West Valley City, UT DUI Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Clients Who Have Been Charged With Intoxicated Driving in West Valley City, Utah

An arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in West Valley City can bring swift and serious consequences. The impact of a DUI charge is not limited to what happens in the courtroom. It can affect your job, family life, finances, and freedom. Even a first-time DUI charge can result in significant penalties. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, it is essential to understand both what you are up against and how an attorney can help you protect your future.

At Collins Rupp, P.C., our West Valley City DUI defense attorneys can help you navigate the legal system, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and work toward a resolution that will help to reduce the penalties you may face or avoid a conviction altogether. Whether you are facing misdemeanor DUI charges or a more serious felony offense, we can provide the representation you need from the beginning to the end of your case.

Consequences of a DUI Conviction

People in Utah may be more likely to face DUI charges due to a lower legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Unlike most other states, which have a legal BAC limit of .08 percent, Utah has made it illegal to drive with a BAC of .05 percent or higher. Violating the law by driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs can result in multiple types of consequences, including:

• Criminal Penalties: A first-time DUI is generally charged as a Class B misdemeanor. A conviction could result in a sentence of up to six months in jail, as well as fines as high as $1,000. Aggravating factors can elevate the charges and increase the penalties.
• License Suspension: An administrative license suspension may occur immediately after an arrest for intoxicated driving. In some cases, this suspension may go into effect even if you are never convicted of DUI. For a first offense, you may face a 120-day suspension, and if you refused to take a test to measure your BAC after being arrested, your license may be suspended for 18 months.
• Ignition Interlock Requirements: After a DUI conviction, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle after you regain your driver's license. The requirement to use an IID will typically last for 18 months.
• Education and Treatment Programs: When you are convicted of DUI, you may be ordered to complete drunk driving education courses and undergo substance abuse screening, assessment, and recommended treatment.
• Long-Term Consequences: A DUI conviction can affect your employment opportunities, result in higher auto insurance premiums, and create a criminal record that may limit your future prospects.

Can DUI Charges Be Reduced to Impaired Driving?

One strategic approach to mitigating the consequences of a DUI charge may involve pursuing a reduction to impaired driving. This may be possible as part of a plea agreement that will allow for reduced penalties, as long as you complete certain education and treatment requirements.

While impaired driving is still a Class B misdemeanor offense, it typically does not carry mandatory jail time or fines. You may also be able to avoid the loss of your driver's license if your license had not already been suspended following your arrest. A charge of impaired driving may have a less damaging impact on your criminal record than a DUI conviction. At Collins Rupp, P.C., our experienced attorney can evaluate whether this option may be possible, and we will negotiate with prosecutors to help you minimize the penalties you may face.

Complex or Aggravated DUI Cases

More serious DUI charges may require a more aggressive and strategic legal approach. Our lawyers work with people in West Valley City who are facing increased penalties due to factors such as:

• Repeat Offenses: A second or subsequent DUI conviction within 10 years of a first offense can lead to much harsher penalties, including a longer potential jail sentence, an extended period of license suspension, and higher fines.
• Felony DUI: If you have been accused of causing someone to suffer a serious bodily injury due to drunk driving, you could face felony charges. The penalties for a conviction may include multiple years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• DUI With Child Passenger: Driving under the influence with a passenger under the age of 16 can lead to enhanced charges and additional consequences. In some cases, separate child endangerment charges may also apply.

In these complex cases, our lawyers will take steps to determine every available defense that may be used to prevent a conviction. We may challenge the accuracy of breath or blood tests, investigating whether a traffic stop was legally justified, or take steps to negotiate agreements that will allow for reduced charges. By advocating assertively for clients in these situations, we work to ensure that they can achieve the most favorable outcomes possible.

Contact Our West Valley City DUI Defense Lawyers

By taking the right legal steps after being arrested for DUI, you can work with a lawyer to build a successful defense and avoid serious penalties that could affect your future. At Collins Rupp, P.C., we can provide the legal guidance and representation you need in this situation. To discuss your case in a free consultation and learn more about your legal options, contact our West Valley City, UT DUI defense attorneys at 385-777-2753.