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.
- What You
Need to Know - Choosing an Attorney
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
- First-Time
Offenders
- Repeat
Offenders
- Out-of-State
Clients
- What to Expect in Court
- Potential Penalties
- Reasons for Hope
- Attorney Practice Areas
- Felonies / Misdemeanors
- District / Justice Courts
- Jury Trials / Bench Trials
- Pleas in Abeyance
- Expungements
- 402 Reductions
- Bench / Arrest Warrants
- Constitutional Violations
- Probation
- Appeals
- Juvenile Courts
- Selected Crimes
- Drug Crimes / Addiction
- DUI / Alcohol Crimes
- Property Crimes
- Financial / White Collar
- Violent Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Aggravated
Crimes
- Selected Victories
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for alleged attack using broken bottle as a weapon. Despite the testimony of numerous prosecution witnesses, thorough defense investigation to support a self-defense claim resulted in acquittal by jury at trial.
Dismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. 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 - Client
facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child
kidnapping. Full defense
analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.
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Can
I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve
the case without returning to the state. . . .
Successfully defending against criminal prosecution requires more than just an 'aggressive' defense. The best defense attorneys understand that a sophisticated defense requires a thorough understanding of a variety of nuanced legal issues, real experience in the courtroom, good negotiation skills, and much more. Fighting hard is good. Fighting smart is better....
Strategy »
Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....
Experience »
Even a single misdemeanor conviction in Utah can result in extended jail time and substantial fines. The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can last a lifetime. Whether you are facing misdemeanor prosecution in a justice court or more serious felony charges in the district court, obtaining advice and assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney is....
Consequences »
An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....
Reasons to Hope »
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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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