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

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Colorado Marijuana

What are the consequences for Colorado residents arrested in Utah on marijuana-related criminal charges?

Salt Lake City, Utah - As of January 1, 2014, Colorado has provided legal means to buy, sell, and possess marijuana within the state of Colorado. This applies not just to medical marijuana, but also to marijuana intended for recreational use. While Colorado has changed its laws, Utah laws regarding marijuana remain enforceable in Utah. Colorado residents traveling through or visiting Utah may find themselves facing criminal charges for marijuana-related charges. If you have been arrested, cited, or charged with a crime in Utah, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can give you the best chance at a positive outcome in your case.  Salt Lake attorney Stephen Howard has a track record of achieving real results for his clients.

Salt Lake Marijuana Defense LawyerThe legalization of marijuana in Colorado has not changed Utah's criminal statutes relating to marijuana.  Possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana-related drug paraphernalia, driving while under the influence of marijuana, or driving with a measurable amount of the drug metabolite are among the more common criminal charges filed against Colorado residents in Utah. Whether the marijuana is used recreationally or for medical purposes, Utah law still provides significant misdemeanor or felony penalties for these charges.

Marijuana Possession in Utah

Possession of marijuana in Utah is a criminal offense. Colorado residents can find themselves facing criminal charges if they are found to be in possession of marijuana in Utah. Even with a valid prescription from a doctor, or proof that the marijuana was purchased in Colorado, Utah law still provides criminal penalties for possession of marijuana. At its lowest level, Utah criminal statutes classify marijuana possession as a class B misdemeanor. Depending on the amount of marijuana involved and whether the offense occurs within a drug-free zone, criminal charges can be elevated to the felony level.

Drug Paraphernalia in Utah

Marijuana-related drug paraphernalia under Utah law can include pipes, rolling papers, grinders, scales, or even simply the packaging material used to contain the marijuana. Because a container used to hold marijuana can be considered drug paraphernalia, marijuana possession charges are often accompanied by a drug paraphernalia charge.

Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana

Utah DUI laws include penalties for individuals driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs to an degree that the individual is not able to safely operate the vehicle. Utah law does not make a distinction between lawfully prescribed medications and illegal drugs if the substance causes a driver to be unable to safely operate the vehicle. Individuals who use marijuana or other medications or drugs legal in Colorado may themselves facing DUI charges in Utah if the drugs or medications cause an impairment of their ability to drive safely.

DUI charges in Utah begin at the misdemeanor level for both alcohol or marijuana. In certain circumstances, the charge can be enhanced to the felony level. In either case, a Utah DUI conviction can carry significant consequences.

Driving with Measurable Marijuana Metabolite

Even if a person's use of marijuana is limited or far enough in the past that it does not cause any impairment of the person's ability to safely drive, Utah law still provides criminal penalties against a person who operates a vehicle with even a small amount of detectable marijuana drug metabolite in his or her system. If a blood or urine test shows positive for THC metabolite, a person may be charged criminally. This can be particularly problematic for Colorado residents who find themselves driving through Utah. Because of the length of time that marijuana metabolite can remain detectable in a person's blood or urine, a Colorado resident driving through Utah could face criminal charges days or even weeks after using marijuana. This criminal charge does not require any proof that the marijuana use occurred in Utah. Thus, a Colorado resident who uses marijuana legally in Colorado then days later drives through Utah in an unimpaired state could still be charged criminally.

A person charged with driving with THC metabolite in their system should look at the statute establishing this offense to see if it may provide a possible defense strategy. The statute provides an affirmative defense if a defendant presents evidence that the marijuana was consumed legally. For a Colorado resident who has used marijuana only in Colorado and not in Utah, this affirmative defense could allow a jury to return a not-guilty verdict for a DUI/Metabolite charge. While Utah law does not recognize medical marijuana cards from other states, and does not allow residents from other states to bring marijuana through Utah, marijuana which was legally ingested in another state should fit the elements of this affirmative defense.

Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Utah

Salt Lake Criminal AttorneyIf you have been cited, arrested, received a summons, or had a warrant issued against you in a Utah criminal case, it is important to contact an experienced Utah criminal attorney. It may be tempting to treat this kind of charge as insignificant, but the consequences of a conviction can be serious.

Serving clients throughout Utah, Stephen Howard has successfully defended marijuana cases for residents of Colorado and other states who have been charged in Utah, often in ways that have not required his clients to return to Utah for court. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation. See what the right attorney can do for you.

RELATED QUESTIONS:
Can I still be charged with drug possession if all of the drugs have been consumed?
What is the potential punishment for marijuana possession in Utah?
Can I say no if police ask to search my car?


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.
  • Criminal Appeals Defense AttorneyDismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
  • Utah Probation Attorney 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.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with residential felony burglary and theft charges. Effective cross-examination of alleged victim at preliminary hearing resulted in an admission by the alleged victim that the charges were based on a false report to police, made for the purpose of getting revenge against the defendant. Case was dismissed outright.
  • Recent Posts
  • What to Do When Arrested for DUI 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. . . .
  • Utah Statewide Warrant Search 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. . . .
Best Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

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 »
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 Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Never give up hope. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. And it is usually not the end of the world. While the consequences of a criminal charge can be serious, there are often several options and strategies for handling your case. Understanding your options and how an experienced criminal lawyer can help....

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.