Criminal charges in Utah with a maximum penalty in excess of one year in prison are considered felonies. In addition to prison time, a felony conviction can also have collateral consequences affecting your ability to get a job, obtain professional licensing, rent an apartment, and more. A felony conviction can also cause you to lose your right to possess firearms, and may affect your right to vote.
As an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney serving clients in Salt Lake City and statewide, Stephen Howard has defended clients facing felony charges in Utah ranging from white collar fraud to aggravated murder, and virtually everything in between. With a record of success that speaks for itself, he has the experience to help you get the results you need.
Understand the Consequences
Felony charges in Utah are classified as capital felonies, first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree level felony charges. A capital felony (i.e. aggravated murder) is punishable by death. The maximum punishments for other felonies in Utah range from mandatory life in prison for certain first-degree felonies to a maximum of five years in prison for third-degree felonies. Regardless of degree, any felony charge should be taken seriously.
A felony conviction, even if a judge grants probation (does not impose immediate prison time), can carry consequences that will seriously affect a person’s life. Conditions of probation in a felony case can include incarceration of up to a year in jail, treatment programs, supervision, drug testing, evaluations, counseling, community service, and more.
Beyond the direct legal consequences of the court’s sentencing orders, a felony conviction can affect a person’s ability to get a job, rent an apartment, obtain credit, and much more. Many of these consequences can persist long after probation, jail, or prison time have been completed.
With all that is on the line in a Utah felony prosecution, having the best representation possible is important.
Find Professional Representation
Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your case is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the ultimate outcome of your case. Contact us today to see how the right attorney can help you.