Utah is one of many states that maintains high prosecution rates, with over 396 per 100,000 residents being incarcerated, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Being caught driving under the influence or committing any form of violent crime in St. George has a high chance of getting you convicted if you are indeed at fault. The same is true for sexual assault following the findings of the Utah Women and Leadership Project which cited the state as having “above the national average for rapes per capita.”
Whether you’ve been framed or you were influenced by some other factor beyond your control, you need to have a capable and experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side. Here’s an updated 2026 list of some of the best you can choose from:
Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions
St. George-based criminal defense firm specializing in DUI, domestic abuse, expungements, felonies, and misdemeanors. Additionally, it also offers personal injury services and estate planning support.
Key Details
Pricing and fees: Offers free case evaluations, but the pricing structure is not disclosed. Fees may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the practice area in which it is covered.
Services and features: Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions offers a wide array of legal services, including estate planning and bankruptcy. Criminal defense mainly includes assault and battery, child endangerment, and hit-and-run charges, especially if a defendant is accused of a DUI.
Experience and credentials: Founded by the late Alan Boyack, who once practiced in Hollywood dealing with high-profile cases, the firm is now run by Travis Christiansen and maintains affiliate partnerships with firms in Las Vegas and the Wasatch Front.
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Use Cases: A defendant hired Travis Christiansen to handle a confidential criminal case.
Outcomes: Through the firm’s guidance and competence, the case was dismissed.
Overall Client Rating: 4.5/5 (Lawyers.com)
Palmer Litigation
As a reliable source of the best DUI attorney as well as criminal defense lawyers in the state, Palmer Litigation has offered top-notch legal services to residents in St. George as well as nearby areas in southern Utah.
Key Details
Pricing and fees: Offers free confidential consultations and a No Win, No Fee guarantee. However, family law consultations require a $150 fee, which will be reimbursed should the client proceed with getting Palmer Litigation for their case.
Services and features: Palmer Litigation specializes in personal injury cases as well as criminal law, including DUI and domestic defense, and family law.
Experience and credentials: Founded by Billy Palmer, the firm has served areas encompassing St. George and nearby localities.
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Use cases: A defendant was facing possible jail time of up to 15 years, and his public defender was ineffective.
Outcomes: After switching to Palmer Litigation, the defendant’s conviction was commuted to zero jail time.
Overall Client Rating: 4.9/5 (AllUSInjuryLawyers.com)
Fillmore Spencer LLC
A southern Utah-based firm specializing in building lifelong relationships with clients and partners, Fillmore Spencer LLC offers full-service criminal defense, although much of its focus lies on immigration law, family law, and business and startup support.
Key Details
Pricing and fees: Offers free initial consultations. While there is no set pricing structure, contingency fees are required for specific cases like personal injury or workers’ compensation.
Services and features: Fillmore Spencer LLC manages over a dozen attorneys, allowing it to offer a wide range of legal services covering real estate, employment, and copyright cases in addition to its criminal defense offerings.
Experience and credentials: Named Best Law Firm by the Utah Valley Magazine and won the Daily Herald’s Reader’s Choice Awards, the firm enjoys a positive reputation as one of the area’s most trusted legal brands.
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Use cases: A defendant facing a Class A misdemeanor needed a lawyer who could help her get a lesser sentence.
Outcomes: Fillmore Spencer LLC was able to downgrade her Class A misdemeanor to a Class B, resulting in reduced jail time and fines.
Overall Client Rating: 4.6/5 (Lawyers.com)
Salcido Law Firm
Serving the residents of St. George with offices in Salt Lake City and Ogden, Salcido Law Firm covers a comprehensive list of criminal defense services, including DUI, juvenile crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, and probation violations. The firm also specializes in dealing with family matters, including divorce and child custody.
Key Details
Pricing and fees: Uses an hourly pricing structure, but final costs may vary depending on the nature or complexity of a case. Free consultations are available 24/7.
Services and features: Salcido Law Firm specializes in DUI defense, including cases that involve alcohol intoxication and underage drivers. The firm also has a positive track record in dealing with violent crimes, expungements, and gun charges.
Experience and credentials: Run by brothers Gerald, Chris, and Benny Salcido, the firm has built a reputable presence in the Utah legal landscape. It is internationally recognized as one of the country’s top sources for criminal defense.
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Use cases: A defendant was facing felony charges on hearsay.
Outcomes: The firm had the state drop the charges.
Overall Client Rating: 4.7/5 (EliteLitigators.com)
Douglas D. Terry & Associates
Founded in 1983 by Douglas Terry, boasts over 40 years of combined experience from its corps of defense attorneys, many of whom specialize in DUI and DWI, assault, murder, fraud, and theft.
Key Details
Pricing and fees: Offers free consultations, but rates aren’t publicly disclosed and may vary depending on case complexity and type.
Services and features: The firm’s list of criminal defense services includes assault, especially domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Other cases they specialize in cover juvenile charges, kidnapping, forgery, weapons charges, and drug offenses.
Experience and credentials: Since 1983, Douglas D. Terry & Associates has been at the forefront of protecting the rights of wrongfully accused clients, from plea bargaining to sentencing. The firm is led by Douglas D. Terry, who is also a sitting member of the Fifth District Drug Court Executive Committee.
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Use cases: The firm handled a confidential “high-stakes dispute.”
Outcomes: The client was able to obtain a favorable ruling on every count.
Overall Client Rating: 4.7/5 (Martindale.com)
Overview of Criminal Defense Lawyers in St. George, Utah
| Law Firm | Payment Structure | Area of Specialty in Criminal Defense | Best Features | Limitations / Things to Consider |
| Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions | Typically hourly fees, likely with free consultations (standard industry practice but not always explicitly published online) | Misdemeanors to serious felonies (DUI, drug crimes, assault, sex crimes, probation violations, domestic violence) | Risk Reduction Guarantee approach; broad criminal defense experience; local coverage including Southern Utah communities | Online presence shows minimal reviews; one very low review rating suggests mixed public perception |
| Palmer Litigation (St. George) | Free, confidential consultation; competitive hourly pricing emphasized (firm states “affordable, transparent”) | DUI, domestic violence, theft/property crimes, protective order violations, stalking/harassment, other criminal charges | Local Southern Utah focus; personalized defense and communication, community knowledge advantage | Broader firm services (also handles family law, injury) may dilute pure criminal niche; limited published outcome stats |
| Fillmore Spencer LLC | Usually hourly fees; many Utah firms also offer free initial consultation (industry norm) (not always explicit online) | DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, white collar crimes, other felony/misdemeanor charges | Team includes former federal/military prosecutors; aggressive defense and comprehensive investigation | Large practice areas beyond criminal defense; experience levels can vary by attorney |
| Salcido Law Firm | Free consultations; payment plans available for many criminal cases (e.g., DUI, drug charges) | DUI, drug crimes, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes, and more general criminal defense matters | Large firm with multiple specialized attorneys; 24/7 contact availability; statewide practice | Not all attorneys handle all case types; large firms can vary in client experience |
| Douglas D. Terry & Associates | Free case evaluation; likely hourly fees (standard for criminal defense) | Broad criminal defense; state court felonies/misdemeanors, expungement work included | Longstanding St. George criminal defense firm; decades of local experience | Mixed public reviews; some complaints regarding communication and professionalism noted (in external review sites) |
Endnote
The problem: When facing a criminal charge in St. George, UT, a conviction is highly likely if you are not supported by a competent and experienced defense attorney.
Key takeaway: When choosing a defense attorney, deal only with those who can provide specialist knowledge and guarantee the outcomes you require.
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the law firms listed above.
- Request a consultation and discuss the details and complications of your case.
- Compare pricing structures and initial strategies and approaches before retaining the right legal professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific tasks does a criminal defense lawyer handle?
They mainly create a defense strategy to prove your innocence or reduce the penalty you will receive. To do this, they talk with prosecutors, gather evidence, and represent you during settlement negotiations, trials, and other legal procedures.
How much will a criminal defense lawyer cost me?
Costs and fees may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the experience of the firm or attorney you have recruited. You may also pay your criminal defense lawyer a flat fee, on an hourly basis, or on a retainer basis.
Should I hire a local attorney, or can I use someone from another city?
A local lawyer often has better knowledge of local judges, prosecutors, and procedures in Washington County courts.
What happens if I don’t hire a criminal defense lawyer?
You could overlook crucial steps in your proceedings and commit actions or issue statements that will reinforce the allegations against you, making a conviction and a maximum sentence more likely.
How often will my lawyer update me?
You should expect regular updates and clear communication; ask about this up front.
What information should I share with my attorney?
You should share everything relevant (even details that may seem unfavorable) so they can build the best defense.
Are Utah laws different from those of other states?
Yes. Utah has specific sentencing guidelines, DUI laws, and drug statutes that a local attorney will understand.
Will my case go to trial?
Most criminal cases are resolved through plea agreements, but your attorney should be prepared for trial.