Why Choose Us?
Utah’s Largest Criminal Defense Team Serving the Wasatch Front
When your freedom is on the line, experience is a necessity. Very few law firms have the courtroom experience required to challenge the state’s immense power and resources. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we bring over 100 years of collective experience to every case we handle and prepare every defense as if it will ultimately go before a jury.
While many attorneys resolve most of their cases through quick plea deals, our deep litigation background changes how we operate. It impacts how we evaluate evidence, push back against prosecutors, and build your defense strategy from day one.
Contact us online to discuss your case and discover why so many clients trust Wasatch Defense Lawyers when everything is on the line.
Proven Results. Relentless Defense.
A History of Successful Defenses
-
Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
-
Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
-
Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
-
Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
Recognized as the 2026 Best Criminal Defense Law Firm in SLC
Anyone can call themselves the best, but earning that title from the community means something entirely different. Wasatch Defense Lawyers was voted the Best of SLC Criminal Defense Firm in 2026. This recognition isn’t bought through sponsorships; it puts the spotlight on lawyers who have genuinely secured the community’s trust through public voting, verified customer feedback, and a stellar online reputation.
What makes this milestone truly special is that it isn't our first. We’ve taken home multiple Best of SLC honors since 2020, reflecting our long-term commitment to exceptional client service. To us, these awards represent real lives, careers, and futures. Our courtroom success and outstanding community reviews reinforce who we are: a premier defense firm you can rely on when it matters most.
Meet Our Team
Equipped With Over 100 Years of Combined Experience
-
Craig R. ChlarsonAttorney -
Kathryn NesterAttorney -
Darrell J. YorkAttorney -
Tanner WillesAttorney -
Matthew ‘Cole’ StricklandAttorney -
Joshua N. BrownAttorney -
David ClarkAttorney -
Shain ManueleAttorney -
Paul H. JohnsonAttorney -
Wendy LewisOf Counsel -
Mark N. BrianAttorney -
Scott G. WildingAttorney -
Jake TuimaualugaAttorney -
Tyler AyresAttorney -
Bryan SidwellAttorney -
Reed C. AmosAttorney -
Katelyn WebbAttorney -
Tony RippaAttorney
Proven in the Courtroom. Trusted by Clients.
A successful defense requires more than just great attorneys; it demands the right resources. We collaborate with a vast network of highly respected specialists to help challenge the prosecution’s narrative, including forensic accountants, digital specialists, accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, toxicologists, private investigators, and other experts.
Our lawyers have secured dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea deals across a wide range of state and federal cases. While every case is unique, our track record proves our commitment to relentless advocacy. We invite you to review our case results to see how we help clients facing high-stakes charges throughout Salt Lake City.
Results Matter Because Lives Depend on Them
Every criminal case carries consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom. A conviction can threaten your career, professional licenses, reputation, and personal relationships. In serious cases, it can cost you your freedom. That’s why our attorneys approach every case with a focus on keeping you out of the justice system.
We pride ourselves on our 99%+ success rate, meaning fewer than 1% of our clients are sent to prison. Our history includes acquittals in felony prosecutions, dismissed charges before trial, and favorable resolutions in complex cases. We provide thorough preparation and honest counsel to protect your rights and help you move forward.
our winning strategy
4 Steps to a Positive Outcome
Every case is different. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate the facts, examine the evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys evaluate every available option, from challenging improper procedures and suppressing evidence to negotiating reduced charges or preparing for trial. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of trials, we approach each case strategically and aggressively. Whether pursuing dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable trial outcome, we build a defense focused on protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
-
1Laying the GroundworkWe prepare before the fight begins. Decades of experience, deep legal knowledge, and strong relationships with prosecutors and judges give us the foundation to build a smarter, more targeted defense.
-
2Discussing The DetailsEvery detail matters. We dig deep into your case, examining reports, records, evidence, and your side of the story to uncover the facts that can shape your defense.
-
3Building Your CaseWe challenge what the prosecution thinks it knows. We scrutinize the evidence, investigate police procedures, expose weaknesses, and develop a defense strategy built specifically for your case.
-
4Obtaining Positive ResultsWe pursue the outcome that puts you in the strongest position. Whether through aggressive negotiation or a meticulously prepared trial defense, we fight to reduce charges, protect your future, and achieve the best result possible.