Salt Lake City First Offense DUI Attorneys

Should you find yourself in the position of being arrested for a first offense DUI in Utah, you are probably experiencing a wide range of emotions. If you have never been in trouble with the law before, you are likely feeling confused, frightened, and worried about the future. Unfortunately, when it comes to DUI charges, a single mistake can impact the course of your life.

Even a first offense DUI can come with life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one has been charged with their first DUI in Utah, let Conyers & Nix help. For years, we have used our decades of combined experience to advocate for clients facing DUI charges. With the right defense in place, it is possible to put your charges behind you and move forward with rebuilding your life. Consider connecting with our team today.

What Are Utah’s DUI Laws?

Utah DUI laws are among the strictest in the country. It is crucial to understand how the state defines driving under the influence and the possible penalties you could face if you are convicted of a DUI. Utah DUI laws prohibit individuals from operating a motor vehicle if the person:

• Has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% or higher
• Is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Throughout the United States, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. In Utah, however, a lower limit applies. According to Utah Code § 41-6a-502, if caught operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.05% or higher, you are presumed to be driving under the influence. The BAC limit that applies to commercial drivers is even lower, at 0.04%.

It is also important to understand that a driver who has a BAC over the legal limit can be charged with a DUI without any evidence of actual impairment. This means that a driver does not need to be swerving in and out of lanes or driving erratically to be convicted of driving under the influence in Utah. Moreover, for drivers under 21, Utah’s “Not a Drop” law makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with any alcohol in their system whatsoever.

What Are the Possible Penalties for a First Offense DUI?

For most people arrested for a DUI, it is their first offense. Utah provides for harsh criminal and administrative penalties, even for a first offense DUI. Penalties for a first-time conviction of driving under the influence may include:

• A jail sentence of up to 180 days. In some cases, community service can be substituted for jail time. If the driver had over 0.16% BAC, they may be required to serve a mandatory jail sentence and/or submit to house arrest, as well as electronic monitoring and substance abuse testing.
• At least $700 in fines, along with the required expenses for impounding, towing, and storing their vehicle.
• Screening or evaluation for drug or alcohol addiction. A person convicted of a DUI may be asked to complete substance abuse treatment or participate in a sobriety program.
• Suspension of license for a minimum of 120 days.
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device, if charged with a DUI alcohol violation. For drivers under the age of 21, the device will be installed for three years. For drivers 21 and older, the device will be in place for 18 months.

Is a First Offense DUI a Felony or Misdemeanor?

All criminal charges are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the nature and the severity of the offense. Misdemeanors are considered less serious criminal offenses, carrying less severe consequences compared to felonies. These charges can be further broken down into degrees that reflect the severity of the crime. In Utah, misdemeanors are categorized as either Class A, Class B, or Class C, from most severe to least severe.

Generally, a first offense DUI charge is considered to be a Class B misdemeanor charge. This charge can be increased to a Class A misdemeanor if the driver had a passenger in the vehicle who was under the age of 16 (under the age of 18 if the driver was older than 21), or if the driver was driving on the wrong side of the road.

Will I Lose My License After My First DUI?

All drivers convicted of a DUI in Utah will face a possible suspension of their license. For drivers 21 and older, the following suspension periods apply:

• Arrest for a BAC above 0.05%: 120 days
• Refusal to submit to a blood or breath test: 18 months

Drivers under the age of 21 will face different suspension periods following a first offense DUI, which include:

• Arrest for any amount of alcohol under Utah’s “Not a Drop” law: 6 months
• Refusal to submit to a blood or breath test: 2 years, or until the driver reaches the age of 21, whichever is longer

Are There DUI Enhancements for a First DUI?

According to Utah’s DUI laws, a first time offense is  a Class B misdemeanor. In some cases, the law provides for enhancements based on the driver’s prior record or the conditions surrounding their charge. For example, if a person is found to be driving under the influence and also negligently causes the death of another person, then they will be charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Likewise, causing serious bodily injury to another person will enhance the charge to a Class A misdemeanor.

How Can You Get Out of a DUI First Offense?

If you have been arrested for a DUI first offense, it may be possible to defend against the charges and avoid the penalties listed above. When you are charged with a DUI, there are a few potential outcomes you could face:

• You are found guilty of the offense, convicted, and sentenced to penalties
• You plead guilty to the offense and receive a sentence to penalties
• Charges are dropped by the prosecutor
• The judge dismisses the case altogether

The ultimate goal for most individuals charged with a DUI is to have the charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed. Certain official processes may be used to help first-time DUI offenders face less harsh penalties. In fact, Utah Code § 41-61-502.5 specifies that DUI charges can be reduced by arranging a plea negotiation with the prosecution.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a First Offense DUI?

If you are facing a first offense DUI charge, it is important to seek legal assistance. Establishing an effective DUI defense strategy can be a legally and factually complicated process, requiring an in-depth knowledge of Utah law and a wide breadth of experience navigating similar cases. Having the right attorney on your side is often critical to achieving a favorable outcome and having your charges reduced or dismissed.

Many times, there is compelling evidence available to defend against charges. Perhaps law enforcement violated your rights during the arrest or improperly administered field sobriety tests. Your attorney will understand how to navigate these legal intricacies to build the strongest possible defense for your case.

Hiring an Attorney From Conyers & Nix to Help You With Your First Offense DUI

As seasoned DUI defense attorneys, we will use our knowledge and expertise to defend you from criminal convictions and fight back against scurrilous DUI charges. We understand that the collateral consequences of a DUI charge can gravely impact well-meaning Utahns, and we will tirelessly work to achieve the ideal outcome in every case. To discuss your next steps with an experienced DUI defense lawyer at Conyers & Nix, consider scheduling a consultation today.