Criminal Law

How Utah homicide cases move through the courts, common defenses, and why early legal representation matters. Learn what prosecutors must prove and how a defense team protects your rights.

At The Zabriskie Law Firm, our  Salt Lake City criminal defense attorneys  are equipped to handle cases in State and Federal Court. Many people are confused as to the difference between these two types of cases, so we’re here to help explain the differences as well as some of the similarities. The Utah state government and the U.S. federal government are two separate entities and therefore have two distinct court systems, although the federal system of government shares power

Editor's note: This post was first published in 2013. It was updated on Dec 10, 2025, for clarity and accuracy. Utah treats impaired driving seriously. Most first-time DUI cases are misdemeanors , but charges can be enhanced—sometimes to a third-degree felony —when certain facts are present (serious injury, young passengers, or repeat convictions). What follows is a plain-English summary of how Utah law handles DUIs and the penalties a court can impose. Summary Utah DUI law p

Two men accused of stealing materials from Gilsonite Mine in eastern Utah were recently arrested. According to law enforcement, they apprehended the men after finding the stolen materials in their truck. In a statement to the media, Uintah County Sheriff Jeff Merrell said that the two men were booked in county jail on suspicion of the following charges: TheftBurglaryIllegal drug possession Law enforcement received a 911 call on October 3 from an unidentified witness to the th

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for romantic gestures and reflecting on those you love. Unfortunately, it can also be a day for ex-lovers to reflect on their past and some may feel very lonely on this day of hearts and romance. That’s why Valentine’s Day often brings about many cases of criminal domestic violence as ex-lovers stalk, harass, or attack those that used to be a significant part of their life. According to one police officer in Memphis, holidays often bring abo

If you are a Utah resident, then you are held accountable to some interesting liquor laws which are upheld in the state. One of the most unique laws in Utah is their statute that drinks can be served but cannot be seen until they have made their way to the table. Bartenders are not allowed to mix drunks in front of guests. This has caused many Utah restaurants to mix their drinks behind curtains. In Utah, it is illegal to put alcohol on display, so wine cellars that are used