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.
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Need to Know - Choosing an Attorney
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- First-Time
Offenders
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Offenders
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Clients
- What to Expect in Court
- Potential Penalties
- Reasons for Hope
- Attorney Practice Areas
- Felonies / Misdemeanors
- District / Justice Courts
- Jury Trials / Bench Trials
- Pleas in Abeyance
- Expungements
- 402 Reductions
- Bench / Arrest Warrants
- Constitutional Violations
- Probation
- Appeals
- Juvenile Courts
- Selected Crimes
- Drug Crimes / Addiction
- DUI / Alcohol Crimes
- Property Crimes
- Financial / White Collar
- Violent Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Aggravated
Crimes
- 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 was facing multiple cases involving first-degree felony drug distribution charges for allegedly selling to a confidential informant. Defense analysis of the case revealed fatal flaws in the prosecution case that ultimately resulted in a complete dismissal of all cases and charges.
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.
Probation - Client
charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
- 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 »
Even a "minor" misdemeanor carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. The direct penalties and collateral consequences of a felony conviction are even more severe. Understanding these consequences is critical as you make decisions relating to your case. Even in a misdemeanor case, you should not....
Consequences »
An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....
Reasons to Hope »
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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
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
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
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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