At the Canyons Law Group, our successful criminal defense philosophy focuses on finding real solutions for our clients. Many law firms and attorneys talk about being “aggressive” or “fighting hard” for their clients. But over the years, our clients have told us that what ultimately matters most is the result that we can achieve for them.

Criminal court processes in Utah are based on an adversarial system, where both the prosecutor and defense attorney take on opposing roles. “Fighting hard” certainly has its place in this adversarial court system. But determing which fight is the right one to take on can be critical to obtaining the solution that is really needed by a client.

Finding the best strategy for fighting your Utah criminal defense case can involve complex legal analysis, a thorough understanding of the specific facts and circumstances of your case, and extensive knowledge of the procedural and substantive law applicable to your case. With extensive experience defending Utah criminal charges ranging from murder to DUI, and virtually everything in between, we can help ensure that your rights are protected while we work with you to find the best solution for your legal needs.

Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation.

Balance is Best

Before determining the best stategy for any given criminal defense case, it is critical to make a complete analysis of available facts – including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and information from the defendant/client. The relationship between the specific facts and the legal elements of each charge can dramatically affect how the case should be approached.

In some cases, the best strategy will include a direct challenge to the credibility of critical prosecution witnesses. In other cases, it may be better to concede certain facts but instead mount a legal challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence. Sometimes, a constitutional challenge to the police investigative techniques may result in the suppression of critical prosecution evidence, leading ultimately to the dismissal of charges. In some circumstances, mitigation techniques and negotiations with the prosecutor may result in an outcome that is more favorable to the client than any direct factual or legal challenge.

Learning to balance these various strategies, understanding when and where each strategy can be best implemented, and developing the ability to persuasively communicate with prosecutors, judges, and juries – all of these can be critical to obtaining the best outcome for a client.

At the Canyons Law Group, we work hard to understand our clients’ needs and legal goals. And we work diligently to find the best way to accomplish those goals. Over the years, our stategy has helped us achieve real results for our clients.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in Utah, choosing the right defense attorney can be critical to obtaining the best results. Contact us now to see how we can help you.

With more than 60 years combined experience, the Utah criminal defense attorneys at Canyons Law Group have the determination, knowledge, and experience to help you achieve the results you need. Whether you are facing misdemeanor prosecution or felony charges, you need the best defense you can get. At Canyons Law Group, your criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who have worked in the state, federal, and military court systems, and veteran defense attorneys who have successfully defended the some of the most serious crimes on the books in Utah.

The best results come when you hire the right attorney and the right criminal defense team. With defense experience ranging from aggravated murder to DUI and virtually everything in between, the criminal defense team at the Canyons Law Group is prepared to protect your rights, no matter how serious the case. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Criminal Defense Attorney Profiles

Stephen Howard – Utah criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has been named to the National Order of Barristers and awarded the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy. Following his graduation cum laude from Brigham Young University’s school of law, Mr. Howard initially accepted a position in the appellate division of the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association (LDA). Transitioning to trial work, Mr. Howard advanced to the felony trial team and capital defense (death penalty defense) team at LDA.

As a criminal defense attorney in private practice Mr. Howard works personally with clients throughout Utah. He has defended clients facing the most serious felony charges on the books, and he has defended clients facing a wide range of other misdemeanor and felony offenses. Drawing on his extensive experience, he works hard to find the right solution for each client and to develop a defense strategy to ensure that each client’s rights are protected.

Andrew McAdams – Mr. McAdams began his career as a prosecutor with one of the nation’s largest felony prosecution offices. Returning to his native Utah, Mr. McAdams spent several years with the Cache County Attorney’s Office. Prior to dedicating his skills and knowledge to defending the rights of the accused, Mr. McAdams prosecuted criminal cases ranging from homicide to white-collar offenses, as well as serving as a drug court prosecutor.

Leaving the prosecutor’s office to accept a position as a law school professor, Mr. McAdams eventually returned to the full-time practice of law as a criminal defense attorney. He now uses his extensive knowledge of Utah criminal law and his wealth of courtroom experience to help his clients achieve the best results possible in their cases.

Shawn Condie – Utah criminal attorney Shawn Condie brings a unique skill set to the Canyons Law Group criminal defense team. He is a trained law enforcement officer who has completed Utah POST certification and has served as a constable and a bailiff in the Utah court system. He has been awarded both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from Weber State University as well as a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Initially intending to pursue a career in law enforcement, Mr Condie ultimately decided that he could best serve justice be defending the rights of those facing criminal prosecution.

As a criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Condie has defended clients facing prosecution on serious felony charges carrying the potential for life in prison as well as misdemeanor charges that carry the potential for long-term consequences outside of the courtroom. His experience in law enforcement, his time spent working inside the court system, his knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system, his tenacity and skill in the courtroom – all of these contribute to Mr. Condie’s ability to help his clients achieve the results they need.

Adam Elmore – A seasoned Utah criminal defense attorney, Adam Elmore has been previously qualified under the Utah Supreme Court’s Rule 13 to represent clients facing the death penalty – the most serious punishment that can be imposed under Utah law. He has successfully defended clients against the threatened death penalty, and is one of a relatively few criminal lawyers now in private practice who can claim this distinction.

Mr. Elmore has extensive experience as a trial attorney and has successfully defended clients in a range of felony and misdemeanor cases in both district courts and justice courts. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail, his incisive legal analysis, and his strong and effective advocacy on behalf of his clients.

Bradley Henderson – His experience as an Air Force JAG officer has given Brad Henderson a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience in the American criminal justice system that is rare among Utah attorneys. After more than 12 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force, Mr. Henderson returned to Utah. He now applies the legal talents he developed as a prosecutor in both federal and military courts to his defense of individuals who are facing criminal charges throughout Utah.

As an of-counsel member of the Canyons Law Group criminal defense team, Mr. Henderson provides valuable insights gained from his training and experience as a prosecutor. His knowledge and understanding of the criminal just system is an asset both to his own clients and to the entire criminal defense team at Canyons Law Group. Whether you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah’s district court or justice court systems, federal court, or the military court system, Mr. Henderson and the Canyons Law Group criminal defense team can help.

Confidential Criminal Defense Consultation

When you are facing criminal charges, having the assistance and advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney can be critical to ensuring that your rights are protected. Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation. We can begin working today to help you achieve the best solution to your legal problems.

The consequences of a criminal conviction can be devastating. When facing criminal prosecution in Utah, you need the best legal defense you can get. With more than 50 years combined experience, the criminal defense lawyers and defense team at Canyons Law Group are ready to help you. Contact us today to see the difference that the right attorney and the right team can make for you.

Criminal Defense in Utah – A Team Approach

The criminal defense team at Canyons Law Group include former prosecutors and seasoned defense attorneys who have defended or prosecuted the most serious crimes on the books in Utah. Aggravated felony charges including homicide, robbery, kidnaping, and more are among the many cases our attorneys have successfully defended. Our criminal attorneys also have extensive experience in the Utah district court and justice court systems and have also worked in federal and military courts.

Our criminal defense team has the experience, knowledge, and determination to handle the most serious charges you may face. But even lower-level criminal charges in Utah can have serious consequences. A single misdemeanor conviction can cause you to lose your job, lose your driver license, or lose your right to carry or use a firearm, A criminal conviction can make it more difficult to rent an apartment or obtain a mortgage loan. A criminal charge can affect your education and student financial aid. And the effects of conviction can last long after you may have completed probation or otherwise satisfied any obligations to the court.

When you hire a criminal defense attorney from the Canyons Law Group, you get more than just an attorney. You get the combined experience of our whole legal team. Our attorneys take pride in working closely with each client, taking the time to understand each client’s needs and goals for the case, and developing a strategy intended to achieve the best result possible for each client. We also employ a team approach, assigning attorneys who may have experience on a particular type of case or issue who can provide advice or assistance in specialized areas.We often collaborate with investigators and other professionals as needed to work toward the best result possible.

No matter what kind of criminal charge you are facing and no matter what level the offense may be, it can be critical to have the best advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney before you talk to police, before you go to court, and before you make any decisions or take action on the case. The criminal defense team at the Canyons Law Group is here to help.

Your Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

Each criminal defense case in Utah is unique, not just because the facts of each case may be different but also because each defense client has a unique set of circumstances, needs, and goals. We conduct a full legal analysis of your case and take the time needed to understand what you need from the case. We then work together with you and as a complete criminal defense team to create a strategy intended to best accomplish your goals.

Make sure that your rights are protected. Learn more about our criminal defense team online, or contact the Canyons Law Group today to see and see what the right criminal defense attorney and the right legal team can do for you.