Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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Ogden / Weber County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney Profile

Stephen Howard has been named to the National Order of Barristers and has been awarded the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy. Following his graduation, cum laude, from Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark Law School, Mr. Howard took a position with the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association where his skill as a defense attorney allowed him to quickly advance to the felony trial team. Ultimately earning a position on the Association's capital defense team, Mr. Howard acquired more courtroom experience in his first decade of practice than most Utah attorneys will ever see.

As a criminal defense attorney in private practice, Mr. Howard offers clients in Ogden and Weber County a level of experience that is hard to match. He has defended thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases during his career. Yet he understands that each case is unique, and each client has his or her own unique goals and needs. Mr. Howard works personally with each client, to ensure that he understands his client's goals and is able to develop a defense strategy designed to meet each client's individual needs.

The best outcomes require the right attorney. Whether you have had new criminal charges filed against you, are trying to clear your record with an expungement, or have been simply contacted by police who want to "interview" you, you need an attorney with the skill, knowledge, experience, and determination needed to help you achieve the results you need. Mr. Howard has the experience needed to ensure that your rights are protected, no matter how serious the case.

If you are facing prosecution for a crime in Ogden or Weber County, contact us now to arrange for a confidential consultation.

Case Results and Experience

If you are charged with a crime in the Ogden area, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. Utah criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has successfully defended some of the most serious criminal charges on the books in Utah. His track record includes not guilty verdicts or dismissals on serious felony cases including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, fraud, forgery. He has also handled a wide variety of misdemeanor cases for clients including DUI, drug charges, MIP, shoplifting, domestic violence, and many more.

Criminal Defense Strategy and Philosophy

Criminal Defense Attorney StrategyMany criminal attorneys claim to be "aggressive" or to "fight hard." That can be important. But it can be even more critical to have an attorney who really understands the criminal justice system and the legal complexities that can be involved in successfully defending a criminal case in Ogden, Utah. Fighting hard is good. But fighting smart is better.

There are times when an aggressive defense is appropriate. But there are other times that effective advocacy, subtle diplomacy, and a throrough understanding of complex legal issues will achieve a better result. Stephen Howard's track record demonstrates clearly that this approach to criminal defense really works.

Criminal Courts in Ogden and Weber County

Depending on the level of the offense, a criminal case in Weber County will be heard by either the district court for Ogden or one of the city justice courts located in Weber County. The Ogden Second District Court has jurisdiction to hear all levels of offenses - from capital felonies to minor misdemeanors. Most class B and class C misdemeanors will be heard by the justice court with geographical jurisdiction over the matter (the justice court for city where the crime occurred). But all felony charges and class A misdmeanors must be heard in the district court.

Conviction Consequences in a Utah Criminal Case

The consequences of a criminal conviction in Utah can be serious. Even a "minor" misdemeanor case can carry the potential for substantial jail time and thousands of dollars in fines and surcharges. Felony charges carry the potential for extended prison sentences lasting years, and much higher fines. In addition to the direct consequences imposed by the court, a criminal conviction can carry collateral consquences that can affect a person's driver license, employment, professional licensing, gun or hunting rights, and much more.

If you are facing prosecution in Ogden or Weber County, it is vital that you have the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. While no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome for your case, an experienced criminal lawyer can help give you the best chances of avoiding the potentially devistating consequences of a criminal conviction.

Confidential Criminal Defense Attorney Consultation

Criminal Defense Lawyer UtahWhen you are facing criminal prosecution, time can be critical.  If you have been charged with a crime in the Ogden District Court or in one of the justice courts in Weber County, Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has the experience, skill, and determination to help you get the results you need.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
  • Criminal Appeals Defense AttorneyDismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
  • Utah Expungement Lawyer Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
  • Utah Burglary Defense Attorney 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.
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

Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....

Experience »
Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....

Consequences »
Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah - Reasons to Hope

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

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.