DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer - West Jordan, Utah

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

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in West Jordan?

Pursuant to Utah law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is a criminal action in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your license by the Utah Driver License Division. Both actions can result in the suspension of your Utah driving privileges, but it is crucial to remember that there may be more penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled separately.Contact a Utah DUI criminal defense attorney today for a fast and free consultation.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In West Jordan, Utah, a first time DUI 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.
• Monetary Fines - In West Jordan, Utah, fines for a first time DUI are a minimum of $700.00.
• Utah Driving Privileges and DUI - In West Jordan, Utah, a first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of Utah driving privileges for 90 days.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement in Utah will result in the revocation of Utah driver's license for 18 months.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DUI drug and alcohol screening and assessment program is required for reinstatement of Utah driving privileges.
• Probation - Probation may be ordered, at the court's discretion, for a first time DUI.

Additional DUI Costs in Utah

There are numerous charges beyond the court fines and costs that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DUI in West Jordan, Utah may include but are not limited to:

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

There are quite a few "extra costs" when you get a DUI in West Jordan, Utah. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and experienced DUI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.

Title 41 Motor Vehicles - Utah Code

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

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 options and rights. This is why an accomplished and experienced defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact an Utah DUI or DWI defense attorney for a free, professional consultation.

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.