Orem, Utah DWI / DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with DUI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing a DUI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is important you seek the legal advice of an assertive and experienced DUI lawyer immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Orem?

Under Utah law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your license by the Driver License Division in Utah. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Utah, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In Orem, Utah, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces time in jail of 48 consecutive hours. However, the court may instead require the offender to complete at least 48 hours of community service, or be confined to the home through the use of electronic monitoring.
• Utah Driving Privileges and DUI - In Orem, Utah, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Utah for 90 days.
• Probation - Probation may be ordered, at the court's discretion, for a first time DUI.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DUI drug and alcohol screening and assessment program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Utah.
• Monetary Fines - In Orem, Utah, fines for a first time DUI are a minimum of $700.00.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by Orem, Utah law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Utah for 18 months.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.04. A first time DWI / DUI conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.

DUI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in Utah, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an assertive and knowledgeable attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact an Utah DWI / DUI lawyer for a fast, free consultation.

Utah Code - Title 41 Motor Vehicles

Chapter 6a Traffic Code

Section 502 Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both or with specified or unsafe blood alcohol concentration.

41-6a-502. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both or with specified or unsafe blood alcohol concentration.

• (1) A person may not operate or be in actual physical control of a vehicle within this state if the person:
• (a) has sufficient alcohol in the person's body that a subsequent chemical test shows that the person has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of the test;
• (b) is under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle; or
• (c) has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of operation or actual physical control.
• (2) Alcohol concentration in the blood shall be based upon grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, and alcohol concentration in the breath shall be based upon grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
• (3) A violation of this section includes a violation under a local ordinance similar to this section adopted in compliance with Section 41-6a-510.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 2, 2005 General Session and Amended by Chapter 91, 2005 General Session

Additional Orem, Utah DUI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay, there are numerous other charges that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DUI might include:

• Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Orem, Utah can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.
• Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.
• Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.

As you can see, there are quite a few "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DUI in Orem, Utah.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.