West Jordan Utah Drunk Driving / DUI / DWI Defense Attorney

Prosecutors and judges in West Jordan take drunk driving charges seriously. Being in actual physical control of a vehicle or driving while intoxicated can result in substantial fines, jail time, losing your license, having an ignition interlock device required in your car, and other probation conditions.  You could also be facing felony enhancements for subsequent DUI convictions.  As an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer, Stephen Howard can help.

West Jordan DUI Defense - Better Than "Aggressive"

When it comes to Utah DUI defense, "aggressive" isn't good enough.  Defending a DUI in Utah requires a solid understanding of the testing standards and procedures, medical issues that may result in flawed test results, how the results of these tests are analyzed, Fourth Amendment law that may affect the admissibility of illegally obtained evidence, and more.

You need to go beyond an "aggressive" defense.  If you are facing a DUI charge in West Jordan or anywhere in Utah, you need an experienced attorney who not only knows how to fight hard, but more importantly, can fight smart.

West Jordan "Drunk Driving" - Not Just Alcohol

Utah's drunk driving laws apply to more than just alcohol.  The typical DUI charge involves allegations that a person's blood or breath alcohol level is above 0.08, or that the person is so intoxicated that they are unable to safely operate the vehicle.  This is often proven by use of a blood test or breath test ("Intoxilyzer" test).  A prosecutor may also try to prove intoxictation without these tests by introducing evidence poor performance on field sobriety tests (FST's) or a reckless driving pattern.  

Even if  a person has not had any alcohol to drink, prosecutors can file charges based on a person having a "measurable amount" of a controlled substance metabolite in their blood or urine.  Even if you are not currently under the influence of any drug or medication, some controlled substance metabolites can stay in your system for days and even weeks after the drug was used.  If blood or urine tests are positive for the presense of a drug or drug metabolite, you may find yourself facing prosecution.  Sometimes these tests indicate only the presence of lawfully prescribed and medically appropriate medications.  But a prosecutor may still file charges against you.  You need a strong defense attorney on your side.

Consequences of a DUI Conviction in West Jordan Utah

The consequences of a Utah DUI conviction can be serious.  Even a first time DUI will often result in jail time.  The fines are substantial, and the conditions of probation can be heavy.  If an injury occurs, the consequences go up dramatically.  If someone is killed in a DUI-related accident, you could be facing automobile homicide charges.

Even without a conviction, the Utah Driver License Division can suspend your driver license for 120 days for a first DUI charge, or for two years if it is your second or subsequent DUI charge.  The Driver License Division can take action even before you go to court unless you request a hearing within 10 days from the date you are cited with DUI or other alcohol-related offenses.  You have the right to be represented by an attorney at this hearing.  But unless the hearing is requested within 10 days, the Driver License Division will take action on its own.

Defending your Utah DUI charge right the first time is critical.  Subsequent convictions can result in enhanced penalties and felony charges.  You need an experienced Utah defense attorney on your side.

With offices in downtown Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard is pleased to serve clients in West Jordan and throughout Utah. He has a track record of achieving real results for his clients.

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation with Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard.