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

Defending 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.