Driving under the influence is a serious problem that causes tragic consequences in Utah. Lawmakers have rightly tried to discourage people from driving while using drugs and alcohol, which has led to strict laws and hefty punishments. Unfortunately, many people are wrongly accused of DUI, and others, such as first-time offenders, don’t deserve full punishment.
If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated in Salt Lake City, you may be feeling worried about where a conviction will lead. You could lose your driver’s license, face jail time, and carry a criminal record, making it hard to obtain future employment. However, you don’t have to go through this difficult process alone. Hiring a criminal defense attorney can give you the confidence to move forward with your legal proceedings knowing someone will be standing by your side.
At Benjamin Durham Law Firm, our twenty years of experience give us an edge that other defense lawyers may lack. We understand the legal system and how to protect our client’s rights. We will not rest until we’ve obtained the best possible results in your case. Our talented legal team can build a strong defense that could get you a lowered sentence and even have all charges dismissed. Contact us right away for help fighting your DUI charges at (385) 342-4300.
What Are the DUI Laws in Utah?
Like most states, people in Utah are considered intoxicated if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is over 0.08%. This is the lowest threshold that could get you a DUI for most drivers, although other individuals, such as commercial drivers, could be convicted of DUI for an even lower BAC.
Alcohol isn’t the only problematic substance when it comes to DUIs in Utah. Motorists must avoid operating a vehicle if they are using any substance that could impair their driving. This includes drugs like narcotics and even some prescription drugs. If a police officer feels you are not driving safely, they can pull you over and administer a breathalyzer test or bring you into the station for a blood test.
If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to time in jail, thousands of dollars in fines, time on probation, driver’s license suspension, and more. These become even more severe if you are a repeat offender and it is your second or third DUI. No matter your charges, you should have a strong defense with a DUI attorney who will protect your rights and get you the justice you deserve.
What Defense is Helpful Against a DUI?
Fighting DUI charges can be extremely difficult because of the stigma against people who drive while under the influence. However, police officers do make mistakes, and it is possible that you weren’t driving drunk or your rights were violated, meaning you should not be punished to the full extent of the law.
Skilled criminal defense lawyers like those at Benjamin Durham Law Firm will be able to identify details that cast doubt on your guilt regarding the charges against you. Since the prosecution must prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, sometimes this is all that is needed for the defendant to walk away scot-free.
Another way a lawyer can help a client avoid the harshest sentence for a DUI is by finding ways that law enforcement failed to protect the accused person’s constitutional rights. Maybe they did not accurately administer the breathing test, or the test was given more than two hours after the defendant was driving the vehicle. These and many other law enforcement mistakes could lead to lighter sentencing.
What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction in the State of Utah?
For first-time offenders, the consequences of a DUI conviction are more lenient but still bring some serious results. You may be charged with a misdemeanor and face between $1,000-2,500 in fines. Depending on your case and the judge’s decision, you could also face a 120-day suspension of your license, 48 hours in jail, probation, and an ignition interlock device on your vehicle that will not allow the car to start if you have alcohol on your breath.
Repeated DUI offenders face harsher punishments. You may be ordered anywhere from 10 days in jail for a second offense to up to five years in prison for a third offense. Third-time offenders may be charged with a felony, which is much more serious than a misdemeanor. These crimes can have a lasting effect on your life, making it difficult to find future employment and keep custody of your children in a divorce.
Whether your DUI is a first-time offense or a repeat offense, you need a skilled DUI attorney like those at our law office. We will help with your criminal defense, ensuring you have the lightest sentencing possible.
What Drugs Lead to DUI?
When most people think of DUI, they think of the person driving drunk. However, some drugs can be just as dangerous to drivers because of the effect they have on the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Any substance that impairs a driver, including prescription medications, can lead to a DUI. The fact of the matter is that different drugs affect different people in different ways. Whenever you are taking a new medication, wait to see how it affects your ability to make decisions before getting behind the wheel of a car.
Some drugs that can lead to DUI are:
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Ambien
- Valium
- Xanax
- Zoloft
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Percocet
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
Please remember that just because you are charged with DUI doesn’t mean you are guilty. If you have been accused of driving while intoxicated, you must first speak with an experienced DUI attorney who can help build a strong defense and protect your constitutional rights. Reach out to Benjamin Durham Law Firm right away for skilled attorneys who will fight for you.
Should You Hire Our Salt Lake City DUI Attorneys?
Facing any criminal charges can be a terrifying predicament, and this is even more true with DUI charges. Most people understand that driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and that law enforcement officers are trying to keep everyone safe. But even policemen make mistakes and falsely accuse innocent people of crimes they didn’t commit. Sometimes the person didn’t know they were legally intoxicated or didn’t realize a drug would impair their driving.
If you are charged with DUI in Utah, you deserve to have a talented legal team fighting alongside you. We promise to leverage our integrity, knowledge, and experience to achieve the positive results you are looking for in your DUI case. Please get in touch with us right away for help throughout the complicated legal process. You can call (385) 342-4300 to schedule a free consultation and talk to one of our compassionate defense attorneys about the details of your Salt Lake City DUI.
