Provo, UT DUI Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Charges of Driving Under the Influence in Provo, Utah

If you are arrested for DUI, you may worry about how your life will be affected. In Utah, driving under the influence is a serious offense, carrying potential penalties that may include jail time, fines, and license suspension, even for a first offense. Understanding the gravity of a DUI charge and the legal options available to fight against a conviction is critical. With so much on the line, the decisions made in the hours and days after an arrest for drunk driving can affect your life, your freedom, and your future.

Legal representation from an experienced attorney is crucial as you determine what steps to take to defend against DUI charges. At Collins Rupp, P.C., we can provide you with strategic and informed legal guidance. We will help you understand the defense options that may be available, and we will provide you with the representation you need during your case. Whether disputing the results of a chemical test or raising concerns about a traffic stop's legality, our knowledgeable attorneys can present compelling arguments on your behalf, and we will work to minimize the consequences that you may face.

What Evidence Matters in Utah DUI Cases?

When prosecuting you on DUI charges, the state may rely on several types of evidence to support its case. Each form of evidence can be scrutinized by our attorneys, and errors or inconsistencies can significantly weaken the prosecution's position. We can help address evidence such as:

• Field Sobriety Tests: Roadside assessments performed by police officers, such as having a driver walk in a straight line or balance on one foot, are meant to evaluate coordination and cognitive functions. However, there are many factors that can affect these tests, including medical conditions, fatigue, or the weather. Our lawyers can look at whether the tests were administered correctly or whether other issues may have affected the officer's assessments.
• Roadside Breathalyzer Tests: Before making an arrest, an officer may use a portable breath test to estimate a driver's blood alcohol content (BAC). The devices used in these situations are less reliable than those used at police stations, and they are generally inadmissible in court as evidence. Their results, however, can influence an officer's decision to arrest. Our attorneys can question how these tests were used and whether an officer had probable cause to arrest you for DUI.
• Breath or Blood Tests After Arrest: Once a person is taken into custody, a more accurate chemical test is typically administered at the police station or a medical facility. Under Utah's implied consent law, refusal to take this test can result in automatic license suspension and other penalties. However, the accuracy of these tests depends on proper calibration and administration. Our DUI defense lawyers can challenge the reliability of results based on maintenance records, technician qualifications, or chain of custody issues.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Utah has strict DUI laws. Unlike most other states, which have a legal BAC limit of .08 percent, drivers in Utah may be arrested for DUI if they have a BAC of .05 percent. A first-offense DUI is typically charged as a class B misdemeanor, and a conviction may result in a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

The penalties become more severe for those who are charged with repeat DUI offenses. A second DUI is a Class A misdemeanor, with a potential sentence of one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. Class A misdemeanor charges may also apply for a first-time DUI with aggravating factors, such as a minor passenger in the vehicle or driving in the wrong direction on a road or freeway entrance. A third or subsequent drunk driving charge will lead to felony DUI charges.

In addition to criminal penalties, a DUI conviction can affect your employment opportunities, professional licensing, car insurance rates, and immigration status. If you are a college student in Provo attending Brigham Young University or Utah Valley University, a conviction may also jeopardize your academic standing or scholarships.

When DUI Charges Can Be Reduced to Impaired Driving

Utah law allows certain DUI charges to be reduced to "impaired driving" under specific circumstances. Impaired driving is a lesser offense that may be negotiated as part of a plea agreement, and it may result in less severe penalties.

To qualify for a reduction to impaired driving, several conditions must typically be met:

• You must not have any prior DUI convictions.
• The arresting officer's report should not indicate that there were aggravating factors, such as a collision, excessive speed, or endangerment of others.
• The prosecution must be willing to negotiate the reduced charge.

Unlike a DUI conviction, impaired driving may allow for greater sentencing flexibility. You may be able to get your driver's license back more quickly, and you may be able to avoid jail time. The long-term impact of a conviction may be less severe. At Collins Rupp, P.C., we can help you understand whether you may qualify for a charge reduction, and we can negotiate with prosecutors to resolve your case successfully.

Contact Our Provo DUI Defense Attorneys

After an arrest for drunk driving in Provo, you will need to act quickly to protect your rights and determine how you can secure a favorable outcome to your case. Whether you are facing your first DUI charge or a repeat offense, Collins Rupp, P.C. can provide the representation you need. Contact our Provo, UT DUI lawyers today by calling 385-777-2753 to schedule a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help you resolve your case successfully.