Utah Criminal Attorney - Methamphetamine Possession
Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance
under Utah
Code Ann. 58-37-4. At its lowest level, possession of
methamphetamine in Utah is charged as a third degree
felony
punishable by up to five years in prison. Depending on the
circumstances and location of the offense, or the criminal history of
the defendant, enhancements can increase the level of the charge to a
second or even first degree felony. If you are facing drug
charges in Utah, it is vital to have an
experienced
criminal defense
lawyer on your side.
Contact us today to
schedule an initial consultation with
Salt Lake criminal defense attorney
Stephen Howard.
Enhanced Methamphetamine Charges in Utah

Enhancements to a methamphetamine possession charge can be added for
possession
in a drug free zone or
possession
with the intent to distribute. The level of the
charge can also be increased in some cases based on the defendant's
prior criminal history. These enhancements can, in some
cases, increase the maximum potential
sentence from
five years up to
life in prison.
While many Utah judges and prosecutors acknowledge
that treatment may be more effective prison time in reducing
recidivism, courts can and do
impose prison terms in some drug possession cases. Hiring an
experienced criminal defense lawyer can help give you the best chance
of avoiding prison, jail time, and a felony conviction.
Defending Criminal Methamphetamine Charges in Utah
Defending a methamphetamine possession charge in Utah requires a
thorough understanding of various constitutional issues (e.g.
Fourth Amendment
search and seizure and
Fifth Amendment
Miranda rights), evidentiary issues (e.g.
constructive
possession, police use of confidential informants, etc.), as
well as the complex procedural issues that can be involved in defending
felony charges.
Stephen Howard has successfully defended
clients facing charges ranging from first degree felony possession and
distribution to third degree felony "simple" possession charges.
He is also one of only a few criminal defense attorneys in
Utah who has prior experience as drug court defense counsel in one of
Utah's felony drug court programs. He works closely with
clients to address the legal issues involved in defending a
methamphetamine charge, but he also understands that there are
additional issues to address relating to drug addiction and substance
abuse.
Finding a Utah Criminal Attorney in Salt Lake City
Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer has
successfully protected his
clients' rights in cases including first degree felony
distribution,
possession with the
intent
to distribute, and "simple"
possession
cases in Utah's district courts and justice courts.
Contact us today for to
schedule an initial consultation with Stephen Howard, and begin the
process of formulating the best defense strategy to address your case.