Layton DUI Defense Attorneys

Top-Rated Lawyers for Driving Under the Influence Charges in Layton, UT

Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered to be a serious criminal offense in Utah. Getting arrested can be terrifying, and DUI is a criminal offense punishable by expensive fines and the possibility of a jail sentence. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can assist you in understanding the laws that address driving while intoxicated in Utah, the strategies that state prosecutors may use when taking steps to secure convictions, and the ways you can protect yourself and safeguard your future.

Collins Rupp, P.C. has more than 100 positive reviews from satisfied clients who can speak to our commitment and success as we have assisted with a wide variety of criminal cases. Our DUI attorneys focus on providing informed, comprehensive legal representation to the residents of Layton and its surrounding areas.

Understanding DUI Laws in Utah

Utah operates under some of the harshest DUI laws of any location in the U.S. People in the state may face charges of DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent or more. In contrast, the legal BAC limit in other states is usually 0.08 percent.

Generally, sentencing for a DUI conviction may be affected by the accusations against a person, such as possible aggravating factors. Prior DUI convictions can also play a role in the sentence that may apply. While even first offenses can have severe consequences, penalties can escalate substantially if a person has multiple DUI convictions within a 10-year time span. The consequences of DUI offenses may include:

• First DUI Offense: A person may face up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000 for a first-time DUI conviction. They may also be subject to a license suspension lasting for 120 days.
• Second DUI Conviction: Offenders can be sentenced to up to a year in prison, face fines as high as $2,500, and have their licenses suspended for two years.
• Third or Subsequent Offenses: A third DUI charge is a felony offense. Offenders can face a jail sentence lasting for as much as five years and fines as high as $10,000.

Regardless of the number of prior offenses, a DUI conviction can affect your auto insurance premiums, criminal record, and current and future employment opportunities. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the court may also require you to use an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle, which will prevent the car from starting until you use a breathalyzer to show that you have not been drinking alcohol. You will usually be required to use an IID for around 18 months.

Metabolite DUI

Though the majority of people may think of alcohol in cases involving DUI charges, state law also prohibits people from operating a motor vehicle with any measurable amount of a controlled substance in their system. This is known as "metabolite DUI." A driver who has trace amounts of drugs revealed through chemical testing could be charged with DUI, even if they were not impaired when they were driving.

Traces of drugs can stay in someone's body for weeks after use. In some cases, DUI charges may be based on the use of prescription medications. The penalties for metabolite DUI are the same as those that would apply for a person charged with drunk driving. These situations require a strategic defense and aggressive representation by a lawyer who can protect a person's rights and take steps to prevent a conviction.

Contact Our Layton DUI Defense Attorneys

Knowing your rights and acting quickly are two of the most crucial components of successfully defending against DUI charges in Utah. If you or a loved one is facing allegations of intoxicated driving, contact our Layton, Utah DUI defense lawyers at 385-777-2753 to set up a free consultation and explore your options.