NOT GUILTY
Child Kidnapping, Burglary
State of Utah v. David James Bell
Salt Lake County, 2009
David James Bell, center, reacts with his attorneys Roger Kraft and Susanne Gustin after being acquitted of all charges in 3rd District Court. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
David James “DJ” Bell was accused of kidnapping his next-door neighbors’ children during a 4th of July party. Bell was charged with 1 count of felony child kidnapping and 1 count of felony burglary and faced a minimum of 31 years to life in prison.
Bell, a gay man, and his partner were beaten within an inch of their lives by the neighbors in an alcohol-fueled mob scene. The community rallied behind Bell, calling the situation a hate-crime with no connection to any kidnapping. Bell was acquitted of all charges and has resumed a new life in Seattle.
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Client Testimonials
I am writing this review out of sincere gratitude for the “Red Shoes Living” customer service experience provided to me by Susanne Gustin. I had a very unique case and at the onset, I knew my case would require a person of high character, compassion, and who would exercise a strong work ethic to provide me with the commitment to working my case to my high standards. We live in a society where the large majority have lost faith in our legal system and in receiving quality customer service from a reputable attorney, the kind of service one would expect to receive under duress, whether guilty or innocent. In all honesty, I received compassion, attentiveness, timely responses, excellent communication, fair and concise guidance, and clarity, every step of the way, which resulted in the most favorable outcome for my situation. The feeling of having an attorney who was in the corner with me and could defend me while upholding justice and fairness was unmeasurable. Life and circumstances that may land an individual in a situation that brings into question their character, by their actions, or reaction, even the most honest person with the best of intentions, can be out of someone’s control. Retaining Susanne Gustin, to represent me was the best decision I made, enabling me to bring my life back together relatively quickly, with the least amount of collateral damage, saving my hard-earned career and academic education, ultimately assisting me in moving forward, beyond a set of circumstances that would not define me. Susanne Gustin took a sincere interest in humanizing me and in defending me. I will always be thankful for the high value of service she delivered.
A Google user
The courtesy and professionalism my family received from Ms. Gustin were extraordinary. She returned our initial texts and phone calls quickly and efficiently. She established an action plan immediately. She contacted us on weekends to effectively see our situation end with positive results. She had our case wrapped up successfully in a matter of weeks. When your family members are falsely accused, Ms. Gustin is the person to have in your corner. Her kindness, care, and compassion are above reproach. Our trust was well-placed and her results were impeccable. Our family will ever be grateful for Susanne’s generosity with her knowledge, talents, and care.
A Google user
When our granddaughter found herself in a very difficult situation and accused of assault, Susanne was able to get her sentence greatly reduced and she was able to avoid prison. Susanne is very competent and professional and is dedicated to getting the best outcome for her client. From the very beginning she encouraged us that she could help our granddaughter and she did. We were able to reach her and get our questions answered. She is very experienced and has earned the respect of the prosecutors. She is an excellent attorney and we strongly recommend her to help a person get their life back on track.
A Google user
Highly recommend she helped me get rid of my domestic violence charge and keep my record clean. She also was very responsive with text messages and phone calls. Very easy to get a hold of anytime.
A Google user
Susanne Gustin:
A Life of Trailblazing
Susanne Gustin was featured in Attorney at Law Magazine in an article entitled Susane Gustin: A Life of Trailblazing by Amile Wilson published May 26, 2014.
Criminal defense work can be one of the hardest fields of legal practice. Clients can be difficult, payments can be erratic and the general public can be disdainful. To be successful, a good criminal defense attorney has to have a passion for the justice system, a quick mind and thick skin.
Susanne Gustin has this mix of passion, intellect and confidence which has enabled her to win some of Utah’s toughest criminal cases.
Although a fourth-generation lawyer, Gustin admits to going to law school by default. “My great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all attorneys so it was the world I knew,” she said. “My dad knew that the law could be a grueling profession so he didn’t push any of my sisters or me in that direction. I wasn’t expected to go into law, but I was expected to work hard. My mother was a vice president of First Interstate Bank even though she only had a high school education. She got to that position through hard work. My two sisters and I were held to the same standard.”
Gustin’s path toward a law career began as an undergraduate at the University of Utah where she studied political science and Middle East studies. While in college, Gustin had the opportunity to travel to
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Criminal Cases We Defend
Meet Susanne
Susanne Gustin served as President
of the Utah Association of Criminal
Defense Lawyers (UACDL) in 2002
Susanne received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Political Science and Middle East Studies with a minor in Hebrew from the University of Utah in 1987, and her Juris Doctor from the University Of Utah School Of Law on 1991. Upon receiving her license to practice law in Utah, Susanne Gustin gained experience working in the public defender’s office. In this position, she worked on drug cases, child sex crimes, murder, and various other serious felonies. After starting her own private practice in 1998, Susanne has continued defending clients accused of sex crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, and theft cases.
Request Your
Free Consultation
Use the form below to request a free and confidential consultation with attorney Susanne Gustin to discuss your case.
News & Media
A Growing Fentanyl Crisis in Utah
Susanne Gustin: A Life of Trailblazing
“Not Guilty” Verdict in Child Kidnapping, Burglary Case
Case Results
The following represents a small sample of criminal case outcomes that attorney Susanne Gustin has achieved for her clients throughout the years. Please understand that the facts and circumstances of each case are unique and must be evaluated and handled on their own merit.
Dismissal
Charges: Rape of a child
Date: August 2023
Details: Several rape of a child charges allegedly occurring over several years is dismissed based on statute of limitations. Gustin elicits favorable testimony from the alleged victim at the preliminary hearing about reporting the incident…
Acquittal
Charges: Aggravated kidnapping, rape, forcible sexual abuse
Date: October 2015
Details: Gustin earns “not guilty” verdicts on aggravated kidnapping, rape and forcible sexual abuse charges after one week jury trial. Client was facing 30 years-to-life in prison.
No charges
Allegation: Child sexual abuse
Date: December 2017
Details: Client faced allegations of child sexual abuse when he was teaching swimming lessons to a child. District Attorney’s office declines to prosecute when Gustin provides office with interviews of employees at the pool and provides…
Office Location
299 S. Main St. #1300 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Salt Lake City
Criminal Defense Attorney
- Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney
- Areas We Serve
- My Pledge to You
- What to Expect From a Criminal Defense Attorney
- Frequently Asked Questions
Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney
With more than 30 years of experience, fourth-generation lawyer Susanne Gustin is one of the top rated attorneys in the state of Utah. During her career as a trial attorney, Susanne Gustin has earned a reputation for aggressively defending her clients against felony and misdemeanor charges.
Susanne Gustin began her career as a public defender, and found her niche in defending rape and child sex cases. Now, Susanne moved to the private sector after five years – and the experience she gained in the civil sector has given her invaluable experience.
Susanne is well-known for her involvement in high-profile cases with some receiving national coverage. She has obtained numerous acquittals and dismissals of charges for her clients and has successfully created a name for herself in the legal community.
In addition to her success in the courtroom, Susanne Gustin has been recognized for her professional excellence by a number of organizations, including Super Lawyers, an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbel, recognition in Utah Business Magazine’s list of “Best Criminal Defense Attorneys,” and the David K. Watkiss-Sutherland II Inns of Court in 2012.
Susanne Gustin has decades of courtroom experience defending clients against a wide array of offenses, including sex crimes, theft and property crimes, and juvenile crimes.
Areas We Serve
Our office is located in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County. However, we also serve the counties of:
- Salt Lake County
- Weber County
- Utah County
- Wasatch County
- Summit County
- Morgan County
- Davis County
- Cache County
- Tooele County
- Box Elder County
Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law serves clients in North Utah and the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Susanne Gustin leverages her decades of experience protecting clients against charges of:
If you or a loved one have been charged, or are under investigation for any criminal offense, you need to speak with an attorney immediately. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your case will be. Thousands of innocent people are charged with crimes every day, and many of them will unwittingly incriminate themselves for something they haven’t done.
Contact Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law today to schedule a free consultation. Fill out the form in the sidebar or call (801) 243-2814 to set up your initial consultation.
My Pledge To You
Should you choose to hire me as your lawyer, here is what I pledge to you:
- EASY ACCESS — I am very easy to reach and give my clients my cellphone number.
- NO-NONSENSE ADVICE — I am honest and upfront and will not make promises I cannot keep. Issues will not be sugarcoated.
- CARING DEFENSE — I have seen how traumatic a serious charge can be and I will not add to the drama in your life. Expect to find a compassionate approach that takes your feelings into account as seriously as your criminal charges.
- TOUGH WHEN IT COUNTS — I am an aggressive advocate for my clients and a skilled litigator in the courtroom.
- INNOVATION — With strategies and a well-prepared defense that will work for you, I am always seeking an outcome that is best for your family’s emotional and economic needs.
What to Expect When Looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal charges are scary. Whether you’ve been arrested or are facing informal accusations, you know that one slip-up may lead to heavy fines or even prison. That’s why a criminal defense attorney is so important – when law enforcement says that “anything you say can and will be used against you,” they mean it!
Building a strong defense takes a lot of paper, especially if law enforcement is sure they’ve got the right person. A regular person trying to defend against an aggravated assault charge would be swamped in paperwork almost immediately – that’s not to mention trying to work a full time job at the same time.
These are just a few of the things we do to build your case and represent you:
- Discovery – Whether it’s for a trial or to receive a dismissal of charges, evidence is a key part of the legal process. If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault, you would need to track down witnesses, get them to provide a written statement, contact local businesses where the even allegedly took place, potentially subpoena a doctor and receive records from the police – all while working your full-time job! Defense attorneys complete a lot of discovery on their own or with their team.
- File Court Documents (and pay fees) – A large part of the U.S. legal system is paperwork. Whether that’s sending out subpoena notices or communicating with the prosecution and law enforcement during discovery, or requesting a dismissal, having an expert complete this paperwork for you ensures that it gets done – and gets done correctly. Missing just one document can have devastating impact on your case.
- Appear in Court – While the goal is usually to try to get your case dismissed, a trial may be necessary. Pre-trial, we work to make sure the right evidence is available, and that expert and non-expert witnesses are available to speak on your behalf. We also help select a favorable jury and provide oral defense to show why you are not guilty of the charges accused.
- Represent You During Sentencing – If you choose to plead guilty or if the trial is not winnable, we will work to reduce your charges either via a plea deal or by demonstrating mitigating circumstances.
Beyond itemized services, lawyers are here for you. We know that these circumstances are stressful, which is why we provide our services and help you to better understand the process that you may be in for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Really Need to Hire a Lawyer?
Yes. If you have been charged with criminal conduct, or are about to be interviewed by police or FBI regarding something you are purported to have done, you need to hire a lawyer. Self-incrimination is a real thing, and having a lawyer present can help shut down charges before they even begin. Many unwitting people find themselves arrested or facing formal charges after stopping by the local police station to “answer a few questions” and “clear up some misunderstandings.”
What Crimes do You Defend Against?
Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law defends against crimes that include rape and sex crimes against children, as well as violent, property and drug crimes.
If you have a case outside of these areas, contact our office and we’ll see our firm is right for you.
How Much do Your Services Cost?
Our fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. We offer a range of payment options, including hourly rates and flat fees. We can discuss costs in detail during your consultation.
How Long Will My Case Take?
The timeline varies based on the specifics of each case. Simple matters may be resolved quickly, while complex issues can take longer. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
When Can I Talk to a Lawyer?
We are available via phone, email, or in-person meetings to answer your questions during regular business hours and otuside of business hours for emergencies.
How Can I Schedule a Consultation?
Our initial consultation is free. To schedule a consultation, fill out the form on this page, or contact our office at (801) 243-2814.