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Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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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

Own Recognizance ("OR") Release - Utah Criminal Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges in Utah, a court may issue an arrest warrant and order that you be held in jail while the case is pending. Police may also arrest you immediately before the case is even filed under some circumstances. An "own recognizance" or "OR" release is one option that may allow you to be released from jail while the case is pending.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal attorney Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients' rights in felony and misdemeanor cases ranging from homicide to DUI. Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation

When will a Utah criminal court order an OR release?

Salt Lake Metro JailAn “own recognizance” or “OR” release from jail may be allowed by a court in Utah criminal cases where the court is convinced that the defendant is not a flight risk and does not pose a risk to the alleged victims or to the community in general. Other factors that may be considered by the court may include hardships that the defendant may be faced with if he/she is incarcerated during the pendency of the criminal case, the defendant’s prior criminal history, the number of charges in the current case, the severity of the charges, injuries or damages alleged to have been caused by the defendant, the length of time it is anticipated that it will take to resolve the case, or other relevant factors.

A criminal defendant does not have a "right" to be released on his or her own recognizance. In most cases, a defedant has a constitutional right to have bail set at a reasonable amount. But the decision to grant an "OR" release is discretionary with the court. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can give you the best chance of obtaining an own recognizance release.

Are there other alternatives for release from jail?

If a judge refuses to grant an own recognizance release, there may be other alternatives to securing your release from jail while your case is pending. If bail has been set, you may post a cash bail or you may consider using a bail bonds company to post a bond. Before posting a bond, you should also consider whether the court is likely to consider a request to reduce the amount of your bail. In some cases, even where a judge refuses to grant an own recognizance release, the court may be willing to allow a supervised release from jail. A bail reduction or a supervised release agreement may save you thousands of dollars in bail bond costs.

Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

Utah Criminal Defense LawyerIf you are facing criminal charges in Utah, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. The best results in your criminal case can often depend on having your attorney’s involvement in all stages of the case. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. He has achieved not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals in some of the most serious criminal charges on the books in Utah.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - 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.
  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client was facing multiple cases involving first-degree felony drug distribution charges for allegedly selling to a confidential informant. Defense analysis of the case revealed fatal flaws in the prosecution case that ultimately resulted in a complete dismissal of all cases and charges.
  • Utah 402 Reduction Attorney 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.
  • Felony Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child kidnapping. Full defense analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.
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Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....

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Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah - Reasons to Hope

Clients sometimes ask what the "worst case scenario" is for their charges. We prefer to take a more positive approach. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. But you can take steps and make choices right now that will improve your chances of a positive outcome. Let us help you....

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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

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