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Misdemeanor
Utah, Colorado, and Idaho misdemeanor basics—from citations to court—covering common charges, diversion, plea in abeyance, expungement eligibility, and how to protect your record


Finding the Best Criminal Lawyers Near Me
Finding the best criminal lawyers near you can be a daunting task. Legal issues are stressful, and choosing the right attorney is crucial.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in your case outcome. They protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy.
But how do you find the right one? With so many options, it's essential to know what to look for.

Zabriskie Law Firm Editorial Team
Feb 128 min read


How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost? Fees and Retainers
Facing a criminal charge is terrifying. Amid the fear, one practical question quickly arises: "How much is this going to cost?" Many people also search for how much does a criminal lawyer cost or how much does a defense lawyer cost in their area. This guide is designed to demystify that unknown number and give you clear, straightforward answers about criminal attorney fees, criminal defense lawyer cost, typical criminal lawyer prices, and criminal defense attorney fees.

Zabriskie Law Firm Editorial Team
Feb 1211 min read


How to Find a Criminal Lawyer for Your Case
Before diving into how to choose a criminal lawyer and how to find a criminal lawyer that fits your needs, it's important to understand what a criminal lawyer does. Criminal lawyers specialize in defending individuals and companies charged with criminal activity. Their role is to represent their clients in court, provide legal advice, negotiate plea bargains, and ensure a fair trial.
A criminal lawyer's primary responsibility is to protect their client's rights throughout the

Zabriskie Law Firm Editorial Team
Feb 1211 min read


Criminal Defense: Federal v. State Court Cases
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

Zabriskie Law Firm Editorial Team
Oct 25, 20132 min read


An Overview of DUI Penalties in Utah
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

Zabriskie Law Firm Editorial Team
Oct 16, 20133 min read
Criminal Mistakes
4 BIGGEST MISTAKES MADE BY CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS So there you are, sitting in your living room reading a letter from your attorney that says something like this, “Criminal charges have been filed against you in case #:11130098. Be advised that ‘Utah’ judges are rarely bound by determinative sentencing guidelines. In other words, your judge has the discretion to sentence you within the basic sentencing guidelines as indicated below with few exceptions:” As you look below to wh

Zabriskie Law Firm Editorial Team
Jun 29, 20113 min read
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