Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409. We fight to protect your rights.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Criminal Arson Defense in Utah

Arson charges in Utah can carry serious penalties including years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. If you are facing criminal prosecution for arson, the right criminal defense team can make all the difference. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Arson Charges and Penalties in Utah

What distinguishes ordinary arson from aggravated arson in Utah?

Criminal Arson Defense LawyerThe Utah Code sections governing arson crimes are found in sections 76-6-102 and 76-6-103. The key difference between ordinary arson and aggravated arson involves what is burned. Specifically, an arson offense becomes aggravated arson if the burning involves a "habitable structure" or any other structure or vehicle when some person (other than the defendant) is in the structure or vehicle.

The enhanced offense of aggravated arson is based on the concern for human safety. A habitable structure (such as an apartment, house, etc.) is more likely to have a person inside. Burning such a structure therefore creates a greater risk of harm to other people. For similar reasons, burning any other structure or vehicle when another person is actually present is subject to the same aggravated enhancement.

What are the penalties for aggravated arson?

Aggravated arson is classified as a first degree felony under the Utah criminal code. As a first degree felony, it is punishable by a prison term of no less than five years and which may be as long as life. A prison sentence is not mandatory under Utah's sentencing rules, but can be suspended by the court. If probation is granted, the court may still impose up to a year in jail as a condition of probation.

What is the level of offense for an non-aggravated arson?

Defense Attorney for Utah Criminal ChargesFor a non-aggravated arson charge, the level of offense will be determined by the value of the property destroyed or the cost of repairing damaged property. For example, property damage valued at over $5,000 can result in a second degree felony charge and up to 15 years in prison. On the other hand, damages of only a few hundred dollars are likely to result in a misdemeanor charge.

What about accidental burning?

Utah's arson statutes require proof that the burning or destruction of property was intentional. There are other statutes that can criminalize accidental fires, recklessness, and other conduct that does not involve intentional destruction or damage to property.

Can an arson charge be filed if I burn my own property?

Most Utah arson cases will involve allegations that a person intentionally destroyed or damaged property of another person using fire or explosives. But arson charges can also be filed when a person burns their own property if the burning is done for purposes of defrauding an insurance company or filing a fraudulent claim.

What should I do if I am charged with arson in Utah?

The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. If you are contacted by police or investigators in connection with an arson investigation, consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney is highly advised before talking with police or investigators. it is important to avoid making statements that could be used against you, especially if you are innocent. Regardless of guilt or innocence, the right criminal defense team can help make sure that your rights are protected.

Finding the Right Attorney

Whether filed as a felony or a misdemeanor, an arson charge in Utah can carry serious consequences. Any criminal conviction is serious. Arson charges carry particularly strong risks. The potential for loss of life or serious damage to property or loss of life can lead Utah prosecutors to pursue this type of case with greater rigor. Having the right criminal defense attorney on your side can be critical. Contact us now and see how we can help.


Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot 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.
  • 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.
  • 402 Reduction Lawyer Utah 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.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney 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.
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

The best outcome is more likely when the right strategy is employed. Developing the best strategy can require real courtroom experience, a thorough understanding of procedural and substantive legal issues, and a determination to ensure that important constitutional and other legal rights are protected. Choosing the right attorney....

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

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

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 »
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 »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us

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

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.