Centerville DUI Defense Lawyer

DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Drivers in Centerville, Utah

Utah has the lowest legal blood alcohol limit in the country. You can face DUI charges in Centerville if your blood alcohol level is 0.05 or higher or if drugs or alcohol affect your ability to drive safely. A DUI arrest can lead to both criminal charges and a driver's license suspension. At Collins Rupp, P.C., we offer free consultations in person, by phone, or by video. We also handle much of the paperwork and payments online, making it easier to manage your case without unnecessary trips to our office.

Two Separate Cases Follow a Centerville DUI Arrest

The criminal case decides whether you are guilty of DUI and what sentence the court imposes. In Davis County, misdemeanor DUI cases may be heard in a local justice court, while felony cases go to the Second District Court in Farmington.

The Utah Driver License Division handles your license suspension separately from your criminal case. You have 10 days after your arrest to request a hearing. Missing this deadline can lead to a 120-day suspension for a first offense. A hearing allows us to challenge the suspension, and some drivers qualify for early reinstatement.

Penalties for a First DUI in Utah

A first DUI in Utah is usually a Class B misdemeanor, but the penalties depend on the circumstances of your arrest and your criminal history.

Possible penalties include:

• A standard first DUI requires at least 48 hours in jail or 48 hours of community service.
• You must pay a fine of at least $700, plus additional fees and surcharges.
• You must complete a substance use screening, an assessment if needed, and education or treatment.
• A blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 or higher, or certain combinations of alcohol and drugs, can lead to tougher penalties, including longer jail time.
• A DUI involving certain underage passengers or a second DUI within 10 years can be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.

Penalties increase for multiple DUI convictions. A third DUI within 10 years or a DUI after certain prior felony convictions can lead to a felony DUI charge. Serious injuries caused by impaired driving can also result in felony charges and possible prison time.

Refusing a Chemical Test Has Its Own Consequences

Under Utah's implied consent law, refusing a chemical test can lead to serious penalties. Drivers 21 or older face an 18-month license revocation for a first refusal or 36 months if they have certain prior DUI-related offenses. Some drivers qualify for early reinstatement with an ignition interlock device. Refusal can also be used against you in court. Our DUI defense lawyers can challenge the revocation and help protect your driving privileges.

Drug and Metabolite DUI Charges

You can face DUI charges if marijuana, prescription medication, or other drugs affect your ability to drive safely. Utah also makes it illegal to drive with certain drugs or their byproducts, called metabolites, in your system.

A metabolite DUI charge does not always require proof that you were impaired. However, Utah excludes a specific inactive marijuana metabolite from this law. You may also have a defense if you legally used prescription medication or qualifying medical cannabis.

How a Centerville DUI Defense Lawyer May Challenge the Evidence

Many Davis County DUI arrests begin with traffic stops along I-15 and Legacy Parkway. At Collins Rupp, P.C., we examine the details of your arrest to find possible weaknesses in the evidence. We review whether the police had a legal reason to stop and arrest you. We also look for problems with field sobriety tests, breath tests, and blood samples.

If we find problems with the evidence, we may be able to challenge the charges or negotiate a reduction. In some cases, a DUI can be reduced to impaired driving, which carries lighter penalties. However, this option is not available for certain offenses, including cases involving a blood alcohol level of 0.16 or higher or certain prior convictions.

Contact Our Centerville, UT DUI Defense Lawyer

Collins Rupp, P.C. has earned more than 100 positive reviews from clients facing DUI and other criminal defense matters. Your consultation is free and available in person, by phone, or by video conference, so you can choose the option that fits your schedule. Contact our Centerville DUI defense lawyer at 385-777-2753 for a free consultation.