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Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Criminal Defense Lawyer Utah - Riot Charges

A criminal charge of "riot" in Utah can be punished by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine plus a 90% surcharge. Stephen Howard has defended thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor charges during his career, with a track record of achieving real results for his clients. When you are facing criminal charges in Utah, you deserve an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Elements of a Utah Criminal Riot Charge

The basic elements of a Utah riot charge are met if a prosecutor can present proof that a person:

(a) simultaneously with two or more other persons he engages in tumultuous or violent conduct and thereby knowingly or recklessly creates a substantial risk of causing public alarm; or

(b) he assembles with two or more other persons with the purpose of engaging, soon thereafter, in tumultuous or violent conduct, knowing, that two or more other persons in the assembly have the same purpose; or

(c) he assembles with two or more other persons with the purpose of committing an offense against a person or property of another who he supposes to be guilty of a violation of law, believing that two or more other persons in the assembly have the same purpose.

Under Utah criminal law, riot can be charged as a felony or as a misdemeanor. The difference between a felony riot charge and a misdemeanor riot charge can depend on whether any person was injured, substantial property damage or arson occurred, or whether the defendant was armed with a dangerous weapon. If any of those conditions are met, the riot charge may be filed as a third degree felony. If none of those conditions, the riot charge should be filed as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail.

Contacting a Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake City

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah for riot or other criminal charges, contact us now to schedule an initial consultation. See the difference an experienced attorney can make in your case.


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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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