Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what our criminal defense team can do for you.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Threatening or Using a Dangerous Weapon - Utah Criminal Attorney

Threatening or using a dangerous weapon during a fight can result in up to a year in jail and nearly $5,000 in fines and surcharge. Stephen Howard has successfully represented clients in literally thousands of serious criminal cases, achieving dismissals or not guilty verdicts for violent offenses including weapons charges, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, and more. If you are facing prosecution for a weapons charge or other criminal offense, you need an attorney with real experience on your side. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has the experience, skill, and determination to help you get the results you need. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.

Elements of a Criminal Charge for Threatening or Using a Dangerous Weapon

Threatening or using a dangerous weapon in a fight or quarrel (sometimes referred to as a "brandishing" charge) is considered a crime under Utah law if a person "draws or exhibits" a dangerous weapon "in an angry and threatening manner" or "unlawfully uses" a dangerous weapon in a "fight or quarrel," and does so in the presence of two or more persons.

Self Defense as an Affirmative Legal Defense in Utah

Threatening to use a dangerous weapon is not always a criminal act. Under Utah criminal law, a a person is allowed to threaten or even use a dangerous weapon in self defense or in order to prevent another person from committing an assault or otherwise using unlawful force. But the use of force in self defense or defending another person must be "reasonable" based on all surrounding circumstances. If you are charged with threatening to use a dangerous weapon, you should speak immediately to an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine what defenses may be available to you.

Other Related Utah Criminal Offenses

There can be a fine line between a misdemeanor charge of "threatening or using a dangerous weapon" and a felony charge of aggravated assault. The difference can sometimes be based on very subtle differences in the facts of an individual case. A prosecutor may even, under some circumstances, amend the misdemeanor "threatening" charge to become a felony aggravated assault. If the weapon has been concealed, an additional criminal charge can be filed carrying a concealed weapon. If a threat is made that does not involve a weapon, a lesser charge of making a "threat of violence" can be charged.

Contacting a Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake City

Courts and prosecutors take weapons charges very seriously. If you have been accused of threatening or using a dangerous weapon in a fight or quarrel, contact us to schedule an initial consultation. Find out what an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer can do for you.


Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Utah 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.
  • 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.
  • Violent Crimes Assalt Defense UtahProbation - Client charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
  • Recent Posts
  • What to Do When Arrested for DUI What 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. . . .
  • Utah Misdemeanor Attorney Salt Lake Can I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve the case without returning to the state. . . .
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

With decades of combined experience, our criminal defense team attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and determination to help you achieve the results you need. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. Choosing the best attorney to defend your case may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make....

Experience »
Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

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....

Consequences »
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Hope

Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....

Reasons to Hope »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us

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

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.