Ogden DUI Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Drunk Driving Charges in Ogden, UT

When you are arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs, you may face immediate consequences, and your life could be affected for years to come. The state of Utah takes intoxicated driving very seriously, and a DUI conviction can lead to harsh penalties.

If you are like many people, a DUI arrest may be your first serious encounter with the criminal justice system. You may experience stress, confusion, and uncertainty about what will happen and what you can do to address the charges against you. Given the serious implications of a conviction on DUI charges, it is critical to understand your rights and your legal options. You need an attorney who can help you determine whether it may be possible to reduce or even dismiss the charges.

At Collins Rupp, P.C., our DUI defense lawyers have more than 100 positive reviews from satisfied clients, and we serve people in the Ogden area, helping them determine the best steps to take after being arrested for drunk driving. We can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and develop a defense strategy to help you resolve your case successfully. We offer free consultations, either in person or through video chat. We can handle paperwork electronically, and we will work to resolve cases remotely whenever possible while minimizing the consequences that our clients may face. With our help, you can protect your rights and avoid ongoing issues related to your arrest.

When Can Someone Be Arrested for DUI in Utah?

Utah law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher. This is the strictest legal limit in the United States, and it is significantly lower than the threshold of .08% used by most other states. In many cases, a single alcoholic drink can put someone over the legal limit. Drivers may also be arrested for DUI if they have any amount of controlled substances in their system or if the combination of alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, or other substances has made them incapable of driving a motor vehicle safely.

A DUI arrest can occur in a variety of scenarios, including:

• Traffic stops may be performed by police officers after they observe behavior that may indicate that a driver is intoxicated, such as weaving across lanes of traffic or running a red light.
• Sobriety checkpoints are lawful in Utah, and law enforcement may stop everyone passing through a certain area and ask them to perform sobriety tests. Drivers who fail these tests may be arrested for DUI.
• Following a car accident, law enforcement may test the drivers involved to determine whether alcohol or drug use was a factor in the crash. DUI arrests in these cases may be based on blood tests or other tests used to measure a driver's BAC.

Penalties for DUI Convictions in Utah

DUI is a criminal offense that will typically result in misdemeanor charges. A first-time DUI arrest will usually result in Class B misdemeanor charges, and if you are convicted, you could face a sentence of up to six months in jail. A second DUI within 10 years is usually a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. A third DUI after two previous DUI convictions within the last 10 years is a third degree felony, which could lead to a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Other factors may also influence the severity of a DUI charge, including whether there was a minor in the vehicle at the time of the alleged offense or whether a driver drove the wrong way on a street or highway. Other penalties will usually apply in addition to jail time, and they may include a minimum jail sentence, fines, and the requirement to participate in substance abuse treatment.

A DUI conviction will usually result in a driver's license suspension for 120 days for a first offense or two years for a subsequent offense. However, by participating in Utah's ignition interlock program, you can avoid a license suspension.

Defending Against DUI Charges in Ogden

There are multiple legal strategies that may be available when you have been arrested for DUI. At Collins Rupp, P.C., our attorneys can help determine what steps may be taken to help you avoid a conviction. We may:

• Challenge the Traffic Stop: If a police officer did not have reasonable suspicion that you had committed a traffic violation or were driving under the influence, the evidence gathered during the traffic stop may be inadmissible.
• Question Field Sobriety Tests: If you were arrested based on sobriety tests performed by the side of the road, our attorneys can help you challenge these tests, since they are subjective and can be influenced by fatigue, medical conditions, or poor road conditions.
• Dispute Breath or Blood Test Results: Breathalyzers must be properly calibrated and operated, and blood samples must be handled correctly to be valid. Our lawyers may be able to dispute the validity of test results and argue that there is no evidence that you were intoxicated.

Our attorneys may be able to negotiate reduced charges, which will allow for less serious penalties and help you avoid having a DUI conviction on your record. We will advise you on the best strategies to use, and we will work to protect your rights during your case.

Contact Our Ogden, Utah DUI Defense Lawyers

When you are facing DUI charges, the skilled lawyers at Collins Rupp, P.C. can help you determine the best ways to minimize the consequences that could affect you. Contact our Ogden DUI attorneys today at 385-777-2753 to arrange a free consultation and begin building your defense.