Farmington, Utah DUI Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Misdemeanor or Felony DUI charges in Farmington

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Utah, you may be facing serious consequences. You need a qualified Farmington DUI defense attorney who can help you protect your legal rights, challenge the evidence presented by law enforcement, and work toward a resolution that will minimize the impact on your life.

At Collins Rupp, P.C., our skilled lawyers can evaluate every aspect of your case, from the legality of the traffic stop to the administration of field sobriety tests and chemical tests. We can help you address any procedural violations or constitutional issues that result in the dismissal of your case or the reduction of the charges you are facing. We have a strong understanding of Utah's DUI laws and the procedures followed in courtrooms in Davis County. We will build a strategy designed to help you resolve DUI charges while minimizing your penalties.

DUI Charges in Utah

In Utah, driving under the influence is governed by Utah Code § 41-6a-502, which makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .05% or higher. You could also be charged with DUI if the use of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances caused to to be incapable of driving safely.

DUI charges will typically follow a traffic stop, during which a police officer may ask you to perform field sobriety tests or blow into a portable breathalyzer device. If the tests indicated that you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be arrested for DUI.

Penalties for a First-Time DUI Offense in Utah

A first DUI offense in Utah is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor. The penalties may include a jail sentence of up to six months and a maximum fine of $1,000, plus court costs or other fees. Your license will also be suspended for 120 days, although if you refused to submit to chemical testing of your BAC, your license will be revoked for 18 months.

In some cases, a first-time DUI may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This charge may apply if you had a passenger under the age of 18 in your vehicle or if you were allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road when you were intoxicated. If you are convicted, you could face a sentence of up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Multiple DUI Convictions and Enhanced Penalties

A second or third DUI offense within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction will usually result in much steeper penalties. A second DUI is a Class A misdemeanor, and in addition to the larger fines and a longer potential jail sentence, you will face a license suspension that will last for two years. If you refused to submit to BAC testing, you will face a license revocation for three years.

A third DUI offense that takes place before 10 years have passed since the first DUI offense will typically result in third degree felony charges. A conviction could result in a maximum prison sentence of five years and/or fines of up to $5,000.

When DUI May Be Charged as a Felony in Utah

While a first or second DUI arrest will typically result in misdemeanor charges, there are some cases where DUI may be charged as a felony in Utah, even for first-time offenders. Felony charges will typically apply if you are accused of causing someone else to suffer a serious injury due to intoxicated driving. That is, if you cause an accident in which someone was injured or killed, and you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time, you will be likely to face felony charges.

You may also face felony DUI if you are charged with DUI for the third time within 10 years or if you are arrested for DUI at any time after a previous felony DUI conviction. Because of the likelihood of incarceration after a felony conviction, the high fines that you may be required to pay, the loss of your civil rights as a convicted felon, and the difficulties you will face with a felony conviction on your record, an effective legal defense is essential.

Metabolite DUI: Driving with Drugs in Your System

Under Utah Code § 41-6a-517, which is often referred to as the "metabolite DUI" statute, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with any measurable amount of a controlled substance in your body. In many cases, drug metabolites can remain in a person's system for weeks. You could face DUI charges if a blood test reveals the presence of drugs, regardless of whether you were actually impaired at the time of your arrest.

Metabolite DUI charges can be especially concerning if you use certain prescription medications or if you have drugs in your system. You may face the same penalties as you would for driving under the influence of alcohol, even if you did not engage in any dangerous behavior by driving while you were intoxicated. In these situations, you will need a strong defense from an attorney who can challenge the testing procedures, the chain of custody, or the reliability of lab results.

Contact Our Farmington, UT DUI Defense Lawyers

It is important to act quickly after being arrested for DUI and secure representation from a lawyer who can help you defend against a conviction. The long-term consequences of a DUI conviction may follow you for years, but Collins Rupp, P.C. can review the facts of your case and determine the best defense strategies to use. Contact our Farmington DUI attorneys at 385-777-2753 to arrange a free consultation.