Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what our team can do for you.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Utah Disorderly Conduct Attorney - Salt Lake Defense Lawyer

Disorderly conduct is a relatively minor criminal charge under Utah law. But even a minor criminal conviction can have real consequences. From his office in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has handled literally thousands of serious criminal cases. If you are facing prosecution for disorderly conduct or other criminal charges in Utah, you need an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney with the experience necessary to ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today for an initial consultation.

Penalties for a Disorderly Conduct Conviction in Utah

Criminal charges for disorderly conduct in Utah are most commonly filed at the class C misdemeanor level. A conviction for a class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days jail and a fine and surcharge totaling $1,425. Under the Utah criminal code, disorderly conduct can also be classified as an in fraction under certain circumstances.

Elements of a Disorderly Conduct Charge in Utah

The Utah criminal code creates several categories of behavior that can be charged as "disorderly conduct." These can include refusing to comply with the lawful order of a police officer to move from a public place, or the knowing creation of a hazardous or "physically offensive condition."  A criminal charge of disorderly conduct can also be based on engaging in fighting or "violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior," making "unreasonable noises in a public place" or "unreasonable noises in a private place which can be heard in a public place," or obstructing traffic, if the person engaging in that conduct has the intent "to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm."

If a person has been asked to stop, and continues to engage in the disorderly conduct, the criminal charge can be filed at a class C misdemeanor level. If there has been no request to stop, the offense is technically an infraction. But in practice, it is very rare that police and prosecutors become engaged in prosecuting cases where the defendant was not first asked to stop. Thus, most charges for disorderly conduct in Utah are filed as misdemeanors.

Utah Disorderly Conduct Charges - Plea Negotiations

Criminal charges for disorderly conduct in Utah are often accompanied by other related charges, such as public intoxication or assault. In such cases, it is sometimes possible to negotiate the dismissal of more serious charges in exchange for a plea to a lesser disorderly conduct charge.

In other cases, an assault or riot charge may be filed. But through negotiations, a prosecuting attorney may be convinced to amend the charge to the less serious disorderly conduct charge. In some cases, a prosecutor may even be convinced to amend the charge to an infraction level charge or to enter into a plea in abeyance agreement.

Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah

Any criminal charge is serious. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct or other criminal charges, an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney can ensure that your rights are protected. Based in Salt Lake City, attorney Stephen Howard has defended clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges ranging from murder to DUI and virtually everything in between. Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation with Stephen Howard.


Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • 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 Salt Lake Davis 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.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Dismissal - Client was charged with first-degree felony home burglary and facing potential life in prison. Defense analysis revealed flaws in prosecutor's case which led to abeyance agreement intended to lead to a full dismissal of the case.
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....

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

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 »
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....

Consequences »
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....

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

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.