Aggravated Arson - Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal conviction for aggravated arson can result in a life prison term. Stephen Howard has successfully defended some of the most serious criminal charges on the books in Utah, including homicide, arson, robbery, kidnapping, and many more. If you are facing criminal prosecution for aggravated arson or other crimes, you need a Utah criminal defense attorney with real experience, and a record of achieving real results. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.Elements of an Aggravated Arson Charge in Utah
The chief distinction between an ordinary arson charge and an
aggravated arson charge is the nature of the place or thing burned.
Typical arson charges in Utah involve the destruction of or damage to
property by means of fire or explosives. While many Utah crimes can be
enhanced to an "aggravated"
offense based on the use of a weapon or on the severity of injuries
inflicted, an aggravated arson charge achieves this enhancement based
on the threat to human safety that is posed by the act of arson.An arson charge becomes "aggravated" under Utah law if the property involved is a home (house, apartment, condominium, etc.) or any other structure or vehicle where a person is present. The statutory language states that an aggravated arson is committed "if by means of fire or explosives" a person "intentionally and unlawfully damages: (a) a habitable structure; or (b) any structure or vehicle when any person not a participant in the offense is in the structure or vehicle."
Consequences of an Aggravated Arson Conviction in Utah
While the maximum potential punishment for an aggravated arson charge in Utah is life in prison, simply being charged with aggravated arson does not mean that your life is over. You have multiple options for defending a criminal case in Utah. An experienced criminal defense attorney can work with you to determine the best strategy for defending your case.In some situations, the best strategy is to take the case to trial. Other cases will benefit from a negotiated resolution. Negotiated resolutions to a charge for aggravated arson could include a reduction in the level of the charge or sentencing recommendations that involve probation or reduced sentences. Final sentencing decisions are made the by the judge, but having an experienced criminal lawyer on your side can substantially improve your chances of success.
Finding a Criminal Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah
Defending a criminal charge of aggravated arson requires an attorney capable of handling complex defense cases. And with a life prison term on the line, the stakes are high. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has successfully handled thousands of serious felony charges during his career.Contact us now to learn what an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer can do for you.
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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.
Dismissed -
Client facing first-degree felony drug distribution
charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work
resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and
ultimate dismissal of case.
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.
Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
- Client
charged with aggravated robbery and facing life in prison. Full case analysis and consultation with client allowed the development of a strong defense strategy. Effective cross-examination of the alleged victim at the preliminary hearing resulted in an outright dismissal of all charges by the judge.
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Successfully defending against criminal prosecution requires more than just an 'aggressive' defense. The best defense attorneys understand that a sophisticated defense requires a thorough understanding of a variety of nuanced legal issues, real experience in the courtroom, good negotiation skills, and much more. Fighting hard is good. Fighting smart is better....
Strategy »
Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your Utah criminal case may be the single most important decision you make. The courtroom can be a hostile place. Prosecutors receive extensive training on legal and tactical issues. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical to defending your case and protecting your rights....
Experience »
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 »
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 »
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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
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.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
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