Can a convicted felon vote in Utah?
Many people are aware of the voting law in Utah that prohibits a convicted felon from voting. But not all of those people are aware of the Utah law that provides for the restoration of a convicted felon's voting rights.Under Utah Code 20A-2-101.5, a convicted felon's right to register to vote and to vote in an election is restored when the convicted felon either: is placed on probation; is placed on parole; or has successfully completed the term of incarceration to which the felon was sentenced.
The practical effect of Utah Code 20A-2-101.5 is that a convicted felon will only be restricted from voting while that person is either awaiting sentencing for a felony conviction or is incarcerated in the state prison.
Utah law also provides similar restrictions on the right to vote for persons convicted of misdemenaors in violation of Utah's election code. Criminal convictions under the election code are rare, so most individuals with misdemeanor convictions on their record are still eligible to vote. But for persons who have been convicted of a misdemeanor under Utah's election code, section 20A-2-101.3 restores voting rights once the person is placed on probation or completes the term of incarceration imposed by the court.
Other Consequences of a Felony Conviction
A felony conviction in Utah carries consequences in addition to the potential impact on voting rights. A felony conviction an affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, hunt or otherwise possess or use firearms, and much more.For many people convicted of a felony, a 402 reduction or expungement may provide a way to remove a felony conviction from their records and restore the rights and privileges that were lost as a result of their convictions. As an experienced Utah criminal attorney Stephen Howard has helped clients clear their records of felony convictions in a wide variety of cases. Call us now to see how he can help you.
Finding a Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah
With a practice based in Salt Lake City, Stephen
Howard is a Utah criminal defense attorney
with a record
of successfully protecting his clients rights in thousands of
serious criminal cases. His record includes not guilty verdicts,
dismissals, and appellate reversals on some of the most serious charges
on the books in Utah. He has also assisted numerous clients in clearing
their records with 402 reductions and expungements.Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.
- What You
Need to Know - Choosing an Attorney
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
- First-Time
Offenders
- Repeat
Offenders
- Out-of-State
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
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- 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 - 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.
Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
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.
- Recent Posts
What
should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
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 »
Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....
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 »
Clients sometimes ask what the "worst case scenario" is for their charges. We prefer to take a more positive approach. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. But you can take steps and make choices right now that will improve your chances of a positive outcome. Let us help you....
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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