Utah has some strict DUI laws and when you understand the seriousness of this charge, it will help you to realize the importance in making sure that if you get behind the wheel that you have your full faculties. If you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, you will be tested and if you have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 or above, you will be charged with driving under the influence. Drivers under the age of 21 are under a zero tolerance level and commercial drivers face a limit of .04. What are the penalties and punishments of a DUI in the State of Utah?
First DUI Offense
When you are convicted of a DUI for the first time, you will find that you will be facing some strict punishments, including losing your license for a period of at least 90 days. To have your license reinstated, you will have to complete drug/alcohol treatment assessment, an alcohol awareness program, and you may have to get the ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, depending upon your sentence. As far as jail time, you will spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail or you may be sentenced to a work service program or home confinement with electronic monitoring, depending upon the other factors of your arrest. A fine of a minimum of $700 will be mandated and other fees and fines may be required as well, so you want to keep that in mind to be sure that you know what to expect.
Second DUI Offense
A second DUI offense within ten years means that you will face even harsher penalties and punishment. Your driver’s license will be suspended for a period of 2 years and you will face a minimum of 10 days in jail or you will have to put in time in a work service program or home confinement with electronic monitoring. A minimum $800 fine will be assessed against you and you will also have to pay any costs that are associated with your sentencing, including the installation of an ignition interlock device for at least 3 years. Probation will be given to you for a specified period, as well as drug/alcohol assessment and treatment, and DUI school.
Third DUI Offense
If you choose to get behind the wheel when you are under the influence again and are convicted of a third DUI, you will face a loss of your freedoms and a big hit on your finances as well. You will lose your license for approximately two years and you will have to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for three years after your suspension is served, which will be at a cost to you. In addition, you will have to spend a minimum of 1500 hours in jail up to 5 years. A minimum fine of $1500 will be assessed, as will supervised probation. In addition, you will be mandated to participate in alcohol/drug screening, assessment, education, and treatment. As you can see, your freedoms will be restricted for a very long time if you choose to continue driving while you are under the influence.
When you get behind the wheel when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you stand the chance of hurting yourself or someone else. Getting pulled over, tested, and convicted of a DUI will mean that you are going to face significant penalties and punishments. By getting a lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are taken care of as much as possible and you will get the guidance and assistance that you need.