Davis County DUI Attorney - Actual Physical Control
A person does not have to be actually driving a vehicle to be charged with DUI under Utah law. According to Utah's drunk driving statutes, a person can be convicted of DUI if they are either "driving" or in "actual physical control" of a vehicle while intoxicated. Whether driving a vehicle or just in "actual physical control," the penalties for a DUI in Utah can be equally harsh. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can be critical. Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation.Elements of Actual Physical Control
The concept of "actual physical control" is not clearly defined by statute. But appellate courts will often look to the apparent intent of the legislature when interpreting statutes that are less than perfectly clear.The Utah Court of Appeals held that the legislature "intended to prevent intoxicated persons from causing harm by apprehending them before they operate a vehicle." State v. Barnhart, 850 P.2d 473 (Utah Ct. App. 1993]. The court continued, stating that "a person need not actually move a vehicle, but only needs to have the apparent ability to start and move a vehicle in order to be in actual physical control."
When determining if a person is in "actual physical control" of a vehicle for purposes of a Utah DUI charge, the Court of Appeals has listed several factors that can be considered. For example, a jury may consider whether or not the person had the apparent ability to start and move the vehicle, how the car got where it was found, and whether the person drove it there. Other factors include (but are not limited to) whether the person was asleep or awake when found by police, the position of the automobile, whether the person was found in the driver's seat, whether the vehicle's engine was running, whether there was anyone else in the vehicle, whether the person had the ignition key,.
Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Davis County
Davis County prosecutors and judges take drunk driving charges seriously. If you are facing prosecution for DUI or other criminal charges in Davis County, Utah, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.Utah criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Davis County and all of Utah. His track record includes not guilty verdicts or dismissals on charges including DUI, aggravated robbery, forgery, burglary, fraud, drug charges and more.
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Dismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
Dismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
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charged with aggravated robbery and facing life in prison. Full case analysis and consultation with client allowed the development of a strong defense strategy. Effective cross-examination of the alleged victim at the preliminary hearing resulted in an outright dismissal of all charges by the judge.
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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.
Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041
Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.
In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041
Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.
In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
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