Salt Lake Drug Possession Defense Lawyer - Utah Criminal
Attorney
The
consequences of a conviction for drug possession in Utah can carry
consequences including jail time, prison time, and thousands of dollars
in fines. There are a number of options for defending against
drug charges in Salt Lake. Defense options can include drug
motions
to suppress, jury
trials,
pleas
in abeyance,
drug court and
more. Stephen Howard is an experienced Salt
Lake criminal defense attorney with extensive experience defending Utah
drug
cases, ranging from first-degree
distribution
to misdemeanor
marijuana
possession and
drug paraphernalia.
The
level of drug possessions charge in Salt Lake typically depends on what
drugs are involved. Possession of
marijuana and some
prescription
drugs typically begins at a
misdemeanor
level. Most common "street drugs" (e.g.,
cocaine,
heroin,
methamphetamine,
and many prescription drugs, including
methadone, begin as third-degree
felony
charges. Utah drug possession charges can be enhanced if
police
or prosecutors suspect that the defendant had the
intent
to distribute
the drugs. A simple possession charge in Salt Lake is often
enhanced if the defendant is determined to have possessed the
controlled substance withing the boundaries of a "
drug
free zone."
Given the density of development in the Salt Lake County
area,
"drug free zones" are widespread, and this enhancement is commonly
added both to simple possession and to
drug distribution charges in
Salt Lake. Enhanced penalties can also be imposed if a person
is found in possession of a controlled substance in a
correctional
facility.
Many people who are charged with drug crimes in Salt Lake courts are
also struggling with
addiction or substance abuse.
Stephen Howard's experience in Salt Lake drug courts has
provided
him with insights into issues surrounding addiction, and an
understanding that addressing addiction is critical in finding a
long-term
solution to his clients' legal problems. If you have been
charged
with drug possession or other drug-related charges, one of the most
important decisions you will face is choosing the best attorney to
handle your case. Stephen Howard's experience both in Salt
Lake
drug courts and in fighting drug charges in the traditional court
system can be an invaluable asset to your case.
Contact us today to
schedule an initial consultation with
Salt
Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard.
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