Utah DUI Laws, Penalties, and License Suspension

Utah drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.

The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.

Utah Laws

The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Utah:

• All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
• Under 21 - Not A DROP - Zero Tolerance
• Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.

Utah Penalties

First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are arrested and convicted of drunk driving in the State of Utah you will be placed in jail for no less than 48 hours. You will be fined no less than $700 and your drivers license will be revoked for no less than 90 days. The court may allow for community service work in lieu of jail time or you may be placed in an electronic monitoring program at your home. You will also be ordered to participate in a drug or alcohol screening program and potentially be ordered to participate in a educational series relating to drugs, alcohol or both. These services will all be paid for by the convicted driver.

Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are convicted of driving under the influence in Utah within 10 years of a previous offense you will be fined a minimum of $800. You will also receive a jail sentence of no less than 240 hours or 10 days. Your drivers license will also be suspended for a period of 1 year. The court will also order the convicted driver to 240 hours or 10 days of community service or you may be placed in an electronic monitoring program at your home. You will also be ordered to participate in a drug or alcohol screening program and potentially be ordered to participate in a educational series relating to drugs, alcohol or both. These services will all be paid for by the convicted driver.

Third Drunk Driving Conviction
The 3rd time you are convicted of drunk driving in the State of Utah you will be placed in jail for no less than 1,500 hours. You will be fined no less than $1,500 and your license will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year. You will also be ordered to obtain a screening and assessment and substance abuse treatment at a substance abuse treatment program providing intensive care or inpatient treatment and long-term closely supervised follow through after treatment for not less than 240 hours. The court may also order more penalties including additional jail time, extended or permanent drivers license revocation and for the convicted driver to pay all fines and fees, including fees for restitution and treatment costs.

Utah Drivers License Issues

The implied consent law in Utah means that any driver using the roadways in the State of Utah agrees to submit to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if a peace officer has reasonable cause to believe you are under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs, even if the drugs are prescription. If you refuse to submit to such a test your drivers license will be revoked for 18 months for the first offense, and 2 years for subsequent refusals.

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