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 for help protecting your rights.
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

Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney - Utah Kidnapping Attorney

A charge of kidnapping in Utah can result in a felony conviction and a substantial prison sentence. As an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney, Stephen Howard has successfully defended clients faced with aggravated kidnapping, child kidnapping, and more. Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us today for an initial consultation. When facing serious charges, you need an experienced attorney with a record of achieving real results.

Elements of a Kidnapping Charge in Utah

The elements of kidnapping under Utah Code 76-5-301 include detaining or restraining another person against their will and without legal authority, for a substantial period of time or under circumstances that expose the victim to a risk of bodily injury. A simple kidnapping charge is classified as a second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. With enhancements for child kidnapping or aggravated kidnapping, the offense level can rise to a first degree felony and may carry a mandatory life prison sentence under some circumstances.

Related charges under the Utah criminal code, which are typically charged as misdemeanors, include unlawful detention and custodial interference. In some kidnapping cases, a prosecutor may be willing to negotiate a plea bargain involving one of these lesser misdemeanor charges instead of a more serious felony kidnapping.

A felony kidnapping charge is one of the more serious criminal charges under the Utah code. In imposing a sentence, a judge can consider not only the legal elements of the charge, but also the specific facts and circumstances of the case and the background and history of the defendant. In many kidnapping cases, the judge will have the option of imposing either a prison term or placing the defendant on probation.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake

If you are facing kidnapping or other criminal charges in Utah, you need an attorney on your side who is capable of defending and protecting your rights. Stephen Howard has handled thousands of serious felony charges, including aggravated murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and many more. Whatever your charge, he has the experience to help you get the results you need.  

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard offers defense services to clients throughout all of Utah. Contact us now to arrange for an initial consultation and case analysis.


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 AttorneyDismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
  • Criminal Appeals Defense AttorneyDismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
  • Utah Probation Attorney Released - Client absconded for more than 10 years from felony probation with Adult Probation and Parole. At an order to show cause hearing, prosecutor argued aggressively for prison. Based on effective mitigation efforts by the defense, the judge agreed to release client without further jail.
  • 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

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 »
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 »
Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah - Reasons to Hope

Clients sometimes ask what the "worst case scenario" is for their charges. We prefer to take a more positive approach. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. But you can take steps and make choices right now that will improve your chances of a positive outcome. Let us help you....

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.