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.

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
»

Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....
Consequences
»

Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. But just being charged can affect more than you may have imagined - jail, job, family, bills, rent or mortgage. It can feel like everything has gone wrong, and may you wonder if anything can go right. But facing criminal prosecution does not mean giving up hope....
Reasons to Hope
»