West Jordan Criminal Lawyer - Utah Defense Attorney

Serving clients facing criminal charges in West Jordan and throughout Utah, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has extensive experience defending criminal charges ranging from aggravated murder to DUI, and virtually everything in between. Mr. Howard has successfully protected his clients rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases.

Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard provides defense services to clients in the West Jordan district and justice courts and throughout Utah. Contact us now to arrange for a confidential consultation.

West Jordan Criminal Defense Attorney Profile

Salt Lake Criminal LawyerStephen W. Howard - Criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has been named to the National Order of Barristers and was awarded the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy. He graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark School of Law. While still a law student, Mr. Howard accepted employment in the appellate division of the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association. After graduation, Mr. Howard moved to the trial division, working his way through the felony trial teams and capital defense team. Spending more than a decade with the Legal Defender Association, Mr. Howard acquired more courtroom experience than many Utah attorneys will ever see.

Mr. Howard offers his clients a level of experience that is hard to match. In private practice, he is able to draw on his extensive experience to offer his clients individualized defense strategies, designed to find real solutions for their legal cases.

Criminal Attorney for West Jordan Courts - Real Experience

During his career, Mr. Howard has successfully handled thousands of serious felony and misdemeanors cases for his clients. While the majority of cases can be resolved without trial, Mr. Howard has jury trial experience that includes murder, aggravated robbery, burglary, forgery, theft, drug charges, white collar crime, and more. His experience in defending criminal charges includes outright dismissals, motions to suppress, motions to quash bindover orders, appeals, and more. He has successfully protected his clients' rights in a wide range of criminal cases ranging from violent felonies to white collar crime, and virtually everything in between. Mr. Howard is one of only a few Utah criminal defense lawyers now in private practice who has twice successfully defended clients against the threatened death penalty in aggravated murder cases.

Criminal Defense Philosophy and Strategy in West Jordan

A successfully defense strategy can require complex legal analysis, effective advocacy in the courtroom, and strong negotiation skills. An "aggressive" defense has its place. But it is vital to understand the difference between fighting "hard" and fighting "smart."

Whether your case demands strong courtroom advocacy, a sophisticated legal strategy, or negotiations, Mr. Howard has the experience necessary to protect your rights.

Consequences of Conviction in West Jordan Criminal Cases

The potential consequences for your criminal case in West Jordan can depend in part on which court you are dealing with. The West Jordan City Justice Court is restricted to class B misdemeanor and lower level charges. But even a single class B misdemeanor carries the potential for up to 180 days in jail and $1,900 in fines and surcharges.

In the West Jordan District Court, penalties can be much more serious. Utah uses an indeterminate sentencing scheme for felony charges. Prison terms for felony convictions can include a possibility of life in prison (for first-degree felonies), 1-15 years in prison (for second-degree felonies), or 0-5 years (for third-degree felonies). Felony convictions can also carry thousands of dollars in fines. Class A misdemeanor charges are also commonly filed in the district court, and carry the possibility of up to one year in jail, and $4,750 in fines and surcharges.

Reasons for Hope - West Jordan Criminal Defense

The potential consequences of a conviction can be daunting. But there are many ways that an experienced criminal defense attorney can help. In every felony and misdemeanor case, the defendant is constitutionally guaranteed the right to a jury trial. But this is only one option for dealing with your case.

Prosecutors can reduce the level of a charge as part of the plea negotiation process. Some charges can be dismissed. Pleas may be held in abeyance. Felony charges can be reduced to misdemeanors. In most cases, even if a person is convicted, the court still has significant discretion in determining an appropriate sentence. In most cases, jail and prison time are not mandatory. Sentences can be suspended, and the opportunity of probation can be granted.

While it can be very discouraging to find yourself facing criminal prosecution, there are many reasons to remain hopeful. As an experienced criminal defense attorney serving clients in West Jordan and throughout Utah, Mr. Howard can help.

Finding an Attorney for West Jordan Criminal Defense

The first step in protecting your rights should be to speak with an experienced criminal lawyer. If you are facing criminal charges in West Jordan or elsewhere in Utah, contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.