Canyons Criminal Defense Lawyers

Utah Criminal Defense Attorneys

Main Criminal Defense Navigation

  • Canyons Home
  • Defense Strategy
  • How We Can Help
    • Felony Defense
    • Misdemeanors
    • Jury Trials
    • Appeals
    • District Courts
    • Justice Courts
    • 402 Reductions
    • Pardon
    • Expungements
  • Your Defense Team
  • Contact Information

Criminal Defense Firm in Utah

Criminal Defense Attorneys
Serving Clients Statewide

Criminal Defense Law for Mobile Header

  • Criminal Defense
  • Contact Information
Home » Criminal Defense in Utah » saltlake » Salt Lake Drunk Driving / DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer

Salt Lake Drunk Driving / DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer

November 12, 2021 By Tarragon

Salt Lake area prosecutors and judges take DUI cases seriously. Political pressure to be “tough” on crime can make prosecutors hesitant to engage in resolution negotiations. Just being cited for DUI can result in a suspended driver license, even before you go to court. A conviction can lead to jail time, substantial fines, and other serious consequences. Our experienced Salt Lake criminal defense lawyers can help.

“Drunk Driving” in Salt Lake – Not Just Alcohol

Utah DUI laws apply to more than just alcohol. Illegal drugs and even legitimately prescribed medications can lead to a conviction in Salt Lake’s criminal courts.

The typical DUI charge in Salt Lake involves allegations that a person’s blood or breath alcohol level is above 0.05. Occasionally, a prosecutor will pursue a DUI charge at a lower BAC based on evidence that even at the lower level, the person unable to safely operate the vehicle. But Utah DUI statutes also prohibit driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle when a person is under the influence of any drug (including lawfully prescribed medications) to a degree that the person is not able to safely operate the vehicle.

When illegal drugs are involved, Utah law is even more strict. Driving with any measurable amount of any controlled substance or any controlled substance metabolite can result in a conviction, even without any evidence of impairment, if the driver does not have a prescription.

Consequences of a DUI Charge or Conviction in Salt Lake

A first-time DUI charges in Salt Lake normally begins at the class B misdemeanor level. While a class B misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 180 days jail, a first-time DUI is more likely to receive probation with a statutory minimum of 48 hours jail or community service. Statutory enhancements can increase the level of the severity of a first-time DUI if the case involves an accident with injuries or if a child is in the vehicle at the time of the offense. Penalties increase of second and third DUI convictions, with a third DUI conviction within a 10-year period punishable as a felony.

In addition to criminal penalties, Utah law also provides that the Driver License Division can impose a driver license suspension of 120 days for a first offense, or a two year suspension for a second or subsequent DUI offense. In order to avoid a nearly automatic suspension, a driver cited for DUI must request a hearing with the Driver License Division within 10 days of being cited. If no hearing is requested, the Driver License Division can suspend a driver’s license without waiting for the results of any related court cases.

If you have been charged with DUI or a related offense in the Salt Lake area, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Salt Lake criminal attorney Stephen Howard.

Filed Under: saltlake

Call a Utah Attorney

Call a Utah Criminal Attorney in Davis and Salt Lake Counties


Find Utah Criminal Law Help

Paragraph Spacer

5-Star Reviews for Utah Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer 5-Star Reviews

“. . . one of the most professional and capable lawyers I have ever worked with.”


For the People – For Attorneys

Utah Attorney Protecting Liberty Rights

Knowing what you are facing in a Utah criminal prosecution is critical in choosing the right attorney to defend your rights. Articles in this section provide imformation about Utah's criminal justice system that each person should know. Click to learn more.

Important Criminal Defense Information for Utah Attorneys

The "For Attorneys" section provides tips and articles from the Canyons team intended to assist Utah defense attorneys improve their knowledge base and hone the skills needed to successfully represent clients facing criminal prosecution. These materials must be considered in context of relevant constitutional provisions, procedural rules, case law, and statutes. Reliance on these materials by individuals without the assistance of an experienced attorney is not recommended.

Contact Form 7

    Find a Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney





    CONTACT US

    Case Results – Select Victories in Utah Criminal Defense

    Utah Criminal Defense Wins

    Client charged with felony aggravated assault for using broken bottle as a weapon. Defense case focused on self-defense, resulting in not guilty verdict by the jury at trial.

    Client pulled over by police for investigation of DUI. Mr. Howard filed a motion to suppress challenging the basis for the warrantless search and seizure. Police had received a report that client might be drunk. By challenging the basis for the report and demonstrating that police observation of client’s driving for nearly two miles showed no traffic violations or other indications of impairment, the prosecutor conceded error and moved to dismiss the DUI.

    Client faced first-degree felony charges for selling drugs to undercover police officer. Mitigating evidence gathered by defense relating to client’s youth, family support, treatment options, and lack of prior history was pivotal in convincing prosecutor to allow an abeyance agreement to a single misdemeanor count. Case was ultimately dismissed.

    Utah CLE Events / Calendar for Criminal Defense Attorneys

    For Laywers in Utah

    Canyons Law Group defense team presents on topics relating to internet crimes, including: prosecutor's constitutional discovery obligations; digital technology issues in discovery; police practices in internet "sting" cases; statutory history and interpretation for defense; and more.
    ↽⇀

    Contact Canyons Law Group directly to register. Space is limited.
    ↽⇀

    One hour MCLE credit for Utah attorneys pending approval.

    • Felonies
    • Misdemeanors
    • District Courts
    • Justice Courts

    Constitutional – Utah Defense Attorneys

    Fifth Amendment Miranda RIghts

    Constitutional Rights

    P Spacer

    • Team Strategy
    • Jury Trials
    • Appeals
    • Expungements

    5-Star Reviews for Utah Criminal Lawyers

    5-Star Reviews - Criminal Defense Attorneys

    “I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Stephen Howard for your criminal defense Attorney. . . . Thank you Stephen.”


    Click to Call a Utah Defense Attorney

    Call Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer


    HR Spacer


    Contact Form for Utah Criminal Lawyer

      Contact a Utah Criminal Lawyer Now





      CONTACT US

      Selected Victories – Utah Criminal Defense





      Client faced felony charges for allegedly using a gun to menace another driver during road rage incident. Defense trial strategy demonstrated that the alleged victim was the likely aggressor and that client had taken reasonable action to defend himself.

      Client facing first-degree felony and potential life in prison. Effective cross-examination of victim at preliminary hearing showed that someone else had committed the crime. Judge ordered case dismissed without trial.

      Call Attorney in Utah Footer

      CALL NOW   -   801-449-1409   -   TEXT NOW

      For the People – For Attorneys – Mobile

      Utah Attorney Protecting Liberty Rights

      Knowing what you are facing in a Utah criminal prosecution is critical in choosing the right attorney to defend your rights. Articles in this section provide imformation about Utah's criminal justice system that each person should know. Click to learn more.

      Important Information for Criminal Defense Lawyers in Utah

      The "For Attorneys" section is intended to assist attorneys defending clients in Utah criminal cases. These articles must be read in context of relevant constitutional provisions, procedural rules, case law, and statutes. Reliance on these materials by individuals without the assistance of an experienced attorney is not recommended.

      Constitutional Rights Legal Education

      Criminal Defense Attorneys Utah - Constitutional Rights

      Fourth Amendment Rights Attorney


      Search for Utah Criminal Law Information

      Contact Information for Utah Criminal Defense Lawyers

      Canyons Law Group, LLC
      Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
      Serving Clients Statewide

      952 South Main St., Suite A
      Layton, UT 84041

      560 South 300 East, Suite 200
      Salt Lake City, UT 84111

      801-449-1409

      Utah Criminal Defense Locations

      Serving Northern Utah and the Wasatch Front
      Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, Morgan, and Wasatch Counties

      Serving Central and Southern Utah
      Washington, Iron, Kane, Sevier, Sanpete, Juab, and Carbon Counties

      Make Online Payment

      Payments for Utah Attorneys
      • EnglishEnglish
      • EspañolEspañol
      Criminal Defense Page Archve
      Sitemap

      Copyright © 2010–2022 · Canyons Law Group, LLC · Stephen W. Howard, PC

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.