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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

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Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Utah Code 76-3-204 - Misdemeanor Imprisonment

Potential Terms of Imprisonment for Misdemeanor Offenses

Utah Code 76-3-204 establishes the maximum terms of imprisonment for misdemeanor offenses. For a single misdemeanor conviction, the maximum jail time is as follows:

class A misdemeanor - not more than one year;
class B misdemeanor - not more than six months;
class C misdemeanor - not more than 90 days.

If a case involves multiple misdemeanor charges, a court can impose a longer jail term the the above-listed maximums, by running the sentences for each count consecutive to each other. Other possible consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are outlined below.

If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah for misdemeanor or felony charges, the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer can help give you the best chance of a successful outcome for your case. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.

Other Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction

Fines for a Utah misdemeanor conviction can run into the thousands of dollars, depending on the level of the misdemeanor conviction and other factors considered by the court. As of January, 2015, the maximum fines for each level of misdemeanor are as follows:

class A misdemeanor - $4,750 (including 90% surcharge);
class B misdemeanor - $1,900 (including 90% surcharge);
class C misdemeanor - $1,012.50 (including 35% surcharge).

The above-listed maximum fines can be imposed for each conviction in a case. Most judges will not require a defendant to actually pay the the maximum fine, but will instead consider a variety of factors (including the defendant's ability to pay) in determining what fine is appropriate in a given case. For many misdemeanor offenses, a Uniform Bail Schedule has been established which provides recommended fine amounts. But these amounts are intended as guidelines only, and judges are free to impose higher or lower fines (as long as the maximum fine amount is not exceeded) depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

In addition to jail time and fines, a misdemeanor can carry other serious consequences. Restitution can be ordered by a court for damages or injuries caused by the defendant's criminal conduct. If jail time is suspended, a judge can impose a wide variety of probation conditions including counseling, drug testing, and community service. Collateral consequences of a misdemeanor conviction can include the loss of a driver license, loss of the right to possess or own firearms, loss of employment, and many more.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

If you are facing criminal charges in Utah, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help give you the best chance of successfully defending your case. Criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has substantial experience in Utah's district courts and justice courts. He has successfully defended clients' rights against the most felony serious charges on the books in Utah, including aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, sex crimes, burglary, drug crimes, and many more.

Mr. Howard also recognizes that even a misdemeanor conviction can carry lasting consequences. He takes every case seriously, because he knows that every case is serious to his clients.

Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation.

RELATED CRIMINAL CODE SECTIONS AND QUESTIONS

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.
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.
Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child kidnapping. Full defense analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.

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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....

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Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your Utah criminal case may be the single most important decision you make. The courtroom can be a hostile place. Prosecutors receive extensive training on legal and tactical issues. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical to defending your case and protecting your rights....

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Conviction Consequences in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

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 »

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

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 »

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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