A BAC of 0.05% - the strictest in the nation - is all that is needed to convict you of a DUI in the state of Utah. If you've been accused of a DUI, don't simply assume the worst. While the Utah Justice System takes this crime seriously, a talented DUI lawyer can help you successfully fight the case.
Branson West is an experienced Utah DUI attorney who has fought and won thousands of cases for his clients. He can build an expert defense for your case, possibly dismiss your charges, reduce fines, help you keep your license, avoid car impound fees and more.
While a qualified DUI lawyer is key in winning this legal battle, it is important to avoid these common mistakes that many people make after a DUI arrest:
1. Failure to request a driver's license hearing within 10 days of arrest.
In the United States, possessing a driver's license is considered a privilege, not a right. A common way this privilege is lost is due to DUI charges. But do not assume that a DUI charge automatically means your license will be revoked. Depending on your case, there is a very good chance your lawyer can help you keep your license! However, it is required that all individuals charged with a DUI crime request a hearing with the DMV within 10 days of their arrest. If you fail to complete this step, your license will be suspended, no matter how good your case is.
2. Failure to contact the court within five to 14 days.
The second most important step in fighting your DUI case is to contact the court. In order to present a flawless case, it is important to follow all the rules! On your DUI citation, there is a notice that provides your assigned court information and instructions to contact the court in "no less than five, nor more than 14 days." Failure to contact the court within this time period can lead to a warrant for your arrest.
3. Believing the officer has a solid case against you.
Many individuals accused of a DUI, especially first time offenders, assume that the officer has a solid case against them and that fighting the case in the court is impossible. This is wrong. Mistakes are common and many cases are completely dismissed because an officer broke protocol, didn't provide sufficient evidence or didn't show up for the hearing. Never assume guilt! In the American criminal justice system, you are innocent until proven guilty. By avoiding mistakes and hiring a professional DUI lawyer like Branson West, you can maintain your innocence.
4. Not saving impound documentation.
Impound fees are often one of the most expensive aspects of a DUI charge. If your car was impounded, it is essential that you save all documentation and receipts. It is possible to get some or all of the money back, but you must have all documentation on hand.
5. Believe that community service and AA will improve your case.
A judge will not be impressed just because you went to AA or completed community service after your DUI arrest. What may help, on the other hand, is counseling with a state licensed substance abuse counselor.
A DUI charge carries heavy consequences that can affect your ability to drive, your financial situation and even your job. With a fair and experienced lawyer like Branson West, however, you may be able to avoid the majority, if not all, of these consequences. While Utah punishes DUI offenders heavily, these types of cases are difficult to prove. By avoiding the above common mistakes and presenting a solid case with the assistance of Utah's best DUI lawyer, Branson West, you may be able to walk away from this mistake with no long term consequences. Contact us today for a free consultation!
We've helped people all over Utah reduce, drop and clear charges. Look what our customers have to say about us.
Very honest firm, can't say enough positive things about them. This is a law firm I would trust to represent me and my family members to protect our rights.
‐ Lucas Osborne, Posted March 6th 2023 on google
Very helpful and friendly. Always available or will call you back shortly.
Branson is one of the most kind and loyal attorneys. He gave me great advise on a case. He took the time to answer my phone calls and texts. He really cares for his clients: and getting the best resolutions. I would recommend him to anyone in the Utah area. When you are going through a hard time----he really takes the time to coach you and listen. He is kind and I treats his clients with such good care.
Branson took care of my case exactly the way I thought it should have been. He and his team aka Hailee were and have been all I could have hoped for. I think I found him after a simple search brought his name up when he was doing an add or promotion. Sometimes things just click and this was one of those times. I would recommend him to anyone. If you find yourself in need of a fighter in your corner Branson is a good choice.
‐ Todd Macfarlane, Posted February 26th 2023 on google
Thank you man! Very grateful for your hard work.
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This guy goes above and beyond! Picked up the phone the first time I called, and gave me the best advice took care of everything quickly and there were no surprises. Couldn’t be happier!
‐ Cassia Leigh, Posted February 23rd 2023 on google
Articulate, friendly and well versed in criminal law. I’m a very anxious person which makes my speech terribly convoluted and even then he understood me perfectly. I’m very thankful for his patience and expertise, and I’m also very satisfied with the outcome.
‐ Salvador Villanueva, Posted February 13th 2023 on google
Thank you for all your help, very knowledgeable and attention to detail. laid out all my options very clear and met to his end of the agreement. 10/10 service! thanks again man!
‐ Cash Brown, Posted November 2nd 2022 on google
Definitely the best attorney I could have chosen, very professional and great to work with. For 5 months of working with me, he communicated very well
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Excellent advice and help with my case. Thank you!
‐ Josh Jenkins, Posted May 4th 2022 on google
Brandon West is the best attorney I could’ve picked to handle my case. He was professional and pleasant to work with and definitely went the extra mile to make sure I was taken care of. 10/10 recommend
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I just found out I had stage 4 cancer and would be dead in 6 months without treatment. I ended up going on a drinking Bing so I hired Branson and he ended up being the best lawyer I've ever seen.
‐ Steve Thompson, Posted January 26th 2022 on google
Branson West is a very honest hard working attorney that handled my case with the utmost respect. He was always very prompt when responding to any questions I had. If you happen to need a defense attorney in the Salt Lake City that will truly work for you, not make empty promises, and most certainly work for a fair price, his office would be my first call.
He was just the advocate I needed for my situation. He did what he told me he would do for the original price he quoted for me. I believe in him and his ability 100%.
He is now helping me finish everything up nearly three years after the case began. Thank you Mr. West!
-Paul
‐ Paul Bergman, Posted August 23rd 2021 on google
Branson is absolutely amazing. Highly recommended if you’re in a bad predicament and need an awesome lawyer!
‐ Taylor Tolbert, Posted March 10th 2021 on google
Branson is one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Utah. He fights hard for his clients and he cares about getting them results. I have seen him in countless courtroom situations over the years and he is always calm and focused. Branson gets the job done for his clients.
‐ Joshua Baron, Posted March 10th 2021 on google
Branson is willing to go the extra mile to help you settle your case, got my case dismissed and charges dropped! If your in a pickle, I highly recommend Branson to defend your case.
‐ taylor carlson, Posted February 2nd 2021 on google
Branson has handled thousands of Utah DUI charge cases in Salt Lake City and the local court systems. He KNOWS Utah's judges and he knows the prosecutors who handle the DUI cases in Utah. Most of all, he knows how to defend you against DUI charges in Utah successfully. If you find yourself charged with drunk driving or a DUI, call Branson, the best DUI lawyer in Utah, at 801-285-5550. For those facing DUI charges in or around SLC, Branson K. West is the DUI attorney with the experience to win.
