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

Many 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

When 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.