Criminal Defense Lawyer — UT, ID & CO
Accused?
Consider us the solution to all your criminal defense needs. If you are reading this, there is a good chance you know the panicked feeling of discovering that you have been accused of a crime. Know that being accused is not a unique experience. Those unfortunate enough to be accused know that an accusation can lead to criminal charges and unwanted involvement with the criminal justice system. Here at the Zabriskie Law Firm, we understand what you are going through, and we know that having a good lawyer on your side is critical—especially in the early stages of your case. That is why we are available 24/7.

You need to understand that once you are accused of committing a crime, it is like a ball set in motion that is hard to stop. Law enforcement uses its vast resources to gather evidence against you. The police seek to secure witness testimony to incriminate you. In some instances, they attempt to influence witnesses to see things their way. They even attempt to persuade the accused person that they are friendly and out to help the accused. This is all designed to cut off any potential defense. Before you agree to an interview with the police about something you have been accused of, you need advice from a good lawyer. Don't hesitate to call us.
In need of a Utah criminal defense lawyer?
We are here to help!

We are your Utah criminal defense team
Now that you have been accused of committing a crime, you need a law firm that truly understands your situation and has the experience to help you through the confusing and stressful legal process. Zabriskie Law Firm has your back!
Let’s be honest: being charged with a crime is no joke. Whether intentional or not, it’s never a fun process. It can be scary, confusing, stressful, and costly.
Listening to the Wrong Advice Can Ruin Your Life
Once you have been accused, you'll hear plenty of "advice" — from friends with second-hand stories, from bail bondsmen, sometimes from the officers involved in your arrest. Most of it is wrong, and acting on it can make your case worse. Get information from a licensed attorney instead.
Trust Our 80 Years of Experience and Track Record of Over 30,000 Successful Clients
The first and only calls you should make when seeking legal advice should be to the trusted criminal defense lawyers at Zabriskie Law Firm. With more than 80 years of combined legal experience, we have spent decades in criminal courts representing clients in misdemeanor and felony cases across Utah, Idaho, and Colorado. The majority of our matters resolve before trial, and our attorneys carry deep trial experience for the cases that proceed. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse it will get. Call Zabriskie Law Firm in Salt Lake City, Orem, Ogden, Boise, or Denver now. Lawyers are standing by.

Our Criminal Defense Services
We defend people facing misdemeanors and felonies in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado. The pages below explain each charge, common defenses, likely penalties, and what to expect at each stage of the case. You’ll also find information on related matters, such as appeals and expungement.
Use the links below to learn about your charges, then contact us for a confidential consultation.
Charges We Defend
DUI
If you have been arrested for DUI, you must take immediate action to protect your rights against penalties that include a driver's license suspension and possible jail time.
Drug Crimes
There are numerous drug offenses that one could be accused of in Salt Lake City, an area that has been marked by law enforcement agencies as one of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas in the state.
Assault & Battery
Depending on the case, assault charges may be countered by proving that the defendant acted in self-defense or in defense of another. With our experience in criminal defense, our firm can investigate your case to determine the right approach.
Sex Crimes
Of all the crimes a person may be accused of committing, sex crimes are often the most serious. Not only are the penalties for sex crimes harsh, but the nature of these offenses place a defendant at risk of social ostracism and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Criminal Appeals
If you were wrongfully convicted of a crime, we may be able to file an appeal on your behalf in order to seek a second chance at a positive case result.
Expungements
If you are interested in clearing your criminal record, expungement may be the opportunity you have been looking for. Certain convictions, arrests and charges can be essentially removed from your record, where they will no longer affect most employment and educational opportunities.
Bench Warrants
If a bench warrant has been issued for your arrest, law enforcement may take you into custody at any time. The best course of action is to face the situation head-on with guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Child Abuse
The courts take child abuse cases very seriously, imposing harsh penalties upon offenders and requiring lifetime sex-offender registration if the abuse was sexual in nature. In dealing with child sexual abuse, physical abuse or emotional abuse charges, it is crucial to involve a lawyer who can protect your legal rights and concerns.
Criminal Mischief
Committing actions of criminal mischief can involve damaging property, unlawfully and intentionally tampering with another human’s life or safety, and many other illegal actions.
Disorderly Conduct
Charges of this nature can be classified as an infraction or as a misdemeanor, depending on the nature of the crime and the opinion of the arresting officer.
Domestic Violence
When a person stands accused of abusing or harming a family member, spouse, ex-spouse or other member of their household, the results may be catastrophic. Domestic violence cases are vigorously pursued against defendants and may lead to loss of custody, incarceration, fines and mor.
Extraditions
An individual who has been charged with a crime in another state may face extradition to that state if arrested in Utah. It is crucial to work with an experienced attorney if you are facing extradition on a serious criminal charge.
Federal Crimes
There are particular circumstances where a defendant may face criminal charges in federal court. These cases are also typically investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS. It is crucial to work with an attorney who is licensed to handle cases in federal court, should you or a loved one find yourself facing federal criminal charges.
Fraud
Fraud is a criminal offense that may be charged on a state or federal level, depending on the manner in which the alleged offense was carried out. These matters involve using deception to obtain money or other goods from another.
Internet Crimes
When a crime is committed over the internet or using computers, it is likely that federal law enforcement agencies will get involved. In these highly technical cases, it is important for your lawyer to have a solid understanding of computer and internet technology in order to build a strong case on your behalf.
Juvenile Crimes
Dealing with juvenile crime cases requires a specific approach and knowledge of the juvenile court system in order to be effective, and at our Salt Lake City law firm we have the experience and skill to properly handle these matters.
Kidnapping
A violent crime that may be charged in federal court, kidnapping is an offense that should be taken very seriously by a defendant and his or her attorney.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is a different crime than murder in that manslaughter does not involve malice aforethought. Manslaughter is usually referred to as a crime of passion because it is committed in reaction to considerable emotional distress.
Military Crimes
If you have been accused of a military crime, you must be prepared for the unique nature of the military justice system. Your case will be heard in a court-martial and depending on the nature of the crime, you may be subject to penalties such as bad conduct discharge or even the death sentence.
Murder Homicide
Taking another’s life is one of the most serious crimes that a person may be accused of committing, and is one of a few offenses punishable by the death penalty in Utah. In challenging murder charges, we take an aggressive stance to protect our clients’ freedom and lives.
Probation Violations
There are a number of situations that may place one at risk of facing allegations of a probation violation. Failure to report to one's probation officer is the most common, but other violations may include associating with known criminals, committing a new crime or drug/alcohol abuse.
Restraining Orders
A person accused of domestic violence may have a court order filed against him or her, which prohibits any contact with the alleged victim. The person named in the restraining order may also be prohibited from coming within a certain distance of the alleged victim, and non-compliance with this order may result in his or her immediate arrest and criminal charges.
Theft Crimes
If formal charges or an investigation for any type of theft crime has placed your future at risk, it is important to involve a criminal lawyerwho is experienced in dealing with charges related to shoplifting, robbery, embezzlement and all types of theft-related offense.
Violent Crimes
Being accused of a violent crime is a serious situation to be in, particularly as many violent crimes are felony offenses and may carry harsh penalties if the defendant is convicted. Our firm handles all types of violent crime cases for clients in and around Salt Lake City.
Weapons Charges
There are many different types of weapon charges that a defendant in Salt Lake City may face. This may include charges related to the unlawful possession, distribution, sale or use of a weapon or firearm.
White Collar Crimes
An employee, broker, CEO, politician, accountant or other professional in finances, business or politics may face white collar crime charges for criminal activity in these areas. Embezzlement, fraud, identity theft, bribery and extortion are examples of offenses that may be considered white collar crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Misdemeanors in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado can carry jail time, large fines, mandatory programs, and a permanent record that affects jobs, housing, and immigration status. A lawyer evaluates whether charges can be reduced, dismissed, or diverted before they become a long-term problem. Free consultations are available 24/7 by phone.
Cost depends on the charge type, complexity, and whether the case is resolved early or proceeds to trial. Zabriskie Law Firm offers free initial consultations so you can understand the likely scope and fee structure before you commit. We discuss fees transparently and provide a written agreement. We do not promise outcomes.
A misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to a year in county jail and lower fines; a felony carries the possibility of prison time and substantially higher fines. The exact thresholds vary by state — Utah, Idaho, and Colorado each classify offenses differently. Both can leave a permanent record. An attorney can explain how the specific charge against you is classified and what penalties apply.
Sometimes. Eligibility depends on the charge, the disposition (dismissed, reduced, completed sentence),
and how much time has passed. Utah, Idaho, and Colorado each have their own expungement statutes and
waiting periods. The first step is a record review so we can tell you what is and is not eligible. See
our Record Expungement Lawyer page for details.
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney — both are protected by the U.S.
Constitution. Statements made before counsel arrives are often the strongest evidence used against
people later. Be polite, identify yourself if required, and ask for a lawyer. Call Zabriskie Law Firm
24/7 at (888) 922-7475.

Contacting the Zabriskie Law Firm
With more than five decades of combined legal experience and more than 400 trial wins, our law firm has a proven track record of success in this complex field. Make sure you take advantage of the level of legal representation we can provide when your very future is on the line. When you work with a Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer from our firm, you can breathe easier knowing that we are willing to go the distance to help you fight for your desired result








