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
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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 -
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.
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.
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.
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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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