EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE

SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE

SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

UTAH DUI ATTORNEY | THE UTAH DUI PROCESS

Understanding What to Expect With Your DUI Charge

The process in DUI cases is also more complicated than most other cases. Utah DUI cases follow two different paths: the criminal case through a criminal court, and the administrative case through the Driver License Division (DLD). The administrative case will determine the status of your Utah driver license, and the criminal case will determine any fines, jail, probation, and will also have an effect on your license. A Utah DUI Attorney can help you navigate this process.

On the administrative path, for a first time DUI arrest, the Driver License Division will automatically suspend your license for 120 days, unless you request a Driver License DUI Hearing. You will also be flagged as an "Alcohol Restricted Driver," which means if you drive with any alcohol in your system, your license will be revoked for one year.

Here is the Utah Department of Public Safety Driver License Division's Hearing Request Form.

If you request a Driver License DUI Hearing within 10 days of your arrest/citation, the DLD will hold a hearing where the police officer must show that he "reasonably believed" that you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle. Even if the police officer's conclusions were wrong, as long as the hearing officer concludes that the police officer "reasonably believed" you were DUI, your license will be suspended for 120 days. The only way to reduce that is to appeal the decision or to fight the charge in court.

On the criminal case path, a first time DUI conviction is considered a Class B Misdemeanor. You will be required to go to a court arraignment and enter a guilty plea, no contest plea, or not guilty plea. (It is important to know that people who plead guilty or no contest at the first arraignment usually receive a higher fine, more jail time, and a longer license suspension and probation than people who hire an attorney and fight the case.)

If you plead guilty or no contest, you will be sentenced. If you plead not guilty, you will go through a pre-trial process where you will attempt to resolve the case with the prosecutor before trial. If you cannot reach a resolution with the prosecutor, your case will go to trial, where you will be found guilty or not guilty.

To Read More About DUI Charges in Utah Aee The Links Below:

Utah DUI Defense Attorney Contact

Intermountain Legal can get involved immediately to maximize your chances of success. By taking immediate action, an attorney can ensure that your rights are protected and that you make the right decisions. A Utah DUI attorney will know how to challenge key evidence, which can lead to the reduction or complete dismissal of criminal charges.

To contact the DUI attorneys at Intermountain Legal, call 801-970-2800 or click here to fill out our email form.

START BUILDING YOUR WINNING CASE TODAY

STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

STACI VISSER

Staci has represented clients in nearly every type of criminal case, from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. She has an excellent reputation with her clients and they have repeatedly recommended her to their friends and family. She also practices criminal appeals and family law. For more on Staci's experience, click here.

MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

MATTHEW BELL

Matthew's reputation as an attorney is one who thoroughly understands the law and diligently advocates to advance his client's interests. His practice primarily focuses on representing clients in family law matters. He has assisted hundreds of clients in divorce, custody, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. For more on Matthew's experience click here.