Roy, Utah DUI Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Addressing Charges of Driving Under the Influence in Roy

An arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) can change the course of your life within a matter of hours. You may have been pulled over during what seemed to be a routine traffic stop, but based on suspicions that you were intoxicated, you may have been arrested for DUI. The criminal charges you face will be serious, and you may be looking at a lengthy driver's license suspension, large fines, and the possibility of jail time. Understanding how DUI cases are handled in Utah and the options for defense is not always easy, which is why legal representation can be crucial.

At Collins Rupp, P.C., our attorneys can provide the legal help you need to address DUI charges. These cases will often involve evidence related to breath test results, field sobriety tests, police procedures, and other factors. The issues involved in a case can quickly become complex, but we can help you determine the best steps to take to resolve the matter successfully. We will work with you to defend against DUI charges, avoid serious penalties, and help you put this incident behind you so you can move forward with your life.

First-Time DUI Penalties in Utah

Most of the time, a first DUI offense will be charged as a class B misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you could face a jail sentence ranging from 48 hours to six months, along with fines that may range from around $700 to over $1,300. The court may also order probation, community service, or other penalties. You may be required to take an alcohol or drug evaluation, and depending on the results, a court may order you to participate in treatment or education programs.

A first-time DUI conviction will also usually lead to a driver's license suspension lasting for up to 120 days. The courts may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle after you serve a license suspension and regain your driving privileges.

Penalties for a Second DUI

An arrest for DUI for a second time within 10 years after your first offense will typically lead to Class A misdemeanor charges. The penalties for a conviction will be more severe, with a minimum jail term of 10 days and the possibility of a sentence of one year. The fines will also increase, and the length of a driver's license suspension or revocation may be up to two years.

Felony DUI Charges

While most first and second DUI offenses are charged as misdemeanors, Utah law allows prosecutors to bring felony charges in certain circumstances. You could face felony DUI charges if your case involved factors such as:

• Serious Injuries: If you were arrested for DUI after being involved in a car accident, you could face felony charges based on the accusation that you caused someone to suffer a serious bodily injury in the collision.
• Third or Subsequent DUI: If you have two previous DUI convictions during the previous 10 years, any additional DUI offenses will be classified as felonies. For a third DUI, you may face a prison sentence lasting for up to five years, and fines may be as high as $10,000.
• Previous Felony Convictions: If you had previously been convicted of felony DUI or automobile homicide, additional DUI cases will be classified as felonies.

Certain factors may also increase the severity of felony DUI charges. If you had a blood alcohol concentration of .16 percent or were allegedly impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs, the minimum jail sentence you may face will increase, and you may also be placed on electronic home confinement. Transporting a minor in a vehicle can also lead to more serious penalties in DUI cases.

How Our Attorneys Can Help With DUI Charges

When you are facing a DUI charge, whether it is a first offense or a felony-level case, you may be unsure about your legal options, the procedures that will be followed, and the steps you can take during your defense. The attorneys at Collins Rupp, P.C. have years of experience handling DUI cases in Roy and other surrounding communities. We understand the technical and procedural issues that may affect these cases. We can review police reports, evaluate the reliability of breath or blood tests, and determine whether your constitutional rights were violated during a traffic stop or arrest.

The defense strategies that may be available in a DUI case may include challenging the legality of a traffic stop, questioning whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, and examining whether breath or blood testing equipment was properly calibrated and maintained. We can take steps to address procedural errors by police or violations of your rights, and we will identify the best options for resolving your case successfully.

We will take the time to understand how a DUI case may affect you, including your job, your family responsibilities, and your daily life. We will work with you to minimize the effects that DUI charges may have on you and your loved ones. We may be able to challenge the charges and defend against a conviction, helping you to avoid jail time and the loss of your license. If necessary, we can negotiate for reduced charges and advocate for an outcome that will help you avoid serious penalties.

Contact Our Roy, UT DUI Defense Attorneys

While a DUI arrest can lead to serious and long-lasting consequences, there are multiple options for defense that may be available. At Collins Rupp, P.C., our attorneys can provide you with compassionate representation while fighting to protect your rights throughout your case. Contact our Roy driving under the influence defense lawyers at 385-777-2753 to arrange your free consultation.