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DUI in Utah
DWI in Utah
A DUI conviction in Utah can have severe consequences for a Utah driver. Utah DUI laws can be complicated. It may be a good idea to contact a Utah DUI lawyer. Hiring a DUI lawyer can make a difference in the type of penalties which may be assessed against a driver. DUI lawyers can review the driver's DUI charges and help determine the best course of action for the driver.
Depending on whether it is the driver's first, second or third DUI charge, they may be facing severe penalties including:
- Increase insurance cost
- License suspension
- High court costs and penalties
- Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
- Mandatory attendance in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program
Utah DUI Laws
Utah drivers can be arrested in Utah if they are driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol or the combination of these substances to a degree that the driver is unable to safely drive or operate the vehicle.
Drivers can also be arrested and charged with DUI if their blood alcohol level (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. If a driver's BAC is over the legal limit they do not have to exhibit any physical or mental impairments to be arrested.
A Utah police officer may stop a driver for any type of driving infraction or if they believe they are intoxicated. The police officer begins gathering evidence for the DUI before the stop by observing common infractions such as swerving, driving the wrong direction or driving too slowly. After the stop, the officer can give the driver a field sobriety test which can include asking them to walk a straight line, recite the alphabet or count backwards. After the field sobriety test, the officer can make a subjective decision about whether or not the driver is intoxicated and ask them to submit to a chemical test.
Under Utah's driving laws, drivers have given their implied consent to submit to a chemical test which will test their breath, urine or blood. Drivers who refuse to take the test can have their license suspended for 18 to 36 months (in addition to any subsequent criminal DUI penalties).
Penalties for DUI in Utah
Penalties assessed against a Utah driver charged with a DUI may vary. A DUI lawyer can provide specific information about your DUI case. General information is provided below for Utah DUI penalties.
First DUI Offense Class B Misdemeanor
- Required to spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail or potential 48 hours of a work service program or home confinement up to a maximum of 6 months
- Required to pay between $1,296 to $1,850 in fines and penalties
- Mandatory license suspension for 90 days
- Potential alcohol abuse screening, assessment, education and treatment programs
Second DUI Offense (Within 10 years)
- Required to spend a minimum of 340 hours in jail or potential 340 hours of a work service program or home confinement
- Required to pay between $1,480 and $1,850 in fines and penalties
- Mandatory license suspension for 1 year
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device for 3 years if the DUI conviction is within 10 years of the previous DUI conviction
- Potential alcohol abuse screening, assessment, education and treatment programs
Third DUI Offense (Within 10 years)
3rd Degree Felony
- Potential 5 year prison sentence
- Required to pay a minimum $1,500 up to a maximum of $2,500 in fines and penalties
- Mandatory license suspension for 1 years
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device for 3 years if the DUI conviction is with in 10 years of the previous DUI conviction
- Supervised probation
- Potential alcohol abuse screening, assessment, education and treatment programs
Hiring a Utah DWI lawyer
DUI penalties vary from state to state; hiring a Utah DUI lawyer who understands Utah DUI laws is very important. DUI lawyers may offer a free initial consultation to review a driver's DUI charges so there is no cost for the driver to wait to make a decision about their plea. Talking to a DUI attorney is critical if the driver has multiple DUI convictions or the driver has injured or killed another person. Drivers who have multiple convictions could be facing license revocations, high penalties and long prison sentences.
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Utah Drunk Driving - Administrative license Suspension
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"] [/caption] Driving in the state of Utah is a privilege. If...
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