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


Utah Police Jurisdictional Limits

Can a Utah police officer arrest a person outside the city limits or outside of the county of the officer's normal jurisdiction?

The belief that a police officer has to stop at the county line or at a city boundary is a mistaken belief. A police officer's authority outside of his/her normal jurisdiction can include making a traffic stop, issuing a criminal citation, conducting an investigation, pursuing a suspect, or making a formal arrest.

In general, police officers will exercise their authority within the jurisdiction of the city or county in which they are employed. Certain law enforcement officers (Utah Highway Patrol, SBI, etc.) have statewide jurisdiction. But even local police officers or county sheriff's deputies may exercise their authority beyond their normal jurisdictions under certain circumstances.

The authority to act outside of a police officer's normal jurisdiction is governed by Utah Code 77-9-3. This statute provides a law enforcement officer who is authorized by any governmental entity in the State of Utah (e.g., a city or county), to exercise authority beyond the officer's normal jurisdictional limits in the following circumstances:

  • when the officer is called to assist officers from another jurisdiction;
  • when the officer is participating in a criminal investigation that relates to activity that originated in the officer's normal jurisdiction and the officer is working in cooperation with the local authorities;
  • when a "public offense" (i.e. criminal offense - misdemeanor or felony) is committed in the presence of the officer; and
  • when the officer is engaged in "fresh pursuit" of a suspect, and the purpose of the pursuit is to arrest and hold that person in custody or to return the suspect to the offense where the offense was committed.
Note that this statute does not provide Utah peace officers with jurisdiction outside the State of Utah, but only within the State. Further, this statute requires officers to notify and receive authority from local law enforcement authorities prior to taking action when possible, or to notify local authorities as soon as reasonably possible if it is not feasible to obtain authority prior to taking action under this section.

Choosing a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

Utah Criminal Defense LawyerIf you have been arrested or cited for a criminal offense in Utah, choosing the right criminal attorney to handle your case can be one of the most important decisions you make. With experience defending cases ranging from capital murder to DUI, and virtually everything in between, we have the knowledge, skills, and tenacity needed to help you get the results you need.

Whether your case involves misdemeanor or felony charges, the consequences of conviction can be serious. Contact us today to see how the right criminal defense attorney can help you.


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  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for alleged attack using broken bottle as a weapon. Despite the testimony of numerous prosecution witnesses, thorough defense investigation to support a self-defense claim resulted in acquittal by jury at trial.
  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony drug distribution charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and ultimate dismissal of case.
  • 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.
  • Violent Crimes Assalt Defense UtahProbation - Client charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
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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

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.