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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start Here^SM

White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

Attorney for Expungements Reductions and Pardons

Defendant Constitutional Rights Criminal Lawyer

Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

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

Felony and Class A Misdemeanor Cases in Utah

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

Class B and Class C Misdemeanor Cases in Utah

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.

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.
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.
Not Guilty - Client was charged with residential felony burglary and theft charges. Effective cross-examination of alleged victim at preliminary hearing resulted in an admission by the alleged victim that the charges were based on a false report to police, made for the purpose of getting revenge against the defendant. Case was dismissed outright.

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. . . .
Can I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve the case without returning to the state. . . .

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 »

Conviction Consequences in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

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 »

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

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 »

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

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.