Lawyer of Firm Description

About Murray, Ziel & Johnston, PLLC — Criminal Defense Idaho Falls ID

For criminal defense Idaho Falls residents trust, Murray, Ziel & Johnston, PLLC — now operating as All West Law Group — fields a partner-led trial team across Bonneville County. The firm serves clients from Idaho Falls and the broader Intermountain West, with attorneys including Paul D. Ziel, Alan F. Johnston, and Aaron Powell handling state and federal criminal matters. Because the partners also practice family, estate, and civil litigation, criminal defendants benefit from a fuller view of consequences — protective orders, child custody, immigration impact, and license issues that often follow a charge.

The firm’s motto, “Justice. Integrity. Excellence.,” runs through how it engages with the Bonneville County Courthouse on West Cedar Street and the U.S. District Court for Idaho in Pocatello. Clients meet directly with partners rather than getting handed off, which matters when stakes are high. For broader options across the area, you can also browse criminal defense attorneys serving similar regions.

What Clients Say

Reviewers consistently describe the firm as responsive, transparent on fees, and willing to fight when a case warrants it rather than pressing for quick pleas. Several note the value of having one firm handle linked civil and criminal issues — particularly in DUI cases that touch driving privileges and family court. Communication discipline shows up across testimonials: returned calls, clear status updates, and realistic case assessments.

Criminal Defense Idaho Falls — Practice Areas & Services

State criminal defense in Bonneville County, including felonies and misdemeanors
Federal criminal defense in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho
DUI defense, license hearings, and post-conviction relief
Drug-related charges and possession defense
Domestic violence and protective order representation
Juvenile defense and expungement proceedings

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a criminal case typically take in Idaho Falls?

Misdemeanors in Bonneville County often resolve within 90 to 180 days, while felonies can stretch from six months to over a year depending on complexity and trial setting. Pretrial motions, discovery disputes, and crime-lab backlogs are common timeline drivers. Your attorney should provide a calendar specific to your charge and the assigned judge.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a criminal defense attorney?

Bring every document you have — citation, complaint, bond paperwork, police report if released, and any communication from prosecutors. Also bring a written timeline of what happened in your own words, plus a list of witnesses. The more organized that first meeting is, the more accurate your fee quote and case strategy will be.

Will my Idaho Falls case be heard in state or federal court?

Most charges originating from local arrests go through the Bonneville County District Court at the courthouse on West Cedar Street. Federal charges — drug trafficking across state lines, firearm offenses tied to federal statutes, or fraud involving federal programs — go to the U.S. District Court in Pocatello. Court of jurisdiction sets sentencing exposure and procedural rules, so confirm this early.

Quick Facts: Criminal Defense in Idaho Falls, Idaho

Active in-state Idaho lawyers: ~3,627 practicing in-state out of 5,306 licensed — Idaho State Bar
Idaho lawyers per 1,000 residents: 2.1 — among the lowest ratios in the nation — ABA Profile of the Legal Profession
Idaho lawyer growth (10-year): 15%+ resident lawyer growth — ABA National Lawyer Population Survey

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Murray, Ziel & Johnston, PLLC, located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a law firm that has garnered positive feedback for its dedicated attorneys and exceptional client service across various legal categories, including bankruptcy, family law, and personal injury. Clients have praised attorneys like Blake Murray and Alex Muir for their excellent communication, professionalism, and ability to make clients feel heard and respected during challenging times. Many reviewers express gratitude for the firm’s commitment to their cases, highlighting the supportive and knowledgeable staff that contributed to positive outcomes.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

We have gone with this firm twice. The first time with Blake Murray. He did a fantastic job with communication and processing everything promptly.

Alex is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired to help me. Ill definitely return anytime I need an attorney

Thank you Paul.

As a disabled combat veteran on a fixed income I was pretty disappointed with this offices practices. I was raised in the foster care system and got adopted by a family that severely abused me having joined the Marines at 18 I was stuck with the name for decades because my clearances passports etc so I’m finally free of government work and wanted to change my name. Johnston was going to charge me a $2,000 retainer to do the name change for me. I happened to have a grand in cash on me so I asked the paralegal if I could pay the grand no and the remainder in 2 weeks when I got paid since i knew the process was going to be lengthy they could atleast start the paperwork or something and then I’d pay the remainder. Just before I went to pay the remainder thousand I called to let them know and that’s when they informed me they weren’t starting anything until the full $2.000 was paid if I didn’t like that I could have a refund. So a couple days later as promised I went to pay the remaining $1,000 but I had a change of heart. I didn’t want to work with someone who was too good to start working for $1,000 considering the cost to do the change on my own is around $200 I don’t think $1,000 payment is not worthy of the most minimal effort/time. They kept doubling down on they didn’t agree to work for less than $2,000 like it just wasn’t worth their time. Not a problem. I’ll find an attorney who values the customer over the almighty dollar and what they FEEL they’re worth. Oh then they tried to charge me $30 for the 1 minute phone call where he told he wasn’t lifting a finger until the full $2,000 is paid citing some retainer agreement that I never signed. Real class act this place

We hired Alex to represent us at a time in our life that was both stressful and extremely exhausting. Alex and his paralegal, Paula, made us feel heard, respected and prepared. We had never been through anything like this before and we honestly couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Having these two on our side made it so that were able to have a strong case and best of yet, we were able to come out of it very happy with the end results. We will forever be grateful for their professionalism and knowledge!

Jaxon provides professional, courteous and outstanding service. He helped in registering a trademark. He is always there for any support, and ensures that the job is completed. Jaxon gets things done.

Blake and Paul are amazing.

Paul Ziel is a First Class Attorney, if your looking for a lawyer who is 100% for his clients. Then he’s the Man! Hands down he helped give one of our family members, another chance at life. We are very greatly appreciative, to him and his law firm. He is a man or Integrity, and knows the courts inside and out. He was once a Prosecutor, and has deep knowledge of the Justice System. He cares about his Clients. And puts it all out there. We Highly Recommend this Gentleman. 5 Star All The Way!!!

Alex Muir and paula are very professional and good at keeping you updated on whats happening. After looking at quite a few options i found alex’s quote to be very reasonable. Would definitely recommend for your legal needs.

There are two things that were done by the same lawyer, Jaxon. First he helped us complete a partnership agreement. Straight forward I thought and I felt it was done to protect me. But then my partner backed out and did multiple things that were against the operating agreement and terms that were set up by Jaxon and when I went back to Jaxon he assured me he’d be able to represent me adequately. He did not. He caused me to miss deadlines, he failed to inform me properly on the status of the legal proceedings and we were forced into a settlement at mediation because the other party threatened to hold us in contempt because they hadn’t received the documentation that was needed. I have emails that show I had asked if anything else was needed and he would state that he’d let me know when other things were due but he either did after they were late or on the border of being late or not at all. The kicker was that I found out at mediation in October that the partnership had been dissolved back in August. I wouldn’t recommend any legal representation from this firm for ongoing counsel or for any legal document because they failed to protect my interests with basic concepts like non competes, etc.

Jaxon Munz was very nice and and as informative as he could be for representing the opposition.

Excellent attorney

I have had many interactions with law offices in Idaho Falls (not all bad or for myself) but I can honestly say I have never been more impressed than I am with Murray, Ziel, & Johnston, PLLC. Alan Johnston and his paralegal Hope made one of the worst moments of my life bearable. They were extremely prompt with responses and information that was needed. I never had to remind or ask a second time. Alan is one of the best lawyers I have witnessed in court. He will be your advocate throughout any case. Honestly, lawyers mean business, but with this office I felt they became more than my “legal team”, they became friends, and people I could talk to without feeling ashamed, embarrassed or judged. If and/or when you need legal assistance Alan and his team are your people!

Jaxon was great to meet with. But, the paralegals have been a nightmare. Constantly needing to give info that should’ve been previously recorded and documented. Paralegal has been submitting incomplete records to court and social services, and then doesn’t notify me. Started my case in late 2021, still not completed. ** edit to add that the paralegal offered me a refund and then let me know that it was no longer going to be a refun

Jaxon was awesome to work with in helping us get two trademarks filed quickly and with basically no issues at all. Highly recommend!