Utah Public Intoxication Attorney - Criminal Defense
Salt Lake
Often referred to as "public intoxication" in Utah, a criminal charge
for Intoxication under Utah Code 76-9-701 can be filed for conduct
occurring either a public
or private place. Intoxication is a criminal charge that can carry
penalties including jail time, substantial fines, and a variety of
probation conditions. If you are facing criminal prosecution for
intoxication, it is important to have the assistance of an
experienced criminal
defense attorney.
Based in Salt Lake City,
criminal lawyer Stephen
Howard has
handled thousands of cases ranging from aggravated murder to
DUI.
He
has a
record of
achieving real results for his clients. If you have
been charged with intoxication in Utah,
contact
us today to arrange for
a confidential attorney consultation.
Elements of an Intoxication Charge under Utah Law

A
Utah intoxication charge requires proof that the defendant was been
intoxicated to a degree that he or she endangered either the defendant
or another person. The "intoxication" involved in this criminal charge
can be the result of alcohol consumption, controlled substances
(
drugs),
or "any substance having the property of releasing toxic
vapors."
While the charge is often filed in connection with actions in a public
place, the language of Utah's public intoxication statute is
sufficiently broad to cover some conduct occurring in private places. A
criminal charge for intoxication can be based on
conduct occurring either in a public place, or "in a
private place where the person unreasonably disturbs other
persons." If the defendant's conduct is loud enough or
otherwise unreasonably disturbs other persons, a public intoxication
charge can be filed for actions occurring even in the "privacy" of one's
own home.
Consequences of a Utah Public Intoxication Conviction
While
an intoxication charge is "only" a misdemeanor in Utah, any criminal
charge should be taken seriously. Violation of Utah's public
intoxication law is
classified as a class C misdemeanor, and is often accompanied
by an additional charge of disorderly conduct or other related charges.
Under Utah law, a single class C misdemeanor charge carries a maximum
sentence of up to 90 days jail, a $750 fine, plus an additional 90%
surcharge. If multiple charges are filed, the potential penalties
increase substantially.
In addition to potential jail time for a charge of intoxication in
Utah, a driver license suspension may also be imposed if the defendant
is under the age of 21. The driver license suspension can be imposed
even if the case involves no
allegations of driving or other involvement of a motor vehicle. The
period of a driver license suspension may be reduced by
the
court if the case involves the defendant's first intoxication
conviction and the defendant completes required alcohol counseling.
Finding a Utah Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake City

If
you are facing
criminal charges in Utah, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can
help protect your constitutional rights. Based in Salt Lake City,
Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah. He has
handled thousands of
felony
and
misdemeanor
cases during his career. His criminal defense experience ranges
from murder to
DUI.
He has successfully defended clients at trial in Utah's district
courts and justice courts, and
on appeal in Utah's appellate court system.
Contact us today to
schedule an
initial consultation with Utah
criminal defense attorney
Stephen
Howard.
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