"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.
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Dismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
Dismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the 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.
Probation - Client
charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
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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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