Midvale, Utah DUI Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Clients Defend Against Drunk Driving Charges in Midvale

Due to restrictive laws and a focus on preventing drunk driving, people in Utah who are arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) may face a number of serious consequences. Whether a case may involve license suspension or possible jail time, DUI charges can lead to a number of legal, financial, and personal costs.

However, being arrested for DUI does not mean a person will automatically be found guilty. There may be legal defenses available, including addressing errors in the way evidence was collected or issues with the traffic stop that led to the arrest. At Collins Rupp, P.C., our Midvale, Utah DUI defense attorneys can review the facts of a case, challenge the evidence, and advocate for the best possible resolution.

We can provide guidance from the moment a person is arrested for DUI, during driver's license hearings, and all the way through to trial, if necessary. By analyzing the details of a traffic stop, the administration of sobriety tests, and other factors, our lawyers can work to have charges reduced or dismissed, or we may fight for an acquittal at trial. Timely and strategic legal action can be essential to help a person preserve their rights and minimize the penalties they may face after a DUI arrest.

When a Person Can Be Charged With DUI in Utah

Utah has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. A person may be charged with DUI under several circumstances, including when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.05% or higher. This threshold is lower than the legal limit in most other states, where the BAC limit is generally set at 0.08%. With this lower limit, a person may be arrested even after consuming a small amount of alcohol.

DUI charges are not limited to alcohol-related impairment. A person may also be arrested if they are found to be under the influence of drugs, including controlled substances, prescription medications, or any over-the-counter drugs or combinations of substances that allegedly impaired their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Utah law allows officers to make a DUI arrest if a person is determined to be incapable of safely driving due to the presence of any substance that affects mental or physical faculties. A charge of metabolite DUI may apply if tests show that drugs were in a person's system when they were driving.

Penalties for DUI in Utah

The consequences a person may face if they are convicted of DUI may depend on the circumstances of the offense, whether the driver has prior convictions, and whether there were aggravating factors involved. Even a first DUI offense can result in serious consequences. Some of the penalties of a DUI conviction may include:

• First Offense DUI: In these cases, a person could be sentenced to jail time of up to 180 days and fined up to $1,000. The license suspension that will apply upon conviction may last for up to 120 days.
• Second DUI Within 10 Years: The potential sentence in these cases may be as high as 364 days, and the fine may be as much as $2,500. The license suspension period will last for up to two years.
• Third or Subsequent Offense: With two or more previous DUI convictions, another DUI charge will be classified as a third-degree felony. A conviction carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison and as much as $5,000 in fines.

Felony DUI Charges in Utah

While many DUI cases are classified as misdemeanors, some situations may result in felony charges, which carry significantly harsher penalties and consequences that could affect a person for the rest of their life. A DUI can be charged as a felony in Utah under the following circumstances:

• The driver has two or more prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years
• The DUI lead to a serious injury for another person who was involved
• The driver has a previous felony DUI conviction

In addition to the possibility of multiple years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines, a felony conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. This could make it more difficult to find a job or a place to live. A felony conviction will also prevent a person from owning or possessing firearms, and they may lose other civil rights. Because of the potential consequences, these cases require an aggressive and highly strategic legal defense.

The Importance of Legal Representation in DUI Cases

When defending against a DUI charge in Utah, a person will need to address the criminal accusations while also managing administrative consequences such as a driver's license suspension. At Collins Rupp, P.C., our attorneys can investigate to determine whether the proper procedures were followed during an arrest and whether a person's constitutional rights were violated. We will work to determine whether evidence may be excluded, whether charges may be dismissed, or whether alternatives to a DUI conviction may be available.

Legal representation is particularly important in felony DUI cases, where the stakes include long-term incarceration and permanent status as a convicted felon. Our lawyers can help negotiate plea agreements, explore treatment-based alternatives to jail, and fight for reduced penalties or dismissal where appropriate. Each case is different, and a personalized legal strategy is key to securing the best possible results.

Contact Our Midvale, UT DUI Defense Attorneys

When determining the best steps to take following a DUI arrest, it is essential to secure legal representation as soon as possible. The penalties for DUI can escalate quickly, especially for repeat offenses or felony-level charges. At Collins Rupp, P.C., our attorneys work with clients to protect their rights, preserve their driving privileges, and fight for the best possible outcomes to DUI cases. Contact our Midvale intoxicated driving defense lawyers today at 385-777-2753 to schedule a free, confidential consultation and begin building your defense.