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Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Utah Marijuana Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

Utah has strict criminal penalties associated with drug crimes, including marijuana possession and distribution. Depending on the amount of marijuana possessed and its intended use, marijuana charges in Utah can range from the class B misdemeanor level (punishable by up to six months jail) to much more serious felony charges with potential prison terms of several years.

If you hare facing criminal charges for marijuana possession in Utah, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to ensure that your rights are protected. You need an attorney with a record of achieving real results for his clients. Don't settle for anything less. Contact us today to arrange for a confidential consultation with Utah criminal attorney Stephen Howard.

Defending Marijuana Charges in Utah

Drug Crimes Defense - Utah Criminal Lawyer Salt LakeDefending a criminal case involving marijuana drug possession requires an understanding of complex constitutional law involving Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues and Fifth Amendment protections. It requires an understanding of Utah's laws regarding "constructive" possession and "innocent" possession principles. And it requires an understanding of the effect in Utah of the legalization of recreational and medical marijuana in other states.

Defending a marijuana charge in Utah can require detailed factual and legal analysis, motions to suppress evidence, and all of the complexities involved in a jury trial. Defense of a Utah marijuana case can also mean engaging the prosecutor in negotiations which may result in a better outcome than the likely result at trial. A successful defense can depend on having an attorney with the experience to understand which strategy is best-suited to achieve your individual goals in the case.

Stephen Howard has successfully defended drug cases in Utah ranging from first-degree felony distribution to misdemeanor marijuana and paraphernalia charges. He has the experience needed to help you achieve the best results for your case.

Consequences of Marijuana Convictions in Utah

Cultural attitudes toward marijuana are changing. But from a legal perspective, if you are facing criminal charges relating to marijuana possession, you should take the case very seriously.

A criminal charge for possession of marijuana can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. At its lowest level, marijuana possession is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail. Distribution of marijuana, or possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute is a third degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Drug free zone enhancements can increase the potential penalties for simple possession to a maximum of a year in jail; marijuana distribution charges can be enhanced to the second degree felony level, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Drug convictions in Utah can result in a driver license suspension. A conviction for marijuana possession is also a criminal conviction that can become a part of your criminal record, and may affect your ability to find employment or take advantage of other potential opportunities.

While many marijuana possession charges are handled through Utah's justice court system, it is a criminal charge that should be taken seriously. Having an experienced Utah criminal attorney on your side can help give your case the best chance of success.

Effects of Legalization of Marijuana in Other States on Utah Cases

Although some states have legalized the possession of marijuana, Utah still strictly enforces criminal laws against possession of marijuana. Residents of Colorado, Arizona, or California are commonly pulled over for traffic violations while traveling through Utah. If police smell marijuana, they may have a sufficient basis to search a vehicle. Even if a person has a prescription for marijuana or a medical marijuana card from another state, he may still face criminal prosecution for possession of a controlled substance in Utah. In some cases, a person may even be charged in Utah for driving with a measurable controlled substance metabolite, even when the last time he used marijuana was prior to coming to Utah.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney for Marijuana Charges

If you are facing criminal prosecution on a marijuana charge, you need an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense attorney on your side.  Stephen Howard has successfully handled drug cases ranging from first degree felony distribution to misdemeanor marijuana possession. And he has a record of achieving real results for his clients.

Contact Stephen Howard now to see how he can help you with your case.
 

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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot 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.
  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Utah 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.
  • 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.
  • Felony Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child kidnapping. Full defense analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.
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....

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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....

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In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....

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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....

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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

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