Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Take the first step in securing a successful defense.
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what our team can do for you.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

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

Utah Code 76-3-204 - Misdemeanor Imprisonment

Potential Terms of Imprisonment for Misdemeanor Offenses

Utah Code 76-3-204 establishes the maximum terms of imprisonment for misdemeanor offenses. For a single misdemeanor conviction, the maximum jail time is as follows:

  • class A misdemeanor - not more than one year;
  • class B misdemeanor - not more than six months;
  • class C misdemeanor - not more than 90 days.

If a case involves multiple misdemeanor charges, a court can impose a longer jail term the the above-listed maximums, by running the sentences for each count consecutive to each other. Other possible consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are outlined below.

If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah for misdemeanor or felony charges, the assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer can help give you the best chance of a successful outcome for your case. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.

Other Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction

Fines for a Utah misdemeanor conviction can run into the thousands of dollars, depending on the level of the misdemeanor conviction and other factors considered by the court. As of January, 2015, the maximum fines for each level of misdemeanor are as follows:

  • class A misdemeanor - $4,750 (including 90% surcharge);
  • class B misdemeanor - $1,900 (including 90% surcharge);
  • class C misdemeanor - $1,012.50 (including 35% surcharge).

The above-listed maximum fines can be imposed for each conviction in a case. Most judges will not require a defendant to actually pay the the maximum fine, but will instead consider a variety of factors (including the defendant's ability to pay) in determining what fine is appropriate in a given case. For many misdemeanor offenses, a Uniform Bail Schedule has been established which provides recommended fine amounts. But these amounts are intended as guidelines only, and judges are free to impose higher or lower fines (as long as the maximum fine amount is not exceeded) depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

In addition to jail time and fines, a misdemeanor can carry other serious consequences. Restitution can be ordered by a court for damages or injuries caused by the defendant's criminal conduct. If jail time is suspended, a judge can impose a wide variety of probation conditions including counseling, drug testing, and community service. Collateral consequences of a misdemeanor conviction can include the loss of a driver license, loss of the right to possess or own firearms, loss of employment, and many more.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

Criminal Attorney UtahIf you are facing criminal charges in Utah, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help give you the best chance of successfully defending your case. Criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has substantial experience in Utah's district courts and justice courts. He has successfully defended clients' rights against the most felony serious charges on the books in Utah, including aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, sex crimes, burglary, drug crimes, and many more.

Mr. Howard also recognizes that even a misdemeanor conviction can carry lasting consequences. He takes every case seriously, because he knows that every case is serious to his clients.

Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation.

RELATED CRIMINAL CODE SECTIONS AND QUESTIONS


Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • 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.
  • Recent Posts
  • What Constitutes Drug Parpahernalia in Utah How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
  • Utah Misdemeanor Attorney Salt Lake Can I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve the case without returning to the state. . . .
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 in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....

Consequences »
Utah Criminal Attorney - Reasons to Hope

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....

Reasons to Hope »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us

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.