Many people incorrectly believe that DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges are simply “not a big deal.” After all, DUI offenses are extremely common throughout Utah and the rest of the nation, and many people have more than one DUI. While those two points may be accurate, the idea that DUI is an unimportant matter is not.
DUI convictions come with severe and far-reaching legal consequences. If you are convicted of DUI in West Valley City, you could be incarcerated, heavily fined, and your license to drive could be suspended for months or even years. In addition to these major penalties, DUI convictions can also lead to additional inconveniences, such as mandatory alcohol counseling and/or the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your personal vehicle. An IID will prevent your car from starting if it detects a certain BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level.
Furthermore, it’s very important to point out that there are instances in which DUI can become elevated to an extremely serious charge. If you injure or kill another person while you are driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, you could even be charged with vehicular assault or felony vehicular homicide. If you are convicted of a felony, you could be fined thousands of dollars in restitution, and/or imprisoned for years. You could lose your family, your friends, your finances, and your freedom. You need to act quickly to protect your legal rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our West Valley City DUI Lawyers
If you are facing DUI charges in West Valley City, it’s extremely important to your legal success and to the course of your future that you retain the services of a dedicated DUI defense attorney. At the law offices of Overson Law, LLC we have more than 15 years of experience handling a wide variety of West Valley City DUI charges, including but not limited to:
- First Offense
- Repeat Offenses
- DUI with Drugs
- DUI Causing Injury or Death
- DUI with High BAC
- Aggravated DUI
- Breathalyzer/Chemical Test Refusal
Regardless of the circumstances of your DUI, we are equipped with years of practical, in-trial experience to help build you the very best defense. We believe that our clients are innocent until proven guilty, and we pledge to treat your case with diligence, care, and respect. We will walk you through each and every step of the legal process, and advocate aggressively on your behalf to ensure that your legal rights are always respected.
According to the data presented by the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice in the Tenth Annual DUI Report to the Utah Legislature (2012), Salt Lake County — home to West Valley City — experienced more DUI arrests than any other county in the state. Salt Lake County recorded 5,497 DUI arrests in 2012, accounting for a staggering 42% of all DUI arrests in Utah that year.
According to the yearly Crime in Utah Report, the gender breakdown for 2012 DUI arrests was:
- 28.14% female
- 71.86% male
While males may be at a higher statistical risk of DUI arrest, anyone can arrested for DUI — even if they aren’t driving a car. Other vehicles which fall under DUI laws include:
- Motorcycles
- Commercial Vehicles
- Scooters
- Boats
- Jetskis
The type of vehicle in question can actually influence the DUI charges. Notably, the BAC cut-off for most drivers is .08% — but the threshold BAC for commercial drivers is dramatically lower at .04%.
Utah DUI Penalties and Sentencing
DUI, like other offenses, is subject to its own list of aggravating factors which can worsen a sentence. These aggravating factors include DUI with a child in the vehicle, reckless driving, and DUI with a high BAC (above .16%).
Even without any aggravating factors, DUI penalties can be very harsh — and they only become harsher as incidents accumulate. It should be noted that the fees for DUI vary by court.
- First Offense
Fees: Generally a minimum of $1,400
Jail Time: 2 days
License Suspension: 120 days - Second Offense
Fees: Generally a minimum of $1,600
Jail Time: 10 days
License Suspension: 2 years
Notice the dramatic hike in license suspension from first to second offense: 120 days, to two full years.
- Third Offense
Fees: Maximum $5,000
Jail Time: Maximum 5 years
License Suspension: 2 years
A third offense DUI is classified as a felony. It should also be noted that the maximum fee of $5,000 can become even more expensive due to additional surcharges. These surcharges can be as high as 90%.
If you are being charged with DUI, everything you value — including your liberty, your mobility, and your reputation — is at risk. An experienced West Valley City DUI defense attorney can help. To schedule a free and private legal consultation with a Utah DUI lawyer, call the law offices of Overson Law, LLC at (801) 758-2287, or contact us online. Our phone lines are staffed around the clock, so call right away to start discussing your options.