Utah Criminal Defense Blog
This criminal law blog is the work of Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen W. Howard. Mr. Howard has successfully represented clients in thousands of cases ranging from aggravated murder to DUI, and just about everything in between. His record of results includes wins in some of the most serious charges on the books in Utah.- March 19, 2019 - Trial by Jury or Trial by Fire - Determining Guilt or Innocence
- March 1, 2018 - Reasonableness of Police Roadside Searches - Unreasonable Search and Seizure
- November 20, 2017 - Reliability of Roadside Field Testing in Utah Drug Cases
- October 9, 2017 - Vicious Animals and Absurdity under Utah Law
- June 10, 2016 - Sentencing in Utah - Too Harsh? - Too Lenient?
- May 31, 2016 - Getting It Right - 402 Reductions, Violent Felonies, and Prosecutors
- May 3, 2016 - Miranda: Protecting the Innocent - Celebrating 50 years since Miranda v. Arizona
- March 11, 2016 - Utah Legislature Declines to Vote on Medical Marijuana Bill
- March 4, 2016 - Utah Senate Votes to Repeal Death Penalty - Bill Must Still Pass House and Survive Governor's Veto
- February 12, 2016 - Who really is the best criminal defense attorney in Utah? (You may have just won the Nigerian national lottery.)
- February 9, 2016 - Appealing a BCI Denial of Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Appealing a denial from BCI on an application for a certificate of eligibility may not be necessary. . . .
- November 10, 2015 - New Rule of Evidence 616 - The Utah Supreme Court established a new rule of evidence restricting the admissibility of statements made in custodial interrogations unless those statements are recorded. . . .
- October 30, 2015 - Halloween DUI Enforcement - Police often engage in increased DUI enforcement efforts on Halloween and other times when DUI is an increased problem. . . .
- June 24, 2015 - Does a plea in abeyance let you answer questions as though the whole thing never happened?
- January 13, 2014 - Looking for the best criminal defense attorney?
- November 25, 2013 - Utah Attorney General John Swallow Announces Resignation
- February 2, 2012 - Utah R. Crim. Pro. Amended to Require Preliminary Hearings for Class A Misdemeanors - In order to conform with the Utah Supreme Court's decision in the case of State of Utah v. Hernandez, the Utah Rules of Criminal. . . .
- June 9, 2011 - Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff Speaks on Medical Marijuana - His own battle with cancer appears to have given Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff reason to rethink the legalization of medical marijuana. . . .
- March 21, 2011 - Getting a Job with a Felony Conviction in Utah - Finding a job in today's economy can be tough, even without a criminal record. But if you have a felony conviction, it can seem impossible. . . .
- March 8, 2011 - Your Claim Is "Approved" - An Invitation You Can Decline - I recently received a copy of a letter that was sent out by a State agency responsible for investigating a claim of fraud. . . .
- March 7, 2011 - Seatbelts, Driving, and Alcohol - I learned today that a former client was recently killed in a car accident. Police say that alcohol and excessive speed were involved. . . .
This blog is the work of Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen W. Howard. It is not intended to be legal advice, and the information contained herein may not be applicable to your particular factual or legal situation. If you have been accused of criminal conduct, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss the best way to handle your case. Click here for additional Utah criminal defense practice areas.
- Selected Defense Victories
Not 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.
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.
Dismissed 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.
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
How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
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. . . .
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 »
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 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....
Consequences »
Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can 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.
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.
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.
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.
Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.
Stephen W. Howard, PC