Criminal Appeals Lawyer — Utah, Idaho & Colorado
If a conviction or sentence was reached with legal error, the appellate courts can correct it—but timelines are tight. Our team handles direct appeals and post-conviction relief in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado, as well as federal appeals in the Tenth and Ninth Circuits. Free consultation.
What To Do Right Now
Act quickly. Appeal deadlines come fast after sentencing.
Request the record. Transcripts, exhibits, and docket entries preserve issues.
Avoid new statements. Direct questions to counsel only.
List appeal issues. Note objections, evidentiary rulings, instructions, and sentencing concerns.
Issues We Commonly Raise
Improper admission/exclusion of evidence
Suppression and constitutional violations (search, seizure, interrogation)
Prosecutorial or juror misconduct
Ineffective assistance of counsel (typically via post-conviction)
Faulty jury instructions or verdict forms
Sentencing errors and enhancement misapplications
Insufficient evidence (as permitted) and cumulative error
Defense Strategies That Work
Consent & credibility analysis; prior statements vs. current claims.
Digital forensics: metadata, geolocation, message history, device attribution.
SANE/medical evidence challenges; causation and alternative explanations.
Suppression motions (phone/computer searches, interviews, warrants).
Reputation protection: early engagement with court conditions and media sensitivity.
Negotiation & trial: targeted resolutions when wise; litigate when necessary
Utah Overview
Utah imposes severe penalties and potential registration depending on the statute and outcome. We appear in Salt Lake City, Orem/Provo, Ogden, St. George, and courts statewide.
Idaho Overview
Idaho timelines and standards differ; we prepare the record promptly and target reversible error and post-conviction grounds. Office in Boise serves courts statewide.
Colorado Overview
We handle Colorado appeals and post-conviction matters, including guideline and enhancement disputes. Office in Denver serves courts statewide.
Why Zabriskie Law Firm?
Appellate briefs grounded in trial records and constitutional law
Experience with state appeals and federal cases in the Tenth & Ninth Circuits
Clear, candid assessment of issues and likelihood of relief
Licensed in UT, ID & CO; Spanish available
(No outcome guaranteed; every case is different.)
Areas We Serve
Utah: Salt Lake City, Orem, Ogden, St. George …
Idaho: Boise, Meridian, Nampa …
Colorado: Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs …
