Stephen Howard

Utah Criminal Defense and Appeals Attorney

Stephen W. Howard is a founding partner at Stone River Law in Layton, Utah. He has practiced law in Utah since 1999 and has more than 25 years of experience in criminal defense, criminal trials, motion practice and criminal appeals. His background and practice also include estate planning and adoption matters.

Stephen understands that a criminal charge does not tell the whole story. He looks closely at the evidence, the court record and the decisions that led to the case. He then helps clients understand their options, the risks they face and the steps that may come next.

More Than 25 Years of Criminal Defense Experience in Davis County and all of Utah

Stephen began doing criminal-defense work in 1998 while serving as an appellate law research clerk during law school. After his admission to the Utah State Bar in 1999, he joined the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association where he served as a criminal trial attorney, felony defense attorney, and member of the capital (death penalty) defense team.

Stephen’s early experience in criminal appeals helps him recognize how decisions made before and during trial can potentially affect a case on appeal. His practice has included matters in Utah justice courts, Utah state district courts and the United States District Court for the District of Utah.

Stephen’s criminal-defense work has required him to review evidence, prepare and argue motions, negotiate case resolutions, try cases and identify issues for appeal. Because he has handled both trials and appeals, he can evaluate the immediate decisions in a criminal case while also considering how those decisions may affect the client later.

Utah Criminal Appeals and Reported Decisions

A criminal appeal is different from a criminal trial. An appellate attorney examines the record, identifies legal issues, researches the law and explains how an alleged error may have affected the outcome.

Stephen’s appellate experience includes briefing and argument in reported decisions from Utah’s appellate courts. Selected cases include:

• State v. McManigal, 2025 UT App 192
• State v. Case, 2020 UT App 81, 467 P.3d 893
• State v. Ringstad, 2018 UT App 66, 424 P.3d 1052
• State v. Augustine, 2013 UT App 61, 298 P.3d 693
• State v. Kelson, 2012 UT App 217, 284 P.3d 695
• State v. Merrill, 2012 UT App 3, 269 P.3d 196
• State v. Erskine, 2011 UT App 20, 246 P.3d 1218
• State v. Nguyen, 2011 UT App 2, 246 P.3d 535
• State v. Buck, 2009 UT App 2, 200 P.3d 674
• State v. Martinez, 2002 UT 80, 52 P.3d 1276
• State v. Johnson, 2002 UT App 431, 79 P.3d 419
• State v. Galvan, 2001 UT App 329, 37 P.3d 1197
• State v. Martinez, 2000 UT App 320, 14 P.3d 114

Results disclaimer. This list reflects Stephen’s experience with Utah appellate matters. It does not promise or guarantee the outcome of another case. Every criminal case and appeal depends on its own facts, record and applicable law.

How Stephen Approaches a Criminal Case

Stephen begins by working to understand the client’s perspective. He reviews the allegations, evidence, procedural history and possible consequences. He also considers whether the government followed the correct procedures and whether important legal issues need to be raised or preserved.

He explains the available options in practical terms. His goal is to help each client make informed decisions rather than feel pushed toward a result the client does not understand.

Professional Leadership and Legal Education

Stephen has presented continuing legal education programs on criminal defense, professional ethics, estate planning and trusts. He previously served as interim executive director and as a member of the board of directors of the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Estate Planning and Adoptions

Stephen also assists clients with estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives. His goal is to help clients create clear instructions and make thoughtful plans for the people who depend on them.

He also enjoys helping clients with adoptions. He helps clients understand the court process, prepare the required documents and move through each step with clear expectations.

Education and Honors

Before becoming an attorney, Stephen earned a Bachelor of Music degree. His interest in law began while he was an undergraduate, when he informally sat in on law school classes simply because he found them interesting.

Stephen later earned his Juris Doctor with honors from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School. His law-school activities and honors included:

• Membership in the National Order of Barristers
• American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Advocacy
• Participation in the National Moot Court Competition in New York City

Admissions and Professional Affiliations

• Utah State Bar, admitted 1999
• United States District Court for the District of Utah
• Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, former interim executive director and former board member
• J. Reuben Clark Law Society
• National Association of Drug Court Professionals, former member
• Statewide DORA Oversight Committee, former member

Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Howard

Talk With Stephen About Your Legal Matter

If you need help with a Utah criminal case, appeal, estate plan, or adoption, contact Stone River Law to schedule a consultation and learn what the next step may involve.