Impaired Driving - Utah DUI Defense Lawyer
When
facing
DUI
charges in Utah, you have the choice of taking the case
to
trial or
pursuing a
negotiated
resolution. Both options
should
be considered and explored. In some cases, a negotiated plea
to a
reduced charge of Impaired Driving may provide a better
outcome. An experienced
criminal
defense attorney can
help you determine which
option is best for you.
What are the advantages of an Impaired Driving plea?
A
reduced charge of Impaired Driving under Utah Code 41-6a-502.5 presents
one option for resolving a DUI case. A negotiated plea to a
charge of Impaired Driving does not have the same minimum mandatory
sentencing requirements that a Utah DUI charge carries. A
plea to
Impaired Driving in Utah also avoids the driver license suspension that
accompanies a conviction for DUI.
What is Impaired Driving?
Impaired
Driving is not a charge that can be independently filed against in a
Utah criminal case. It is a charge that can only result from
negotiations with the prosecutor and the agreement of the
court. A charge of Impaired Driving does not have its own
independent set of
elements. Rather, a conviction for Impaired Driving may be
considered as a
reduced form of a full DUI under Utah Code 41-6a-502.
When is a plea to Impaired Driving an option?
In
order to obtain a negotiated plea to Impaired Driving in Utah, a person
must be charged with DUI under Utah Code Ann. 41-6a-502. A
person
may either have their misdemeanor DUI conviction reduced to an Impaired
Driving upon the completion of probation, or a person may be allowed to
enter a plea to the reduced Impaired Driving with the agreement of the
prosecutor and if the court determines that allowing the plea is in the
interest of justice.
Choosing a Utah Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake
If you have been charged with a DUI in Utah, consultation with an
experienced
criminal defense attorney is the best way to determine the
best way to handle your case. Stephen Howard has successfully protected
his clients rights in
felony
and
misdemeanor
cases ranging from homicide to DUI. He has a
track
record of achieving real results.
Contact
us today to schedule an
initial consultation with Salt Lake City
criminal attorney Stephen
Howard.
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