In Utah, it's illegal to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’re facing a third DUI in ten years, the penalties are stiffer than those for a first or second offense. Generally, you can be convicted of DUI if you drive:
Typically, a driver who’s convicted of DUI is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. However, a driver who's convicted of a third DUI is guilty of a third-degree felony.
"Administrative penalties" are those imposed by the Utah Driver License Division (DLD). These penalties are triggered by a DUI arrest (as opposed to a conviction in court). For a second DUI, the administrative penalties include:
At the time of your arrest, the officer will confiscate your driver license and issue a citation that serves as a temporary license for 29 days. If you don't request a hearing within ten calendar days of the arrest, you forfeit your right to challenge the above administrative revocations.
Criminal penalties" are those that a court imposes once a driver is convicted of DUI. For a felony DUI, the criminal penalties include up to five years in prison or 1,500 hours in jail. The fines and surcharges for felony DUI are at least $2,850 (third-degree felonies can carry a fine up to $5,000). If the judge doesn’t impose a prison sentence, the driver must complete a term of supervised probation. Convicted motorist are also required to complete a drug/alcohol screening and assessment and comply with any recommended treatment. If the driver's BAC was .16% or greater, the court generally is required to order an IID, SCRAM bracelet, and/or electronic home monitoring. And a judge who’s convinced the driver is a safety hazard can order an additional 90-day to two-year license suspension.
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, get in contact with an experienced DUI attorney. A qualified DUI attorney can help you navigate the complexities of DUI law and tell you how the law applies to the facts of your case.