The Federal Public Defender Office for the District of Utah was established to represent individuals charged with federal crimes under the Criminal Justice Act of 1964. Our office was created in 1999. Three individuals have served as the Federal Public Defender for the District of Utah: Steven Killpack established the office originally, followed by Kathryn N. Nester in 2011, and now Scott Wilson who was appointed in 2019 and still serves in this role.

Our staff of highly qualified attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and social workers are dedicated to providing zealous representation to every client who we are appointed to represent. We are assigned to cases by the U.S. District Courts in Salt Lake City and St. George Utah, and by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

We represent indigent people charged with federal crimes in Utah regardless of the extent of their resources or the nature of the accusations against them. In representing our clients, we help to ensure the fundamental promise of the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: that everyone is entitled to the assistance of a dedicated and qualified defense. Our experienced team addresses the unique issues in federal criminal cases, including offenses related to professional work, white collar, immigration, computer/technology and related offenses, drug and firearms, and charges originating on Utah’s tribal lands. We are committed to providing zealous representation to our clients in all of the areas in which federal charges can arise.