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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
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 on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the 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.
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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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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