299 South Main Street #1317, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

A Tough Defense for the Toughest Offenses®

Everyone deserves aggressive, experienced legal representation. Your solution begins here.

Proven Utah Criminal Defense Lawyers

Put 100+ Years of Utah Criminal Defense Experience on Your Side - You Deserve the Best Representation.

You Have Rights - We Protect Them

Our aggressive attorneys advocate for men, women, and youth charged with alleged felony or misdemeanor offenses.

The Largest Criminal Defense Team in Utah
Best of SLC Criminal Defense Winner 2020, 2021, 2023 Top 3, 2025Criminal defense attorney awards graphic - Wasatch Defense Lawyers in Salt Lake City, Utah

Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in Utah

Protecting Your Freedoms

Facing theft crimes, drug charges, or sex crimes? Our award-winning criminal defense attorneys in Salt Lake City help you understand your rights, your options, and what comes next. You don't have to face the legal system alone. 650+ trials. More 5-star reviews than any criminal defense firm in Utah

The Largest Criminal Defense Team in Utah

Why Choose Us?

Put 100+ Years of Utah Criminal Defense Experience on Your Side

You Deserve the Best Representation.

Track Record of Winning

We have a reputation for achieving excellent results. Fewer than 1% of our clients have ever been sent to prison.

Award Winning Utah Law Firm

We are proud recipients of the America Jurisprudence Award for Excellence Achievement in the Study of Advocacy.

We Protect Your Rights

Your constitutional rights are inalienable and we pride ourselves in protecting and defending them every step of the way.

No-Obligation Case Review

Take advantage of consulting on your case with an experienced attorney who listens and reviews your situation for free. There's nothing to lose, contact us now.

Military Discounts

We are proud to support our troops with an exclusive discount for veterans for all our professional legal services.

100+ Years of Experience

Criminal cases can be unfair and the consequences hefty. We have successfully represented thousands of clients in Utah.

Have you been arrested for a crime in Salt Lake City or any area in Utah?

Schedule a FREE Consultation to Discuss the Best Defense Strategy for Your Case.

Call NOW! 801-980-9965

Criminal Defense Attorney Salt Lake City Client Testimonials

With 4 Decades of 5-Star Service, our #1 goal is to provide you with successful results, period.

Incredibly effective and pleasant to work with!

Alex Blane

I can only give my highest praise and recommendations for Wasatch Defense Attorneys and their team. A special thanks to Lane Paralegal for all his help

Julie Rasmussen

My attorney was Scot wilding probably the best attorney I've had. Had trouble with this from before until I got assigned Scot really good guy and wants to help. Helped me a lot! Appreciate you Scot

Mote Tau

I was very satisfied with Cole and his genuine thoughtfulness for the clients problems. I would definitely recommend his services to those who need it. I was also thankful to Darrell for his initial work.

David Berger

Scott Wilding was supportive, compassionate, and knowledgeable. I'm so grateful that I found him. Thank you for advocating for me. I would definitely recommend his services.

Lindsay Rasmussen

Lane Clark at Wasatch Defense Lawyers is a good man and a skilled and knowledgeable colleague who does good quality work, cares about his clients, and communicates well. Highly Recommend! Rock Star!

Will Andrews

Emily is amazing and got my case dismissed. She is very helpful - she answered my questions everyday and I had a lot. She is very patient and helped me navigate the process. I recommend her to anyone who needs a good defense attorney.

Randee Chaney

The entire team at Wasatch are knowledgeable, fair and professional. They took the time to explain the process thoroughly and made recommendations along the way. They made the process easy and helped guide us through a very stressful situation. Highly recommend working with them.

Valerie Koonce

Criminal Defense Attorneys

Meet Our Salt Lake City, Utah Criminal Defense Lawyers

Beau Blackley, Attorney at Law

Beau Blackley, Attorney at Law

Crimes Against Persons, Drug Crimes, Traffic Crimes, Sex Crimes, Property Crimes, and Family Law

Beau Blackley is a licensed attorney in the State of Utah, State of Colorado, and the State of...

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Bryan Sidwell, Attorney at Law

Bryan Sidwell, Attorney at Law

Sex Crime Defense, Drug Crime Defense, Violent Crime Defense, Criminal Defense

Bryan Sidwell is an aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT. Since graduating in 1995, Bryan has seen many trials and brings valuable experience to the Wasatch Defense Lawyers team.

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Craig R. Chlarson, Esq.

Craig R. Chlarson, Esq.

Criminal Defense, Family & Bankruptcy Law

Craig R. Chlarson is known as one of the most aggressive and highly skilled criminal defense attorneys in Utah. Meet with him today … prepare an aggressive defense … and fight back!

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Darrell J. York, Attorney at Law

Darrell J. York, Attorney at Law

Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, Drug & Immigration Crimes

Introducing Attorney Darrell J. York, a seasoned law professional with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Darrell...

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David Clark, Esq.

David Clark, Esq.

Civil and Business Litigation, Appeals, Collections / Creditor Bankruptcy, Corporate Law, Family, Juvenile and Criminal Law.

I was a prosecutor for 29 years and am now on your side. I always wanted to be...

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Criminal Defense Attorney News

Recent News

Understanding the Utah Sex Offender Registry: Laws and Implications
Mar 10

Understanding the Utah Sex Offender Registry: Laws and Implications

Your Future After a Sex Crime Accusation in Utah...

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Criminal Charges in Utah: First Steps to Protect Your Rights
Feb 24

Criminal Charges in Utah: First Steps to Protect Your Rights

Finding yourself facing criminal charges in Utah can be...

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Chase in Salt Lake City: How an 8-Year Low in Crime Is Creating a Safer, Smarter City Environment
Dec 11

Chase in Salt Lake City: How an 8-Year Low in Crime Is Creating a Safer, Smarter City Environment

Chase in Salt Lake City: What an 8-Year Low...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A defense lawyer may be able to lower your charges or get them dropped, even if you are guilty. We may even be able to arrange more favorable outcomes such as community service, driving re-education classes, or other measures instead of jail time.

The exact cost will depend on the particulars of your case. If the case goes to trial, that will add expenses. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we offer a range of different rates, structures, and payment plans. Which one you will fall under will depends on the individual details of your case. We offer flat fees, hourly rates, military discounts, and even work on contingencies.

A criminal defense lawyer's job is to get you the best possible outcome for your case. We'll look for mistakes in paperwork or gaps in the prosecutor's argument. Finally, we can explain your options and repercussions at every step of the process to you. Mistakes you make in paperwork or missed deadlines and court appearances could cost you. Criminal defense lawyers may be able to get your sentence reduced or dropped.

Yes. The State of Utah has just lowered the BAC limit for drivers to .05 percent. This is a sharp reduction from the nationwide average of .08 percent, which makes the state the strictest in the country. A defense lawyer can work to reduce charges, get a reduced sentence, or help with DUI charges to get them totally dropped.

The most serious level of crime is a felony. Misdemeanors are less serious, and infractions are the least serious crimes. Felony crimes are usually classified by first, second, and third degrees of seriousness. The first degree represents the most serious level of offense.

Generally, the statute of limitations for bringing a felony charge is three years. However, in some types of cases, the time frame may be longer, such as in fraud, felony sex crimes cases, and possibly others. There is no statute of limitations for bringing a murder charge. Typically, the statute of limitations for bringing a misdemeanor charge is one year.

A large factor in a personal injury case is proving who is at fault. A defense attorney can negotiating with insurance companies and communicating with other involved parties on your behalf. A defense lawyer can also help you put an accurate monetary value on your injury so you can pursue a settlement.

A defense attorney represents the person who has been accused of a crime. Their objective, if the case goes to trial, is to argue against the validity against the prosecutor's case. Meanwhile, a prosecutor represents the city, county, or state in criminal cases. They are typically a representative of the District Attorney. They will gather evidence, determine which evidence has merit, and try to persuade the court of the accused's guilt. The burden of proof is on the prosecutor.

You are not legally required to provide any information to a police officer. Do not give any statement to a police officer before you contact a criminal defense lawyer and obtain guidance. If you are concerned that the police are investigating you, an experienced criminal defense attorney will ensure that your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.

Language Translation Available

Wasatch Defense Lawyers is happy to make an interpreter available.

We also have fluent German and Spanish speaking attorneys. Salt Lake City's Wasatch Defense Lawyers will Aggressively Defend Your Rights and Quality of Life in Utah.