Criminal Defense Attorney - Real Results

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what our team can do for you.

Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start Here^SM

White Collar Defense Attorney for Utah Charges

Attorney for Expungements Reductions and Pardons

Defendant Constitutional Rights Criminal Lawyer

Reasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Requesting a Driver License Hearing in a Utah DUI Case

When you are arrested or cited for DUI in Utah, your citation should contain a notice that you have a right to request a driver license hearing. Failure to request this hearing will result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges.

A request for a driver license hearing in Utah must be made in writing, and must be made be made within ten days of the date you were cited or arrested. In rare cases, and if there is a good reason for the the request, a request for a driver license hearing may be granted after the ten-day period has passed. But these circumstances are rare. Whenever possible, the request should be made within the required ten-day period.

You have the right to be represented by counsel at a driver license hearing. Retaining a Utah defense attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected, not just in your license hearing but in the criminal DUI case. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us today to arrange for an initial confidential consultation.

Does the DMV handle the driver license hearing in a Utah DUI case?

Utah Drunk Driving / DUI Lawyer Salt Lake

You may hear people (and even some Utah attorneys) refer to the "DMV" in connection with a DUI driver license hearing. In some states, the DMV is responsible for driver licenses. In Utah, however, the DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) is a part of the Utah State Tax Comission. Driver license hearings and suspensions are instead handled by the Department of Public Safety, through its Driver License Division ("DLD"). Submitting a request for a driver license hearing to the DMV in Utah will not avoid a DUI license suspension. The written hearing request instead must be directed to the DLD.

Can I get copies of the police reports to prepare for a driver license hearing?

When your attorney submits the written request for a DLD hearing, your attorney may also request copies of any police reports or other records relating to your arrest or citation for DUI.

The easiest way to request the DLD hearing on a Utah DUI case is using a form provided on the DLD's website. If you have an attorney, your attorney can submit this request on your behalf. You can also submit the form yourself, and fill in your attorney's contact information on the form itself.

Keep in mind, however, that this request form only includes a request for a hearing. It does not include a request for any records, reports, or test results that may have been prepared in connection with the DUI case. Whether you have an attorney or are handling the driver license yourself, it is important to make a specific request for any police reports or other records from the DLD that may help in preparing for your license hearing.

Finding a Utah Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake City

Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard is a Utah defense attorney with a track record of successfully defending clients in cases ranging from homicide to DUI, and virtually everything in between. If you have been charged with DUI in Utah, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

RELATED CRIMINAL DEFENSE TOPICS

What do I do if I am arrested for DUI in Utah?
Do DUI field sobriety tests prove impairment?
What are the potential penalties for a Utah DUI case?

Selected Victories
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony drug distribution charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and ultimate dismissal of case.
Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
Probation - Client charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.

Recent Posts
How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .

You want the best defense. Agressive is good. But results ultimately are what really matter. Creating an effective strategy for defending against criminal prosecution requires a thorough understanding of statutes, case law, and evidentiary and procedural rules. A successful outcome is more likely when....

Strategy »

Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your Utah criminal case may be the single most important decision you make. The courtroom can be a hostile place. Prosecutors receive extensive training on legal and tactical issues. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical to defending your case and protecting your rights....

Experience »

Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....

Consequences »

Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Never give up hope. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. And it is usually not the end of the world. While the consequences of a criminal charge can be serious, there are often several options and strategies for handling your case. Understanding your options and how an experienced criminal lawyer can help....

Reasons to Hope »

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

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.