Barbara Bearnson, Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah
Over 43 years of legal practice · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Asst. U.S. Atty.
Salt Lake City, UT
Practicing criminal defense in Salt Lake City since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Barbara Bearnson?
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Quick answer
Barbara Bearnson is an asst. u.s. atty. based in Salt Lake City, UT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Barbara has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Salt Lake City, UT.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Barbara Bearnson: Barbara Bearnson is an asst. u.s. atty. based in Salt Lake City, UT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Barbara has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Barbara Bearnson
Barbara concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Barbara handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Salt Lake City, Utah
Barbara takes criminal defense matters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Barbara agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Barbara Bearnson — Over 43 years of Utah criminal defense experience
Barbara Bearnson is an asst. u.s. atty. based in Salt Lake City, UT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. Barbara has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Ms. Barbara Bearnson is a lawyer practicing criminal trial practice. Barbara received a B.S. degree from University of Utah in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Barbara practices in Salt Lake City, UT.
Barbara's approach to criminal defense cases
Ms. Barbara Bearnson is a lawyer practicing criminal trial practice. Barbara received a B.S. degree from University of Utah in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Barbara practices in Salt Lake City, UT.
Clients Barbara works with
Barbara reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah area.
Credentials
Barbara Bearnson's legal education and bar admissions
University of Utah
J.D. · 1983
University of Utah
B.S. · 1980
Jurisdictions
Barbara's state bar admissions
Nevada
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
Utah
1983 · ACTIVE
Barbara studied at J.D. in University of Utah and B.S. in University of Utah.
Law school and academic background
Barbara completed J.D. in University of Utah and B.S. in University of Utah. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Barbara runs in Utah is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Barbara Bearnson
Barbara has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Barbara Bearnson's office in Salt Lake City
Barbara's primary office is at 236 State Capitol, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Barbara Bearnson — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Barbara. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Salt Lake City.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Barbara Bearnson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Barbara Bearnson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Barbara usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Barbara charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Barbara's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Barbara will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Barbara
Barbara discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Barbara confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Barbara's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Barbara Bearnson
How much does it cost to hire Barbara for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Barbara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Barbara offer a free consultation?
Barbara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Barbara's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Barbara's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Utah typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Barbara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Barbara take my case if I'm outside Salt Lake City?
Barbara is licensed in Utah. Matters governed by Utah law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Barbara will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Barbara?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Barbara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Barbara accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Barbara's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Salt Lake City, Provo and Sandy in Utah
Barbara handles criminal defense matters throughout Utah. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Utah
If Barbara's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Salt Lake City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





