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Rudy J. Bautista
About Rudy
Biography
After leaving a career as a Merchant Marine officer, Mr. Bautista has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 1999. Since then, he has represented over 6,000 clients and has obtained dismissals or not guilty verdicts in all types of criminal cases, including white collar crimes, criminal homicide, all sex crimes including rape and aggravated sex abuse of a child, aggravated burglary, robbery, thefts, forgeries, aggravated assaults, drug and alcohol charges including DUI, and domestic violence allegations. When unable to secure a dismissal, Mr. Bautista has helped obtain a favorable resolution, or tried the case before a jury. As of October 1, 2025, he has tackled over 305 jury trials as lead counsel with 170 acquittals, and of the guilty verdicts, seven have been reversed on appeal and many were to lesser misdemeanor charges. Of note is he has obtained acquittals in 5 murder trials in a row! As of 2025, he has obtained acquittals in 11 murder trials, and numerous others were convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Mr. Bautista believes that each case must be handled from the onset for trial. While most criminal cases are dismissed or resolved prior to trial, diligent and aggressive representation from the onset is fundamental to obtaining the best results.
At Bautista & Campbell, PC, Mr. Bautista focuses on representing individuals and companies in white collar criminal cases, and individuals in all criminal cases. By habitually exceeding the continuing education requirements established by the Utah Bar, Mr. Bautista keeps abreast of all major developments in frequently litigated areas, such as securities fraud, health care fraud, environmental crime, computer crime, and sex crimes. Mr. Bautista has represented many high profile clients and he prides himself in being one of less than 7 criminal defense attorneys in private practice qualified to represent clients charged with capital murder in Utah. Thanks to his extensive experience as a trial and appellate attorney, he has successfully helped two clients avoid the death penalty.
Whether you, your company, or your loved ones are under investigation, or have been formally charged, Mr. Bautista has the experience, dedication, and a proven history of success to help avoid the most serious consequences.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
26 years | 4,500 cases
Sex Crime
40%
26 years | 150 cases
White Collar Crime
20%
26 years | 750 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 595-595 per hour
Pro bono
10 %
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Utah for 26 years
State: Utah
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Bautista & Campbell, PC
250 East 200 South, Suite 330, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
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Rudy J. Bautista's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Tammie | July 22, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Exceptional Attorney
Rudy is a zealous advocate for his clients. He is smart, caring and through. He returns your calls and he knows his stuff. I can’t say enough good things about him. Hire him! I highly recommend Mr. Bautista!!
Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
One decision I made right , if you’re reading about attorneys hire him. If he’s your opposing party… good luck.
Rudy Bautista was accessible, diligent, and dependable when it came to my legal needs . He is an invaluable resource when it comes to protecting my rights in the courtroom. His attention to detail and knowledge of laws are unsurpassed. I would highly recommend him.I have used multiple attorneys in t...
Posted by SERGIO | February 26, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
SERGIO RAMOS
MR Rudy J Bautista represented me in 2016 in Ogden UT. He was very aggressive, knowledgeable and trust worthy. He have a can do positive attitude. Kept me constantly informed on all matters pertaining to my case. Mr. Bautista you are the best. Thank you. Sergio Ramos.
Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent attorney/ clearing a misunderstanding
I just read a bad review and realized this person clearly did not understand law. She simply assumed given legal statis over the person of interest the client she may have been given power of attorney. This will not work in a criminal case! Only the client may be spoken to. I would rather have a lawy...
Posted by Jenny | November 27, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Dui
Mr Bautista was able to do the impossible. Without him I may have lost everything. The best attorney in Utah. He actually cared about note then a pay check. He cared what happened to me.
Rudy J. Bautista's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Knows his stuff. Can deliver when it counts."
"Rudy is an excellent trial lawyer who works hard for his clients and obtains very favorable outcomes."
"Rudy is an excellent attorney who wins at trial!"
"I've worked alongside Mr. Bautista on several cases and consider him both a friend and a mentor. He's the kind of attorney that I turn to for advice and assistance. I would recommend him to anybody who asked."
"Rudy is a tenacious and aggressive criminal defense attorney. Unlike many attorneys, Rudy isn't afraid to go to trial and he will fight until he gets the job done. He is sharp and observant and uses those skills to craft a winning strategy for your case. He has a great reputation in the community and is respected by attorneys and judges alike. Rudy knows his stuff and will use his expertise to achieve the best outcome for your case."
"I have known Rudy for 16 years as a friend and I have had the pleasure of working with him on cases. He is an excellent person and I am proud that we have been able to form a partnership in order to provide the highest professional services attainable in the field."
"Rudy represented another defendant on a murder case I did this past year and I have also seen Rudy over the years in various courts and he is always very prepared, takes his job seriously, and is a zealous advocate, trying to get his clients the best deals possible. Very good attorney."
"Rudy will fight tooth and nail for you."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have observed Rudy over the years and I'm impressed by his skills and knowledge and commitment to his clients."
"Rudy is a skilled criminal defense attorney with an impeccable reputation for being tenacious, smart and ethical. I don't hesitate to recommend Rudy."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Rudy as being an experienced, aggressive and intelligent advocate. I know Rudy well, because we attended the same law school, and work in the same area of law. Thus, I have had many years to observe his work, and the way in which he presents himself. Any person needing a high quality criminal defense attorney would do well to retain Rudy."
"Rudy is one of the giants in the legal community. He has been doing great years for many years. I have asked for his advice on a number of occasions and always been glad that I did so. He is an excellent attorney who does great work for his clients."
"Talented lawyer."
"I have seen Mr. Bautista's work for more than a decade. To put it plainly, he gets the job done. As a defense attorney myself, Mr. Bautista is the kind of lawyer I would want to represent me if I were charged. He presents an aggressive, sophisticated defense that gets results."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Legal Elite- Criminal Defense, Utah Business Magazine
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Shareholder, Bautista, Booth and Parkinson, PC
2011 - 2014
Of Counsel, Anderson & Karrenberg, PC
2010 - 2011
Trial Attorney, Richard Brandt Miller Nelson
1999 - 2010
Trial Attorney, Salt Lake Legal Defender Association
Associations
2000 - Present
Utah Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1999 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v Wolf
Prevailed on Appeal and Dismissed
State v Cushing
Prevailed
State v Ramirez
Not Guilty at Trial
State v Zamora
Not Guilty at Trial
State v Clark
Avoided Death Penalty
State v Benivadez
Avoided the Death Penalty
State v Jensen
Prevailed
Salt Lake City v. Hendricks
Prevailed
Salt Lake City v Roseto
Prevailed
Education
1999
Brigham Young University - J. Reuben Clark Law School
Juris Doctor
1991
United States Merchant Marine Academy
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
Trial Academy
Winning with an Opening Statement
2014
BYU National Trial Team Seminar
Cross Examine with Success
2013
UACDL Trial Academy
Forum on Winning Techniques at Trial
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers