Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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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

What can I be charged with if I stole a check and cashed it?

Stealing a check and cashing it in Utah, can easily lead to three separate charges - both at the felony and misdemeanor level. If you are facing criminal charges in Utah, an experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. He has successfully protected his clients' rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Stolen Checks in Utah - Theft, Forgery, and Theft by Deception

The most likely felony charge for passing a stolen check would be forgery. Most stolen checks have changes made to the "pay to the order of" line, changes made in the amount to be paid, another person's name is endorsed on the back of the check, or a stolen blank check is filled in completely without authorization from the account holder. Either altering the check without authorization from the account holder, signing the check as if signed by the account holder, or endorsing another person's name on the back of the check could support a felony charge of forgery. Years ago, the offense level for a forged check charge in Utah was determined by the face value of the check. But the legislature amended the statute so that any forgery is an automatic felony - regardless of the amount of the check.

The other two likely charges involving a stolen check are theft (for taking the check without permission) and theft by deception or attempted theft by deception (for obtaining or attempting to obtain the money from cashing the check). The level for theft offenses in Utah is based on the value of the property involved.  Property valued at under $500 is considered a class B misdemeanor. Property valued at $500 but under $1,500 is considered a class A misdemeanor. If the value of the properly is over $1,500 but less than $5,000, theft is classified as a third degree felony. If the value exceeds $5,000, the charge can be filed as a second degree felony.

Finding a Forgery and Theft Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you are facing charges for theft, forgery, or other criminal charges in Utah, you deserve an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Stephen Howard has a track record of successfully protecting his clients' rights, with results of dismissals or not guilty verdicts on charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, forgery, fraud, drug charges, and many more.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - Contractor was charged with theft by deception for allegedly misusing customer funds and failing to complete work that had been agreed upon. A successful motion to quash on legal grounds following the bindover order at preliminary hearing resulted in a complete dismissal of all charges.
  • Minor Possession Alcohol - MIP AttorneyDismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. 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 Attorney Dismissal - Client was charged with first-degree felony home burglary and facing potential life in prison. Defense analysis revealed flaws in prosecutor's case which led to abeyance agreement intended to lead to a full dismissal of the case.
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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....

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An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....

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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

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