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Procedural Outline of a Utah Felony Defense Case

This page is part of a series of web pages intended to give a general overview of the criminal case process in Utah's court system. If you are facing felony criminal charges, the assistance of an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney can be invaluable. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has obtained not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals in some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Initial Appearance / Felony First Appearance

In a misdemeanor case, the first court hearing is the arraignment. In a Utah felony case, the arraignment is not held until after a preliminary hearing is conducted (unless waived), and a probable cause determination has been made by the court and a bindover order issued.

The first hearing in a Utah felony case is called by different names, depending on what county the case is being heard in. Some courts will call it an initial appearance. Others will call it a felony first appearance. But the substance of the hearing is essentially the same regardless of the name used.

At a first hearing in a felony case, the defendant is given formal notice of the charges that have been filed by the prosecuting attorney. Normally, the court will provide a copy of the formal charging document - the "Information." In some courts, the judge will read the Information in open court. In many courts, the judge will ask if the defendant wants the Information read aloud, or if the defendant is willing to waive the reading.

The court will also inquire at this hearing as to whether the defendant is represented by counsel, will be hiring counsel, or will be requesting the appointment of a public defender. Because the potential consequences of a felony conviction are severe, it is always advisable to have the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Next: Formal Discovery Requests
Previous: Jail Booking and Release Options
Main: Procedural Outline of a Utah Criminal Case

Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you are facing prosecution for criminal charges, having an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal lawyer Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. His track record includes not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals in cases including aggravated robbery, child kidnapping, drug distribution, white collar crimes, burglary, forgery, and more. He has the experience, knowledge, skill, and determination necessary to help you get the results you need.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
  • Minor Possession Alcohol - MIP AttorneyDismissed - 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.
  • Utah Probation Attorney Released - Client absconded for more than 10 years from felony probation with Adult Probation and Parole. At an order to show cause hearing, prosecutor argued aggressively for prison. Based on effective mitigation efforts by the defense, the judge agreed to release client without further jail.
  • Felony Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child kidnapping. Full defense analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.
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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

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