Utah Arson Attorney - Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer
Under the Utah criminal code, arson is a serious felony charge. Even something intended as a prank, such as lighting a garbage can on fire, is a crime that can result in a lengthy prison sentence and thousands of dollars in fines. Stephen Howard is a Utah criminal defense attorney with real experience in defending arson and other crimes. During his career he has handled literally thousands of serious felony charges, with a record of achieving real results. If you are facing criminal prosecution for arson or other crimes, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.Elements of a Criminal Arson Charge in Utah
A typical criminal arson charge in Utah involves intentional damage
to property
be means of
fire or explosives. Most arson cases will involve damage or destruction
of property belonging to another person. However, the crime
of arson can also ge charged if a person damages or destroys
his own property with the intent to commit insurance fraud.Consequences for an Arson Conviction in Utah
The severity of a Utah arson charge can depend on a number of factors, including the following: the value of the damage caused by the fire or explosion; whether human life was endangered or caused injury; whether the defendant has a prior conviction for; and whether the arson was committed for the purpose of defrauding an insurance company. An ordinary arson charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison with a fine and surcharge of almost $20,000. A charge of aggravated arson is punishable as a first degree felony, and carries a potential sentence of life in prison.Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Defending against a criminal charge involves more than just reading police reports. The process of determining whether a fire was accidentally or intentionally set can require expert analysis of complex data and findings. There may be disputes over who was present when the fire began, how the fire began, who is responsible for the fire, and much more. Stephen Howard is experienced in handling complex criminal defense cases.If you are facing criminal prosecution for arson or any other criminal offense, you need an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer on your side. Contact us now to arrange an initial consultation.
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Need to Know - Choosing an Attorney
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Offenders
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Offenders
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Clients
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Crimes
- Selected 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.
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.
Expungement - Worked to restore client's expungement eligibility through 402 reduction process, then filed successful expungement petitions in multiple courts obtaining expungement orders and clearing client's official criminal history.
Probation - Client
charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
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Can
I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve
the case without returning to the state. . . .
Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....
Strategy »
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....
Experience »
In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....
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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