What Are Utah's DUI Penalties?

If you or someone you know are facing DUI charges, you may be getting conflicting information about what can happen. The truth is that Utah has some of the harshest DUI penalties in the country. What does that mean for you? It depends on the circumstance.

Jail and/or Prison Time

On a first DUI offense, you face six months in jail or two days with a guilty plea. However, even first offense penalties can be worse if there are aggravating circumstances like a high blood alcohol content (BAC), an accident, a confrontational cop, or an uncooperative prosecutor. With each consecutive DUI offense, the jail time increases. On a second DUI, you face up to ten days and on the third offense, you now face up to five years in prison with a minimum mandatory of 62.5 days.

Treatment

Substance abuse treatment is often part of any deal you negotiate and can entail anywhere from 4 to 50 hours of classes.

Fines

The cost of a DUI doesn't just include court fines. The total cost of a Utah DUI includes everything from impound fees, license reinstatement fees, fines, attorney fees, treatment class fines, etc. and can cost anywhere from $5,000 - $20,000 depending on each case. DUI fines are BIG! However, hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney can have a significant impact on your fines and penalties. Don't let the cost of hiring a DUI attorney intimidate you. Many DUI defense attorneys, including Branson West Law, offer flexible payment options to help you handle the expense.

Loss and/or Suspension of Driver's License

The effects of a DUI on your driver's license varies depending on the number of offense, the circumstance of the DUI, the prosecutor, and most importantly your defense strategy. Your license may be suspended or revoked for as little as four months or up to three years. Consult with an knowledgeable DUI Attorney to find out what you specifically face.

Other Penalties for a Utah DUI

There are many other complicated factors associated with Utah DUI charges, like ignition interlock devices, court appearances, becoming an alcohol restricted driver, loss of work, having your vehicle towed, increased insurance rates, having DUI charge on your record, plus more.

If you are facing DUI charges in Utah, do not plead guilty. It's important to aggressively fight your charges to ensure the best possible outcome. Branson K. West has handled thousands of DUI cases in SLC, South Jordan, Ogden, Provo and throughout the Wasatch Front. He has the knowledge and experience to help you plan an effective DUI defense strategy. Call 801-285-5550 for a free DUI case evaluation.