Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Aggravated Kidnapping

If you are facing Utah criminal charges for aggravated kidnapping, you may face the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Defending against this kind of serious charge requires an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense attorney. Stephen Howard has successfully protected his clients' rights in serious criminal cases including aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, child abuse homicide, and many more. He is one of only a few Utah attorneys who has twice  successfully avoided the death penalty for a client facing aggravated murder charges. Don't settle for a sales pitch. Hire an attorney with a record of achieving real results.

Elements of an Aggravated Kidnapping Charge in Utah

A felony charge of aggravated kidnapping can be based on an allegation of either kidnapping or unlawful detention, plus an aggravating element. Potential aggravating elements include the intent to hold the victim for ransom, to facilitate the commission of or escape from the commission of another felony, to hinder or delay the discovery or reporting of another felony, to inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim, to commit a sexual offense, or the possession or use of a dangerous weapon.

Penalties for Aggravated Kidnapping in Utah Criminal Cases

Imprisonment is mandatory for an aggravated kidnapping conviction under Utah law. The maximum penalty is life in prison. A sentencing judge may order that the defendant be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole ("LWOP") if the defendant caused a serious bodily injury to another person during the course of the kidnapping.

Finding an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard offers services to clients throughout Utah. He has the experience and skill necessary to help you achieve the best results possible in your case.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation and case analysis.


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  • Violent Crimes Assalt Defense UtahDismissed 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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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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