ABOUT US
We are a law firm dedicated to assisting middle to low income individuals in criminal defense cases. This includes all services typically necessary in a criminal case, such as discovery acquisition and review, pretrials and preliminary hearings, plea negotiations, jury and bench trials, and sentencing. We work on a sliding scale based on individual income to ensure our rates are as affordable as possible.
MEET THE TEAM
RYAN L. HOLDAWAY
Attorney
As a criminal defense lawyer practicing for more than twelve years, I have a wealth of knowledge in criminal defense cases. This includes years of experience in researching, drafting, and arguing, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment law to ensure my client's constitutional rights and protections have been enforced. It also includes considerable background in handling plea negotiations and sentencings. I have substantial trial experience, including bench trials and jury trials on misdemeanor and felony cases of all types, including:
- Attempted murder
- Rape of a child
- Sodomy of a child
- Lewd and lascivious
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Distribution of a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance
- DUI
- Simple battery
I bring this expertise to bear in each and every one of my cases, ensuring each client's case is carefully and thoroughly reviewed. That any constitutional issues are addressed, and that those cases that should be plead are negotiated to their best possible conclusion. Those cases that should go to trial are given a vigorous defense in front of a jury.
I also have a substantial history in handling appeals, having briefed and argued cases in front of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Idaho Court of Appeals, the Utah Court of Appeals, and the Utah Supreme Court. This experience enables me to understand the issues that need to be preserved for appeal at the trial court level, and the best means of preserving those issues. It also permits me to best position those clients whose cases involve denied motions or a trial for any appeal they may choose to file.
When it comes to the client experience I have found most clients are most interested in just a few things:
- They want to make sure they are being treated fairly;
- They want predictability as to the court process and the likely outcome of their case.
- They want to know that someone took a legitimate interest in their case and in them as a person and stood up for them.
I strive to listen to my client's version of the facts, to my client's interests and desired outcome, and to my client's concerns. In each case I provide my clients with a frank assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of their case. If my client is not likely going to win the case, I want them to know that fact early and clearly. If my client has a chance of prevailing I want to ensure that they are prepared for the grueling trial process they will face. Finally, I want every client to know and feel that I took an interest in them, that I was willing to listen to them without judgment, and that I was willing to do everything I could to get them the fairest result I possibly can.
JANET BENGTZEN
Legal Assistant
Janet is passionate about civil liberties and constitutional rights. She takes considerable pride in working in a criminal defense firm where she plays a role in ensuring criminal defendants are treated with respect as individuals and that their rights and liberties are protected.
As a legal assistant, Janet manages client communications, discovery acquisition and review, scheduling, and file management. In handling these responsibilities Janet develops and maintains a great working relationship with the clients. She is empathetic and understanding of the client's situation and works hard to manage each case such that it gets the time and attention it deserves.
Finally, through her experience as a legal assistant, Janet has a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and is an excellent source of information on client questions relating to treatment, sentencing, probation, and the like. Janet will always do her best to assist client's in understanding their case, the court process, and what they can expect throughout the matter.
OUR FEES ARE BASED ON YOUR INCOME
Flat Rate: All of our criminal cases are handled flat rate, meaning you know up front the total amount of legal fees you will need to pay for your entire case.
Income Based: All of our fees are based on your income as compared to the federal poverty guidelines.
Includes All Services: The flat rate fee covers all attorney services you need to see your case through to conclusion, including, reviewing all discovery, all court hearings, any necessary pretrial motions, any necessary plea negotiations, jury or bench trials, and/or sentencing.
LEGAL MUSINGS ATOP MY SOAPBOX
