UTAH SECOND DUI OFFENSE ATTORNEY
In Utah, you may be convicted of driving under the influence even if your blood alcohol level is below the Utah limit of .05. As long as you act or appear affected by alcohol, you can be arrested. If this is your second violation in 10 years, the penalties are particularly harsh. You should contact a lawyer immediately.
Administrative Penalties
Your driver’s license will be suspended for two years after a second DUI in Utah. Following this, you will be issued a temporary license that is usable for the next 30 days, after which it will be confiscated. You will need to pay approximately $400 to get your license reinstated after the two year period.
Additionally, you will be considered an alcohol restricted driver for the next ten years, which means you cannot drive after having consumed any amount of alcohol. This status will appear on your driving record. If you violate it, you face another year of a suspended license, and three more years as an alcohol restricted driver.
There is also the possibility that your car will be impounded after your second DUI offense in Utah. In addition, 240 hours of community service may be served.
Criminal Penalties
You will spend at least 10 days in jail for a second DUI in Utah. Also, you will have to pay approximately $1,700 in fines. These are in addition to other expenses, such as the alcohol treatment program and ignition interlock device, both of which you will need to pay for.
Lookback Period
In Utah, the lookback period is 10 years. This means that the court will hand down harsher penalties if you have had a DUI within the last ten years, as this one will be considered your second.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor in Utah
This state considers a second DUI a misdemeanor.
Plea Options
In Utah, you may be able to get a DUI reduced to a lesser charge, such as an impaired or reckless driving charge, which carries fewer consequences. You can do this through a plea bargain, but you will need the help of a lawyer. If you were not under the influence of alcohol, or have evidence that your case has been mishandled, you can plead not guilty. You will go to trial, which will also require a lawyer.
Talking to an Attorney
Of course, you could plead guilty and simply accept the penalties of a second DUI in Utah, but you are encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney first to ensure this is the best option.
For more information and insight, consult Utah DUI lawyer Zachary C. Holbrook, P.C.