"Actual Physical Control" - West Jordan Utah DUI Attorney

According to Utah DUI law, a person can be charged with drunk driving even if he or she is not actually driving a vehicle.  Even a person doesn't ever drive a vehicle, charges can be filed if the person is in "actual physical control" of a vehicle while intoxicated.  The term "actual physical control" has been interpreted broadly by the Utah Court of Appeals in the case of State v. Barnhart, 850 P.2d 473 (Utah Ct. App. 1993).

The Utah Court of Appeals stated that the legislature "intended to prevent intoxicated persons from causing harm by apprehending them before they operate a vehicle"  The court also stated that "a person need not actually move a vehicle, but only needs to have the apparent ability to start and move a vehicle in order to be in actual physical control."

There are several factors listed by Utah courts that can be considered in determining whether a person is in "actual physical control" of a vehicle for purposes of a Utah DUI charge. For example, a key factor can be whether the person is asleep or awake when found by police.  Other factors include (but are not limited to) the position of the automobile, whether the vehicle's engine was running, whether the person was found in the driver's seat, whether there was anyone else in the vehicle, whether the person had the ignition key, how the car got where it was found (and whether the person drove it there), and the person's apparent ability to start and move the vehicle,.

Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has extensive experience defending DUI's and other crimes in Utah. His track record speaks for itself.  With offices based in Salt Lake City, he is pleased to serve clients throughout Utah.

If you are facing DUI charges in West Jordan or anywhere in Utah, contact criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard to schedule an initial consultation today.