.
Contact Stephen Howard now and learn how he can help you with your case.
- 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
- Appeals
- Juvenile Courts
- 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 - 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.
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
How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
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. . . .
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 »
Even a single misdemeanor conviction in Utah can result in extended jail time and substantial fines. The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can last a lifetime. Whether you are facing misdemeanor prosecution in a justice court or more serious felony charges in the district court, obtaining advice and assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney is....
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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