Drug Possession Attorney - Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

Consequences of a Utah drug possession conviction can include in jail or prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, losing your driver's license, and a variety of probation conditions and restrictions. Stephen Howard is a Utah criminal defense attorney with extensive experience dealing with Utah drug cases. He has successfully defended cases ranging from first-degree felony drug distribution to simple misdemeanor possession of marijuana. He has a track record of achieving real results for his clients. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Penalties for Drug Possession Charges in Utah

Drug possession charges in Utah can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending mainly on what drug is involved.

If case involves a drug classified under Utah Code Ann. 58-37-4 as either a Schedule I controlled substance (e.g. heroin or psilocybin mushrooms) or a Schedule II controlled substance (e.g. cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, or other opiates), then the default level for the charge will be a third-degree felony. Charges for possession of most other controlled substances (Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V) begin at the class B misdemeanor level.

Charges for possession of marijuana presents a significant exception to the "Schedule" rules. While marijuana is technically a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana begins at the class B misdemeanor level. Possession of between one and sixteen ounces of marijuana begins as a class A misdemeanor. Possession of more than sixteen ounces of marijuana can be charged as a felony, even without any evidence of distribution or the intent to distribute. While marijuana possession for medical use or even personal recreational use has been legalized in some states, Utah continues to prosecute marijuana possession.

Enhancements for Utah Drug Possession Charges

The level of a drug possession charge in Utah can be enhanced for a number of reasons, including prior convictions, if the offense occurs in a "drug free zone," or if a person is found in possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility. These enhancements can be "stacked" - which could result in a first-degree felony charge with life in prison as a maximum penalty for even a simple possession charge (not distribution or the intent to distribute). Possession of a controlled substance when a child is present or even just nearby can also result in an additional criminal charge of child endangerment.

If police or prosecutors believe that a person has distributed drugs, or possessed drugs "with the intent to distribute," the stakes go up substantially. Either distribution or possession with the intent to distribute can be filed as a second degree felony (1-15 years prison) and can be enhanced to the first degree level (five years to life in prison) under some circumstances.

Choosing a Criminal Attorney in Utah

If you are facing criminal prosecution for drug possession, you need an experienced drug defense attorney on your side.  Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has extensive experience defending drug charges, working with clients who are struggling with addiction, and in working with Utah's felony drug court system.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.