A DUI charge can destroy even the most promising student’s academic and professional prospects. For a student at Broadview University, a drunk driving arrest or conviction can mean suspension, expulsion, loss of scholarship or student loan opportunities, or loss of eligibility for programs like internships, study abroad, and volunteer work. In addition to the many academic consequences of a DUI arrest in college, there can also be serious criminal consequences – including jail time. If you or your son or daughter was charged with DUI at Broadview University, your family needs help from skilled and experienced Salt Lake City DUI lawyer for college students, like Darwin Overson, founder of Overson & Bugden.
Depend on Darwin Overson to protect your rights, guide you through Utah’s legal system, prepare you for court and disciplinary hearings, handle all aspects of the evidence-gathering process, and work for reduced penalties. There may even be a possibility of having the charges dismissed, depending on the details of the case. No matter what the circumstances may be, Darwin will fight tirelessly on your son or daughter’s behalf. For a free legal consultation with a Broadview University DUI charges lawyer, contact Overson Law online, or call today at (801) 758-2287.
What is the Utah DUI Law?
Utah recently adopted one of the strictest DUI laws in the country. Unlike most states, where the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for DUI charges is usually 0.08, the limit in Utah is just 0.05 – and for drivers who are under the age of 21, like many college students, there is a zero-tolerance “Not a Drop” policy.
Even if a driver’s BAC is lower than 0.05, he or she can still be charged with DUI if the driver “is under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and any drug to a degree… [where] the person [is] incapable of safely operating a vehicle.” This definition of DUI, supplied by Utah Code § 41-6a-502(1)(b), applies not only to illegal drugs like cocaine and marijuana, but also to legally prescribed medication such as Ambien and OxyContin. To reiterate, having any measurable BAC is prohibited for drivers who are below the age of 21, which means a BAC reading of even 0.02 or 0.01 could lead to intoxicated driving charges.
Is Drunk Driving a Felony in Utah?
Like many other states, Utah follows a system that divides criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Utah has three types of misdemeanors (Class A, Class B, and Class C), along with three types of felonies (first degree, second degree, and third degree). DUI is typically a Class B misdemeanor in Utah. However, there are some situations where driving under the influence is a Class A misdemeanor, such as causing an accident that injures a passenger or pedestrian. If the driver has a history of prior offenses, DUI can become a felony.
It is important to take the charges seriously and react strategically, no matter how the offense is classified. A conviction can lead to jail time, probation, license suspension, and other consequences, making it crucial to fight the charges tactically and proactively.
What Are the Consequences of a DUI Arrest or Conviction for a College Student?
Some people think that having a clean criminal history will prevent them from facing penalties. While it is true that a clean record can be a major factor at sentencing, it does not guarantee protection from criminal penalties. On the contrary, Utah laws create tough DUI penalties – even for first-time offenders. Penalties may include:
- 48 hours of jail time or community service
- 120 days of license suspension, with longer suspension periods for drivers under 21
- Probation
- Screening, assessment, and treatment, where deemed appropriate (such as participation in a “24/7 sobriety program”)
- Various fines, fees, and surcharges, which can exceed $1,300 for a first offense
These are merely the penalties for a first offense where there are no special circumstances, such as causing an injury or having a BAC of 0.16 or higher. Depending on these and other factors, along with the defendant’s history, penalties for a DUI can increase to 10 days in jail, 62.5 days in jail, or even a prison sentence of up to five years. Fines, license suspension periods, and other penalties can also increase.
West Jordan DUI Defense Attorney for Broadview University Students
If you or your child was arrested for DUI at Broadview University, Overson Law can help. With over 16 years of experience defending clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies, Darwin Overson is a seasoned and tested trial attorney who knows how to build effective cases. To set up a free legal consultation with Darwin, call Overson & Bugden at (801) 758-2287, or contact us online. Overson Law provides 24-hour assistance to college students and their family members regarding DUI charges in West Jordan.
