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Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

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White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

Attorney for Expungements Reductions and Pardons

Defendant Constitutional Rights Criminal Lawyer

Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Procedural Outline of a Utah Misdemeanor Case

Defending against a misdemeanor criminal charge in Utah can be a complicated process. Various evidentiary and procedural rules, complex statutes, and a broad array of applicable appellate case law must be considered in formulating an effective defense strategy. The following pages are intended to provide a general overview of misdemeanor criminal case procedure in Utah.

If you are facing prosecution for a misdemeanor or felony crime, having the assistance of an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney can ensure that your rights are protected and can give you the best chance of a successful outcome to your case. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. His track record includes not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals on some of the most serious crimes on the books in Utah. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.

Misdemeanor Case Procedure in Utah

Arraignment
Discovery Requests
Bail or Bond Hearing
Pre-Trial Conference
Motion Hearings
Bench Trial or Jury Trial
Sentencing Hearing
Appeals - Justice Court or District Court
Expungement of Criminal Records

Finding the Right Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

Choosing a defense attorney to handle your criminal case can be most important decision you make. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Stephen Howard has protected clients' rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases in Utah.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. See what experience can do for you.

Selected Victories
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony drug distribution charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and ultimate dismissal of case.
2-Step Reduction - Client needed a two-step reduction to bring a prior conviction to the misdemeanor level. Collection of substantial evidence of reform and rehabilitation convinced a normally reluctant prosecutor to stipulate to the defense 402 reduction motion.
Dismissal - Client was charged with first-degree felony home burglary and facing potential life in prison. Defense analysis revealed flaws in prosecutor's case which led to abeyance agreement intended to lead to a full dismissal of the case.

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. . . .

The right criminal defense lawyer can work with you to develop a defense strategy designed to achieve the best results. Hiring a Utah criminal attorney with real courtroom experience and an in-depth understanding of the legal issues involved in defending against a criminal prosecution can help ensure the best...

Strategy »

With decades of combined experience, our criminal defense team attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and determination to help you achieve the results you need. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. Choosing the best attorney to defend your case may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make....

Experience »

Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....

Consequences »

Utah Criminal Attorney - Reasons to Hope

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 »

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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