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.- What You
Need to Know - Choosing an Attorney
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Offenders
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Offenders
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Clients
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Not 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.
Dismissed -
Client was facing multiple cases involving first-degree felony drug distribution charges for allegedly selling to a confidential informant. Defense analysis of the case revealed fatal flaws in the prosecution case that ultimately resulted in a complete dismissal of all cases and charges.
Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.
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should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .
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 »
Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....
Experience »
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 »
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 »
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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
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
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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