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Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Hiding Drugs to Avoid Police Discovery in Utah

News stories occasionally surface talking about people who have been caught by police while trying to flush illegal drugs down a toilet. In addition to the environmental, health, and safety issues connected with the improper disposal of drugs, there are potentially serious legal consequences for illegal possession of drugs or controlled substances with additional penalties if police catch a person trying to hide or destroy evidence.

If you are facing prosecution for a drug offense or other crime in Utah, obtaining the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer can be the best way to avoid the most serious consequences of a criminal conviction. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal attorney Stephen Howard has successfully defended clients facing some of the most serious crimes on the books in Utah. Contact us today to arrange for a confidential consultation.

Flushing Drugs - Hiding Drugs

Criminal Charges for Obstruction of Justice in Utah Drug Cases

In cases where a person is accused of flushing drugs down a toilet or otherwise trying to conceal or destroy drugs, a criminal charge for obstruction of justice may be filed. But the mere destruction of drugs is not, by itself, sufficient to support an obstruction charge.

Criminal charges for obstruction of justice generally involve actions intended to hinder, prevent, or delay a criminal investigation, arrest, or prosecution. If a person is attempting to destroy drugs because the person recognizes that the drugs are dangerous and potentially harmful (e.g., could seriously injure or kill a child who accidentally ingested the drugs), then the person's actions may qualify for an "innocent possession" defense. But if the person is trying to destroy the drugs to avoid being caught by police, then an obstruction of justice charge may be appropriately filed.

In many cases involving obstruction of justice charges, it is often the defendant's state of mind or mens rea that can be the critical element in the case. Two people, engaging in identical conduct, could be variously found guilty and not guilty based on differences in their mental state at the time they engaged in the conduct.

Penalties for Flushing Drugs

If a person is charged with obstruction of justice for flushing drugs down a toilet, likely charges can range from a second degree felony (up to 15 years in prison) to a class A misdemeanor (up to 365 days in jail). The level of the offense can vary based on what the underlying criminal activity was, what the person did to hide evidence, hinder an investigation, etc., whether a weapon was involved, and many other factors.

If you have found yourself in possession of drugs or evidence of some other criminal act, it is important to obtain the assistance and advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney before deciding what actions to take. The penalties for a mistake can be serious.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients' rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases. He has a track record of achieving real results.

Contact us today to arrange for a confidential initial consultation.

RELATED CRIMINAL DEFENSE TOPICS

Selected Victories
Dismissed - Contractor was charged with theft by deception for allegedly misusing customer funds and failing to complete work that had been agreed upon. A successful motion to quash on legal grounds following the bindover order at preliminary hearing resulted in a complete dismissal of all charges.
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.
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.
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.

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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. . . .

You want the best defense. Agressive is good. But results ultimately are what really matter. Creating an effective strategy for defending against criminal prosecution requires a thorough understanding of statutes, case law, and evidentiary and procedural rules. A successful outcome is more likely when....

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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 - 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 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....

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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