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Utah Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake City

Can my driver license be suspended for a custodial interference conviction?

As surprising as it may be, the answer to this question is yes. Your driver license can be suspended in Utah if you are convicted for a criminal charge of custodial interference.

The logical connection between driving privileges and custodial interference is debatable. But the legislature has made the public policy decision to link the two by statute. Under Utah Code 53-3-220, a person's driver license can be suspended for a period of up to 180 days for a custodial interference conviction.

If you are facing prosecution for custodial interference or other criminal charges, the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney is vital. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal lawyer Stephen Howard has spent his career protecting the rights of individuals charged with crimes in Utah. Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation.

Can I avoid a license suspension for custodial interference?

Avoiding a driver license suspension for custodial interference can be achieved by avoiding a conviction in the criminal case. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, there may be various strategies that may give you the best chance for avoiding a custodial interference conviction.

A not guilty verdict at jury trial will avoid a conviction. But not all cases are appropriately suited for trial. In some cases, a negotiated resolution involving a plea in abeyance may provide a better alternative for achieving a dismissal and avoiding conviction. Consultation with an experienced criminal lawyer can help you develop the best strategy for your specific case.

How long will the driver license suspension be?

The length of a driver license suspension for a custodial interference conviction will depend on the level of the conviction. If the conviction is at the felony level (typically for taking a child across state lines), then the driver license can be suspended for 180 days. For a class A misdemeanor conviction (typically for a third conviction in a two-year period), the default suspension period is 90 days. If the conviction has no enhancements for prior convictions or crossing state lines, then the default suspension period is 30 days.

If I am convicted of custodial interference, can I shorten the suspension period?

Under Utah Code 53-3-220, default suspension periods are set at 30, 90, and 180 days depending on the level of the custodial interference conviction. But the statute also provides that the period can be shorter if the court with jurisdiction over the criminal case provides the Driver License Division with an order of suspension for a shorter period of time.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake criminal attorney Stephen Howard has spent his career defending the rights of individuals accused of crimes in Utah. His track record includes not guitly verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals in serious felony and misdemeanor cases. He has successfully protected his clients' rights in cases ranging from homicide to custodial interference, and virtually everything in between.

If you are facing criminal prosecution for custodial interference or other charges in Utah, Mr. Howard has the skill, knowledge, and determination to help you achieve the results you need.

Contact us now to arrange for an initial confidential consultation.

Related Criminal Defense Topics

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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 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.
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.
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
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How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .

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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....

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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....

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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. But just being charged can affect more than you may have imagined - jail, job, family, bills, rent or mortgage. It can feel like everything has gone wrong, and may you wonder if anything can go right. But facing criminal prosecution does not mean giving up hope....

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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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