Utah Probation Conditions - Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are convicted of a criminal offense in Utah, you may be placed on probation by the judge. Under Utah's criminal laws, probation is considered a "privilege" under which a judge can impose a variety of conditions. Violation of those conditions can result in the imposition of a jail or prison term. An experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer can help give you the best chance of avoiding jail or prison time. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

What probation conditions can a Utah judge impose?

Probation conditions can include a wide variety of requirements. Typical conditions can include payment of fines or fees, payment of restitution, performing community service, participation in treatment or classes, drug testing, completion of a high school diploma or GED, full-time employment or school, not associating with known criminals, not being present where alcohol is being served, not consuming alcohol or illegal drugs, no contact with victims, and more.

Many judges will try to tailor the conditions of probation to the defendant's specific circumstances. For example, if a defendant has been convicted of prescription fraud, the judge might require that the defendant provide proof of any prescriptions to a probation officer before the prescription is filled. A person convicted of DUI might be required to participate in a MADD victim impact panel. A person convicted of drug possession might have to write a report on the effects on the human body of his drug of choice.

One of the most severe conditions of probation can be the requirement that a person actually serve time in jail. For a felony conviction a person may be required to serve up to a year in jail. Even for misdemeanors, a judge may suspend only a portion of the total jail sentence and require that some jail be served before beginning other probation conditions.

While it may not always be easy to comply with all the conditions a judge may impose as a part of probation, it is to your advantage to complete your probation requirements as soon as possible. If you have completed the terms of your probation, but still have a substantial period of time left on probation, you may be able to petition the court for an early termination of probation.

If you are on probation and are having difficultly meeting all of the requirements of your probation, it may be to your advantage to petition the court for a probation review before an order to show cause is filed. Often, a judge will be more likely to work with you or to give you additional time if you are proactive about bringing the matter to the attention of the court rather than just ignoring the situation in hopes that it will "go away."

402 Reductions after Successful Probation Completion

If you have successfully completed probation, you may be able to obtain a reduction in the level of your convictions using what is sometimes called a "402 reduction." This may allow you to have a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. A 402 reduction may also sometimes be used to restore eligibility for expungement.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you are facing sentencing for a Utah criminal conviction, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side to give you the best chance at staying out of jail. Stephen Howard's record of results includes achieving probation on cases as serious as child abuse homicide, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, drug distribution, aggravated assault, fraud, forgery, and many more.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us now to schedule a consultation.