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

Child kidnapping is one of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. A life prison term is mandatory if you are convicted of child kidnapping. Under certain circumstances, that sentence can be for life without parole ("LWOP"). The only charge that can be punished more severely is aggravated murder.

If you are facing child kidnapping charges in Utah, you need an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney on your side. Stephen Howard has successfully handled thousands of criminal cases in Utah, including aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, and more. Don't settle for a sales pitch. Hire an attorney with a record of real results.

Elements of a Utah Child Kidnapping Charge

Under Utah Code  76-5-301.1, child kidnapping involves allegations that "the actor intentionally or knowingly, without authority of law, and by any means and in any manner, seizes, confines, detains, or transports a child under the age of 14 without the consent of the victim's parent or guardian. . . ."

Utah's child kidnapping statute will not normally apply to actions taken by a child's parents. Unless a person's parental rights have been legally terminated, a parent cannot normally commit the crime of child kidnapping. (Note, however, that a charge of ordinary kidnapping could potentially be brought against a parent who detains a child aged 14 years or more. Also, a parent who detains a child could be guilty of custodial interference under Utah Code 76-5-303.)

Consequences of Conviction for Child Kidnapping in Utah

Unlike ordinary kidnapping charges, a conviction for child kidnapping requires a mandatory sentence of life in prison - the judge does not have the option of granting probation. If a serious injury is inflicted on the child during the kidnapping, the judge may impose a life prison term without the possibility of parole. For child kidnapping convictions without injury, a judge must still impose a "life" prison term, but with the possibility of a release to parole after serving a portion of the prison term.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

As a criminal defense attorney based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, he has the experience needed to effectively protect your rights. Contact us now to arrange an initial consultation.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot 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.
  • Minor Possession Alcohol - MIP AttorneyDismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
  • Utah Expungement Attorney 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.
  • Utah Burglary Defense Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.
Best Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

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....

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Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

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....

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Conviction Consequences in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....

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Utah Criminal Attorney - Reasons to Hope

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

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