Answers, in plain English.

Sometimes, yes — and if we think that's your situation, we'll tell you. Simple uncontested divorces, small estate plans, and minor traffic matters can sometimes be done without an attorney. Anything with the other side represented, anything with kids involved, or anything that could land on your record — call us first.

The number one complaint we hear about other firms is some version of "my last lawyer just went silent." That's the failure mode we built our intake and case-handling process to avoid. Calls and emails: we aim to respond within 24 business hours. Significant changes: you hear from your team directly, usually the same day. We handle communication in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and our urgent line is answered around the clock for arrests and immigration emergencies.

For most matters, yes — and we'd rather work out something that fits your situation than turn good clients away. Flat-fee work usually has a payment-plan option built in, hourly matters use a written retainer agreement, and Affirm financing is available where it makes sense. We discuss what's possible at the consultation, in writing, before you commit.

Both, depending on the task. The attorney on your case handles strategy, court appearances, negotiations, and any decision that materially affects your outcome. Day-to-day case work is often handled by an experienced paralegal who is fully briefed on your matter and works alongside the attorney. You'll know who's on your team and how to reach them, and you can speak with the attorney directly when you need to.

English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Our founder Kevin G. Richards is trilingual, and our intake and client-relations team includes Portuguese and Spanish speakers. We regularly handle full consultations and ongoing case communication in all three languages — no third-party interpreter required.

Maybe. Bail isn't set until the initial appearance, which happens within 24 to 48 hours of booking. Once it's set, you can post it through a bail bondsman (usually 10% of the bail amount, non-refundable), or in full with the court. Often the first thing Carl does is argue for a lower bail — or release on recognizance — at that initial appearance. Call us before you call a bondsman.

Almost never without a lawyer. Officers are trained in interview techniques designed to get statements that hurt you. Even if you're completely innocent, what you say can be taken out of context. If we decide an interview makes sense, we're there for it. If not, you have an absolute right to decline.

Usually, yes — at least temporarily. A Utah DUI triggers two separate processes: a criminal case and a Driver License Division (DLD) administrative hearing. You have 10 days from the arrest to request the DLD hearing. Miss that window and the suspension is automatic. We request the hearing as step one of the DUI defense.

It depends on the charge. A minor traffic infraction, probably not. A Class A or Class B misdemeanor — anything that could put you in jail, cost a professional license, or show up on a background check — yes. "Just a misdemeanor" pleas haunt people at job interviews, rental applications, and immigration proceedings for years.

Utah law requires an officer to make an arrest if there's probable cause at a domestic call — even if the alleged victim doesn't want charges filed. The case is then out of their hands; the prosecutor decides whether to pursue it. There's a real defense here, but it requires showing up at the right moment with the right motion. Call us immediately.

Many Utah convictions can be expunged after a waiting period — typically 3 to 7 years after completing the sentence, depending on the offense. Some can't; others qualify for "record sealing" rather than expungement. We screen your record when you hire us, or as a standalone service.

First-offense DUI defense is usually handled on a flat fee — we quote the number in writing at the consultation. A felony, multiple charges, or a case going to trial is hourly with a written estimate. No games, no "we'll figure it out later."

For most people, a will plus correctly titled accounts and beneficiary designations does 90% of what a trust does — for a quarter of the price. A trust becomes genuinely useful when you own real estate (it avoids probate), have a blended family, have minor beneficiaries, have a child receiving needs-based benefits, or want specific control over when and how assets are distributed. If a trust isn't right for your situation, we'll say so.

Your estate is distributed according to Utah's intestacy statute, which makes fixed assumptions about who gets what. If you're married with kids from the marriage only, your spouse typically inherits everything. If you have kids from a prior relationship, the statute splits things in ways most people wouldn't choose.

Formally: every 3-5 years, or whenever something material changes — a marriage, divorce, birth, death in the family, buying/selling real estate, starting or selling a business, or moving to a new state.

A durable power of attorney lets someone you trust manage your finances if you can't — because of illness, injury, or incapacity. Without one, your family may have to go to court for a conservatorship, which is expensive, slow, and public. Every adult should have a durable POA.

Yes — usually a "pour-over" will, which catches anything you forgot to title into the trust and directs it there. It's a safety net. Every trust-based estate plan includes one.

Yes. We do virtual and in-home estate planning consultations regularly — especially for clients with mobility limitations or who live outside Ogden. Documents still require wet signatures and notarization, but we can arrange a signing at your home or a notary close to you.

Yes. This is one of the most common calls we get. We can handle the probate for you end-to-end, or coach you through a simpler estate where you're comfortable doing the filings yourself.