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Practice Areas: Criminal Defense; DUI; Juvenile Law

Additional Information:

ZAK MALKINSON

Zak has been successful in front of juries in Colorado, obtaining acquittals in District, County and Municipal Courts. He has earned the reputation of being hard-working, passionate and ready to fight for his clients whether the charge is a traffic ticket, domestic violence or a sex offense. Zak is currently the co-chair of the criminal law section of the Boulder County Bar Association and has given presentations to fellow attorneys. Zak is currently a community panel member on the Boulder Police Department's Professional Standards Review committee.

A native of Boulder and graduate of Boulder High, Zak understands the locale. Although Boulder can be a town of temptation for some, local law enforcement is strict. As the saying goes: “Boulder: Go there on vacation and come back on probation.” University of Colorado students may find that a criminal charge will have a serious impact because of potential discipline from the Office of Student Conduct. Zak knows a young person's missteps should not result in a lifetime smear on their future and will work hard to protect his clients' reputations. Record sealing is an important part of the firm’s practice.

While bartending in Berkeley, California, Zak began to tutor inmates at San Quentin Penitentiary in both English and writing. Inspired by working with such exceptional yet undervalued people, he went to law school at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. During law school, Zak learned about criminal defense through internships with both the Alameda County Public Defender and San Francisco Public Defender.

After law school, Zak spent over seven years working for the Alameda County Public Defender's Office in Oakland. Alameda County is the oldest Public Defender's Office in California and boasts a highly regarded, national reputation. As a Public Defender, Zak represented criminal defendants in Oakland and throughout Alameda County. Oakland is a city with a high crime rate, and Zak represented over 1,000 adults charged in crimes ranging from trespassing to homicide. During his years at the Alameda County Public Defender's Office, Zak earned a reputation for working aggressively on behalf of his clients. He is a successful trial lawyer who is at ease in front of judges and juries. His clients enjoy the benefit of his personable style.

In 2009, Zak returned to his roots in Colorado and began a solo criminal defense firm where he continued to litigate trials, but also added appellate and post-conviction work to his practice. Zak and Kristan Wheeler formed Malkinson Wheeler Law in 2010 and continue to be dedicated defenders. Zak is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and the Boulder County Bar Association. He is still licensed in California. He enjoys spending time with his family and trying to convince his kids the Nuggets can win even without a superstar.