Sunset, UT DUI Defense Lawyers

Aggressive Attorneys Defending Drivers Against DUI Charges in Sunset, Utah

People who are charged with DUI in Utah will be facing one of the toughest legal frameworks in the country, starting with a blood alcohol limit of .05 percent. That is lower than the .08 percent standard used in most states. A first DUI arrest and a repeat charge for DUI are treated very differently under Utah law. The consequences for either can include jail time, steep fines, and a suspended license. If you have been arrested for DUI in Sunset, knowing what deadlines apply and what options for defense may be available can significantly impact your case.

At Collins Rupp, P.C., our lawyers will walk you through each stage of the process and explain your options clearly, ensuring that decisions about your case will be made with real understanding rather than guesswork. Our satisfied clients have left us over 100 positive reviews, and we bring that level of care to every case we handle.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Utah?

After a DUI arrest, an officer will take a person to a police station, and they will usually ask them to take a breath or blood test. If the test shows a blood alcohol level of .05 or higher, or if the officer has other reasons to believe that the driver was impaired, the person may be charged with DUI. A driver will also be notified within 24 hours that the Utah Driver License Division intends to suspend their driver's license. This license suspension process is separate from a criminal DUI case filed in court. Ultimately, that means a driver may need to handle both criminal charges and an administrative license suspension at the same time.

Utah's DUI Laws

The penalties that may apply for DUI charges will often depend on how many prior convictions a person has. A simple breakdown of the laws includes:

• First Offense DUI: This is usually a class B misdemeanor. Penalties can include a fine of not less than $700, a short jail term or a work program instead of jail, a substance abuse screening, and possibly an ignition interlock device on the person's car.
• Second DUI Offense Within 10 Years: This can lead to a longer jail term, a higher minimum fine, and a required ignition interlock device.
• Third or Subsequent DUI Offense: DUI can be charged as a third-degree felony when the driver has two or more qualifying prior convictions within a 10-year period. Certain prior felony DUI or automobile-homicide convictions can also make a later DUI a felony.

The exact charges and penalties in any case will depend on the facts involved, the driver's record, and decisions made by the prosecutor and the court. Our attorneys can provide guidance on the potential outcomes of a case and the best options for defense.

Extreme DUI and Metabolite DUI Charges

When a person allegedly had a blood or breath alcohol level of .16 percent or higher, or if there is evidence that they were intoxicated by a mixture of alcohol and drugs, they may be charged with extreme DUI. The minimum jail sentence in these cases is typically five days, and other penalties may apply that are likely to be harsher than the penalties for a standard DUI charge.

Utah law also makes it illegal to drive with controlled substances in a person's body. DUI charges may apply if blood tests reveal drug metabolites. A metabolite DUI charge is usually a class B misdemeanor that can lead to a license suspension, a jail sentence, and other penalties. Our lawyers can provide guidance on the defenses that may be available in these cases, such as showing that you have a valid prescription.

The 10-Day Deadline to Protect Your Driver License

One of the most time-sensitive parts of a Utah DUI case is the license suspension process. To contest a suspension of your license, you must usually request a hearing within 10 calendar days of the notice that your license has been suspended.

If no hearing is requested, or if the Driver License Division upholds the suspension, a first-time suspension for a driver age 21 or older will start 60 days after the arrest. This suspension can then last 120 days. Missing the 10-day deadline can mean losing the chance to fight the suspension. This is why it is important to get legal advice quickly and take steps to defend against a license suspension.

What Evidence Could Affect Your DUI Case

The outcome of a DUI case often comes down to the evidence gathered during a traffic stop and after an arrest. This can include:

• The results of field sobriety tests
• Whether the traffic stop itself was lawful
• How chemical tests of breath or blood were administered
• Whether testing equipment was properly calibrated
• Statements from witnesses
• Dashcam or bodycam footage
• The arresting officer's written report

Because no two cases involve the same set of facts, a close review of the evidence by our attorneys early on may help identify weaknesses in the case against you.

How Our Sunset DUI Lawyers May Help With Your Case

Our job is to protect your rights while providing you with the information you need to make your own decisions as you defend against DUI charges. At each stage of your case, we will walk you through the realistic options available, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. We will offer our honest recommendations on the best steps you can take at all times. You will make the final decisions about how to proceed, since you are the one whose life will be affected by the outcome of your case.

Contact Our Sunset DUI Defense Attorneys

At Collins Rupp, P.C., clear, steady communication is at the center of how we handle every case. We offer traditional, in-person consultations, or you can reach us by phone or video conference. Choose the option that works best for you. Contact our Sunset DUI lawyers online or by calling 385-777-2753 to schedule a free consultation today.