Criminal Case Procedures in
Utah
Finding
yourself charged with a crime can be a frightening and intimidating
experience. Knowing what to expect can help prepare you to make better
decisions as you move through the process.
The following pages are intended to provide general information on
criminal case procedures starting with the
initial stages of the
police investigation through the various processes involved in
defending against
felony
and
misdemeanor
prosecutions.
Note that the information presented here and in the following pages is
general in nature, and is
intended only as a broad overview of the process. No two criminal
defense cases are identical. Having the assistance of an
experienced
Utah
criminal
defense attorney can be vital to a successful defense.
Based
in Salt Lake City, criminal attorney Stephen Howard provides legal
services to clients throughout Utah. He has successfully protected his
clients rights in thousands of cases ranging from murder to drug
charges to white collar crime.
Contact us today to
arrange for an initial consultation.
An outline of the procedures
involved in a Utah criminal defense case is presented below. More
detailed information can be obtained by
clicking on the main heading or on one of the specific procedural
steps. (Note that class A misdemeanors are treated,
procedurally, essentially the same as felony charges.)
Initial
Stages of a Utah Criminal Case
- Initial
Appearance /
Felony First Appearance
- Formal
Discovery Requests
- Roll
Call / Waiver Hearing
- Preliminary
Hearing /
Bindover
- Felony
Arraignment
- Pre-Trial
Conference
- Motion
Hearings
- Jury
or Bench Trial
- Felony
Sentencing
- Felony
Appeals - Court of Appeals or Supreme Court
- 402 Reduction
- Expungement
- Misdemeanor
Arraignment
- Discovery
Requests
- Bail
/ Bond Hearing
- Pre-Trial
Conference
- Motion
Hearings
- Jury
Trial or Bench Trial
- Sentencing
- Appeals
- District Court or Justice Court
- 402 Reduction
- Expungement
Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake
Choosing the
best
criminal defense attorney for your case is important.
Finding an attorney who understands your goals, is able and willing to
communicate with you about legal issues that concern you, has
significant experience defending criminal cases in Utah, and has a
track record of achieving
positive results - all of these are factors
to consider in choosing the best attorney for your case.
With a practice based in Salt Lake City,
criminal defense lawyer
Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. He
has successfully protected his clients' rights in thousands of criminal
cases, ranging from homicide to drug charges to white collar crime.
Contact us today to
arrange for an initial consultation.

Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....
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
»

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
»