Utah Mayhem Attorney - Salt Lake Criminal Defense Lawyer
"Mayhem" is rarely charged under Utah criminal law. But a conviction for mayhem can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines and surcharges of almost $20,000. Stephen Howard is an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney who represents clients charged with mayhem and other violent and non-violent criminal charges throughout Utah. Based in Salt Lake City, he has achieved not guilty verdicts or dismissals for clients facing serious felony and misdemeanor criminal charges. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.Elements of a Mayhem Charge in Utah
Under the Utah criminal code, a person is guilty of "mayhem" if he "unlawfully and intentionally deprives a human being of a member of his body, or disables or renders it useless, or who cuts out or disables the tongue, puts out an eye, or slits the nose, ear, or lip." A criminal conviction for mayhem is a second degree felony. Mayhem may also be charged as a domestic violence offense.The concept of "depriving a human being of a member of his body" typically refers to a situation where a body part is cut or bitten off entirely. Typical allegations in a mayhem case could involve a person biting off a another person's finger or ear during a fight. The removal of a body part can also be done with a knife or other sharp object.
Proof of Intent in a Utah Mayhem Case
Simply engaging in conduct that results in the loss of a body part is not, by itself, sufficient to support a mayhem charge. The prosecuting attorney must also prove that the person acted "intentionally." For example, proof that a person was hit or pushed, and in the process accidentally bites the tip of his tongue, does not, by itself, prove criminal mayhem. But while the evidence my be insufficient to support a mayhem charge, there may still be sufficient evidence to support a charge of assault or aggravated assault.Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer - Salt Lake City, Utah
If you are charged with mayhem or other criminal conduct, the consequences can be serious. Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation with Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard. See how an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney can help your case.- What You
Need to Know - Choosing an Attorney
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
- First-Time
Offenders
- Repeat
Offenders
- Out-of-State
Clients
- What to Expect in Court
- Potential Penalties
- Reasons for Hope
- Attorney Practice Areas
- Felonies / Misdemeanors
- District / Justice Courts
- Jury Trials / Bench Trials
- Pleas in Abeyance
- Expungements
- 402 Reductions
- Bench / Arrest Warrants
- Constitutional Violations
- Probation
- Appeals
- Juvenile Courts
- Selected Crimes
- Drug Crimes / Addiction
- DUI / Alcohol Crimes
- Property Crimes
- Financial / White Collar
- Violent Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Aggravated
Crimes
- Selected Victories
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 -
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.
2-Step Reduction - Client needed a two-step reduction to bring a prior conviction to the misdemeanor level. Collection of substantial evidence of reform and rehabilitation convinced a normally reluctant prosecutor to stipulate to the defense 402 reduction motion.
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.
- Recent Posts
What
should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .
You want the best defense. Agressive is good. But results ultimately are what really matter. Creating an effective strategy for defending against criminal prosecution requires a thorough understanding of statutes, case law, and evidentiary and procedural rules. A successful outcome is more likely when....
Strategy »
With decades of combined experience, our criminal defense team attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and determination to help you achieve the results you need. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. Choosing the best attorney to defend your case may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make....
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 »
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....
Reasons to Hope »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us
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
The materials in this website are
intended for informational
purposes only, and are not legal
advice. Viewing or responding to
materials in this site does not create
an attorney-client
relationship. Read
Full Disclaimer.