Utah DUI/Alcohol-Related Crimes Defense Attorney
The Utah criminal code contains a variety of alcohol-related
offenses. Many are
misdemeanor
offenses. But
depending on the circumstances of the offense and the criminal history
of the defendant, some may be charged as
felonies.
Depending
on the charge, consequences for alcohol-related offenses in Utah can
include jail or prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the
loss of a driver's license. Because the consequences can be serious, it
is important to have an
experienced Utah
criminal defense attorney on
your side.
Stephen Howard has
successfully
protected his
clients'
rights in thousands of serious Utah criminal cases. Based in Salt Lake
City, Mr. Howard provides legal services to clients throughout the
state.
Contact us today to
schedule an initial consultation.
Common Alcohol-Related Crimes in
Utah
Public Intoxication
- typically filed as a class C misdemeanor, this charge can be filed in
situations where a person is intoxicated to a point that the person
becomes a danger to himself/herself or another person, either in a
public place or in a private place where the person unreasonably
disturbs others.
Minor in Possession (MIP)
- typically filed as a class B misdemeanor, this charge can be filed
where a minor (a person under the age of 21 years) has
possessed, consumed, purchased, attempted to purchase, or
solicited another to purchase an alcoholic product, or is found to have
a measurable blood, breath, or urine alcohol concentration.
In addition to possible jail time and fines, a conviction for
this charge in Utah can also cause you to lose your driver license.
Contributing to the
Delinquency of a Minor - this class B
misdemeanor charge
involves allegations that an adult has encouraged a minor (under the
age of 18) to commit an act that would be a misdemeanor or infraction
criminal violation of either state or federal law. While it
applies generally to any misdemeanor or infraction, it is sometimes
charged
in cases where an adult has provided alcohol to a minor child.
Providing or Furnishing Alcohol
to a Minor
- this charge is specifically targeted at individuals who sell, attempt
to sell, furnish, or otherwise provide alcohol to individuals under the
age of 21. It can apply to store clerks who fail to adequately check
customer ID's or even to an individual who lets an underage friend have
a beer at a party. It is typically filed as a class B misdemeanor.
Open Container
- a person can be criminally charged for keeping, carrying, possessing,
or transporting an open container of alcohol in the passenger
compartment of a vehicle. This charge does not apply to open
containers carried in the trunk of a car.
DUI -
depending on the circumstances, Utah law allows a DUI charge to be
filed as a class B misdemeanor, class A misdemeanor, or even as a
felony. Even a class B misdemeanor carries minimum mandatory
sentencing requirements. A felony DUI charge could result in extended
prison time.
Impaired Driving
- in some cases, a successful negotiated resolution to a DUI case can
involve a plea to a reduced charge of Impaired Driving. This
avoids the minimum mandatory sentencing provisions of a DUI conviction,
and may allow you to keep your driver license.
Automobile Homicide
- a person may be charged with a felony if, while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs, negligently operates a motor vehicle and causes
the death of another person.
Alcohol Restricted Driver
- a person who is classified as an "alcohol restricted driver" under
Utah law is guilty of a class B misdemeanor if the person operates or
is under
actual
physical control of a vehicle with any measurable or
detectable amount of alcohol in the person's body.
Interlock Violation
- a person who is classified as "interlock restricted driver" may be
charged criminally for tampering with an ignition interlock device, or
if the person operates or is in actual physical control of a vehicle
without an ignition interlock device installed and in working order.
Find a Utah Alcohol Crimes Attorney in Salt Lake City

Conviction
for alcohol-related crimes in Utah can carry severe
penalties with lasting consequences. If you are facing
criminal charges,
contact Salt Lake City
criminal attorney Stephen
Howard now for an initial consultation.
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