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 alleged attack using broken bottle as a weapon. Despite the testimony of numerous prosecution witnesses, thorough defense investigation to support a self-defense claim resulted in acquittal by jury at trial.
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.
Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
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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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 »
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....
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A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....
Consequences »
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....
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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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