Best Criminal Lawyer in Utah
Jason Schatz
Criminal Lawyer
Jason earned his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Utah. Immediately upon graduating from law school, Jason and Steve formed the private practice of Schatz & Anderson, focusing on criminal and DUI defense. Since entering private practice, Jason has continued to study DUI defense, having completed both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Student Course as well as the NHTSA SFST Instructor Course.
Jason has also attended an Intoxilyzer Operator’s course and an Intoxilyzer Technician’s course to learn more about breath testing. He has also attended the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) course that officers take.
Jason is a proud member of the Utah State Bar, Salt Lake County Bar, Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has never received a bar complaint. He is also proud to be a member of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) and recently became the FIRST attorney in the State of Utah to become Board Certified in DUI Defense—1 of only 45 elite attorneys in the United States to have earned that certification. Jason also specializes in DUI defense for both in-state Utah residents and out-of-state Utah visitors.
Jason is known by police officers, prosecutors, judges and other defense attorneys throughout the state as one of the most knowledgeable, aggressive and effective Salt Lake DUI attorneys in Utah, so much so that Jason is often asked to lecture and teach other attorneys interested in duplicating his success in defending DUIs.
In December of 2006, Jason was featured on the cover of City Weekly magazine as Utah’s go to “DUI Guy!” A confirmed workaholic with a remarkable memory and astute attention to detail, Jason tirelessly and creatively works each case as a special challenge, vigorously fighting for his clients at both the administrative and criminal level to preserve his clients’ driving privileges and their freedom.
You’ll get no better defense for an alcohol or drug-related driving offense than from Salt Lake City’s DUI Lawyer, Jason Schatz.
Susanne Gustin
Criminal Lawyer
With 30 years of experience, Susanne Gustin is a criminal defense trial attorney solo practitioner. She has grown to become a steadfast and reliable source advocate for her clients.Her experience in the criminal law system representing high-profile cases as well as her less popular cases has made her a highly sought after attorney in her field.
Education
Susanne received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Political Science and Middle East Studies with a minor in Hebrew from the University of Utah in 1987, and her Juris Doctor from the University Of Utah School Of Law on 1991.
Legal Background
Upon receiving her license to practice law in Utah, Susanne Gustin gained experience working in the public defender’s office. In this position, she worked on drug cases, child sex crimes, murder, and various other serious felonies. After starting her own private practice in 1998, Susanne has continued defending clients accused of sex crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, and theft cases.
Group Memberships
Susanne Gustin is a member of the honor societies, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. Also, she is a member of the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys for which she served as president in 2002. Susanne serves as a Utah State Bar Commissioner. In addition to this, Susanne served as president of the David K. Watkiss-Sutherland II Inns of Court.
Recognition
Susanne Gustin has received recognition for stellar performance in her field. Most recently, Susanne was recognized as a Legal Elite in Criminal Defense by Utah Business Magazine. Martindale-Hubbel awarded Susanne with the highest AV-Rating. Also, she is listed as one of the top 100 lawyers in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers’ Association
Julia E. Simmons
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Julia Simmons began her legal career in California in 2001 working for one of the most prestigious DUI and DMV defense firms in the state of California. In 2008, Attorney Simmons became a certified law clerk, working on hundreds of DUIs in an attorney capacity. In 2010, Ms. Simmons began a practice that focused on vehicle related legal issues such as injuries due to car accidents, multiple offense DUI defense, DMV / DOL defense including negligent operator hearings, medical DMV / DOL hearings, lapse of conscious, and fraud. In 2014, Attorney Simmons was licensed to practice in the State of Washington and has continue to focus on all criminal defense matters and DMV and DOL Defense.
Ms. Simmons is a private pilot and has worked as a high alpine mountain guide and frequently enjoys backpacking in the Olympics. In the course of her career, she has on over 20,000 DUI cases including serious felony DUIs such as DUI with Great Bodily Injury, DUI Manslaughter, and DUI Murder. *Licensed in California and Washington.
Dennis Pawelek
Criminal Lawyer
A former Public Defender, Provo criminal defense lawyer Dennis Pawelek possesses extensive experience fighting on behalf of individuals in a broad range of criminal matters, ranging from misdemeanors such as petty theft to serious, violent felonies.
A knowledgeable negotiator and seasoned trial lawyer, Mr. Pawelek has defended thousands of clients throughout the course of his career. He has successfully reduced felony charges down to misdemeanors, obtained full dismissals of all charges, and has prevailed in numerous motions to suppress, forfeiture hearings, and restitution hearings.
- S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah—Juris Doctorate
- University of Utah—Bachelor of Sciences in economics
Bar Admissions
- Utah State Bar
- United States District Court for the District of Utah
Professional Affiliations
- Utah State District Courts
- City Justice Courts
- Juvenile Justice Courts
- Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (UACDL)
Paul Grant
Criminal Lawyer
Paul Grant graduated from the University of Utah School of Law in 1987 after attending Lewis and Clark college and the University of Utah for an under graduate degree. The University of Utah is a top tier law school and widely thought of as the best law school in the intermountain West.
Paul graduated in the top half of his class. Paul is a fifth generation native Utah’n who has insight into Utah’s unique culture.
Paul worked at the Salt Lake County public defenders office for six years. He tried over fifty jury trials while there and left with a winning record. He handled almost every misdemeanor on the books while at the defender’s office and many of the felonies.
From 1994 to 1997 Paul worked for the Utah Attorney General’s office prosecuting white collar crime cases and child protection cases. In 1997 Paul Grant started his own practice focusing much of his practice on Criminal defense in State Courts and in Federal Court.
In the fifteen years that he has been in private practice Paul has defended people accused of many different felonies and misdemeanors encompassing most crimes in the criminal code. There are few crimes Paul has not had experience in representing people.
Zachary C. Holbrook
Criminal Lawyer
Principal attorney Zachary C. Holbrook has been practicing for more than 10 years. He received his law degree from The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law School in 2011. Zachary C. Holbrook’s dedication to providing exceptional and attentive service to our clients is just one of the many attributes of excellence which distinguishes the Law Offices of Zachary C. Holbrook and which has clients returning to our firm.
Established in 2012, our law firm has a proud tradition of service. The Law Offices of Zachary C. Holbrook is dedicated to ably and competently serve each and every one of our clients. We give expert guidance on legal issues. Our goal is to find the most efficient, practical solution to any legal problem.
We uphold the highest standards of professional and personal ethics, and are highly respected by our former clients and other attorneys. Zachary C. Holbrook has earned the distinction of the Avvo Clients Choice Award and America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney’s Award.
Contact our Ogden Utah criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Zachary C. Holbrook today. A member of our legal team can assess your legal problem during an initial consultation. We also provide flexible appointment times for your convenience.
Brent J. Huff
Criminal Lawyer
I love my career as a Criminal Defense Attorney. I’ve represented hundreds of people in my own practice and as ‘Of-Counsel’ at the firm of Langford-Ramos. I also interned at the Salt Lake Legal Defender’s Association, at the Utah Court of Appeals, and at the Office of Legal Counsel for Hill Air Force Base. I am a committee member of the Utah Bar’s Veteran’s Legal Clinic and Landlord-Tenant Pro-Se Calendar programs. Prior to practicing law, I served in the United States Marine Corps and the Utah National Guard. My experience as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Intelligence Sergeant, and Linguist, helped prepare me to be successful in this career.
Work Experience
- Of Counsel, Langford-Ramos, 2019 – Present
- Attorney at Law, Law Office of Brent J Huff, 2019 – Present
- Associate, Langford Legal, 2017 – 2019
- Clinical Intern, Salt Lake Legal Defender Association 2016 – 2017
- Clinical Intern, Utah Court Of Appeals, 2016 – 2016
- Clinical Intern, Hill Air Force Base, Legal Services, 2015 – 2015
Kate Conyers
Criminal Lawyer
Kate started her career as a civil litigator, but realized that her talents were more suited for the fast-paced atmosphere of criminal defense. She joined the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association (LDA) in 2011, representing hundreds of indigent defendants in plea negotiations and trial. In addition to her legal work, Kate provides extensive pro bono work, including spearheading the Veterans Administration Legal Clinic at the VA Hospital on the U campus.
Kate has been recognized with many national and state awards, including the prestigious Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Professional Service by the American Inns of Court, Utah State Bar Young Lawyer of the Year Award, and the Utah State Bar Pro Bono Publico Young Lawyer of the Year Award. Most recently in 2018, the University of Utah awarded Kate with their Distinguished Alumna award.
Education
S.J. QUINNEY COLLEGE OF LAW
Juris Doctor, 2008
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Masters of Public Administration, 2008
B.A., Political Science, 2003
B.A., History, 2003
Bar Admissions
- Utah State Courts
- United States District Court, Utah
- United States Supreme Court
Activities & Affiliations
Women Lawyers of Utah
Immediate Past PresidentSalt Lake County Bar Association
Board MemberUtah State Bar
Ex Officio CommissionerYoung Lawyers Division
Former PresidentRocky Mountain Innocence Center
Vice President, Board of DirectorsYWCA of Utah
Board MemberUtah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Former Board MemberDavid K. Watkiss-Sutherland II Inns of Court
Member
There are several reasons why having the best criminal lawyer in Utah, or any jurisdiction, is important. Here are a few key reasons:
Expertise in criminal law: Criminal law is complex and constantly evolving. A skilled criminal lawyer has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the laws, statutes, and legal precedents relevant to your case. They can assess the situation, analyze the evidence, and develop effective legal strategies to protect your rights and interests.
Protection of your rights: A top criminal lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will ensure that you are treated fairly and that law enforcement or prosecutors do not violate your rights during arrest, questioning, or investigation.
Experience with the local legal system: Hiring a criminal lawyer familiar with the Utah legal system can be advantageous. They will have experience working with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, allowing them to navigate the system more effectively. They may have established relationships that can help them negotiate on your behalf or anticipate how certain individuals or courts may handle your case.
Building a strong defense: A skilled criminal lawyer knows how to build a strong defense tailored to your specific circumstances. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts, if necessary, to challenge the prosecution’s case. They can identify weaknesses in the evidence against you and use legal strategies to strengthen your defense.
Negotiation and plea bargaining: In some cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. A proficient criminal lawyer can assess the strength of the evidence against you and advise you on the potential benefits or risks of accepting a plea deal. They can negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome, such as reduced charges or penalties.
Courtroom representation: If your case goes to trial, having a skilled criminal lawyer by your side is crucial. They will present your case, cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and make persuasive arguments on your behalf. Their courtroom experience and advocacy skills can significantly impact the outcome of your trial.
It’s important to note that the need for the “best” criminal lawyer can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Factors such as the severity of the charges, the complexity of the legal issues involved, and your personal circumstances will influence your choice of legal representation.