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