DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City

Is a DUI a Felony in Utah?

A DUI charge in Utah becomes a felony if the driver has two prior DUI offenses within ten years. The third offense, if within that time frame, triggers a felony charge. If an accident involving serious injury occurs, the penalty can escalate from a class B misdemeanor to a third degree felony. Drivers also face felony charges if they have a previous felony DUI on their record. Many people remain unaware of prior qualifying offenses, so having representation becomes critical when facing new charges.

Felony DUI cases in Salt Lake City proceed quickly through local courts, with prosecutors often seeking significant prison sentences for repeat offenders or those causing substantial harm. Salt Lake County shares information with state agencies to track prior offenses, requiring a close review of all charges and circumstances with a defense attorney.

The penalties associated with DUI felony charges include:

• The suspension of your license for an additional 90 days up to 2 years
• Fines up to $1,500 along with court fees and surcharges
• A mandatory substance abuse treatment program
• Supervised probation, but only if jail time was not required
• A prison sentence of up to 5 years which may include home confinement
• The ordering of an ignition interlock device which measures your BAC before the car will start

Can My License Get Suspended From a DUI?

Along with criminal charges, a DUI arrest can trigger a license suspension by the Utah Department of Public Safety Driver License Division. The DLD suspends licenses for 120 days on a first offense and up to two years for repeat offenses. Drivers appear on the alcohol restricted list for two years, meaning you cannot drive with any alcohol in your system. An ignition interlock device may be required for the first 18 months after regaining limited driving privileges.

Many Salt Lake City drivers do not realize how soon after arrest the Department of Public Safety can begin suspension proceedings. You must request a hearing within ten days to contest a suspension. This window is short, making quick action crucial to protecting your ability to drive. Administrative hearings are usually processed at the local Driver License Division office, and representation at this stage can influence the outcome.

You have the right to a hearing before license suspension begins, and we can represent you in these proceedings. Act quickly by requesting a hearing within ten days after arrest, or you may waive your right to contest the suspension.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Utah?

If you are convicted of a first offense DUI, the charge is classified as a misdemeanor. In Utah, misdemeanor DUIs cannot be expunged from your record for ten years after the conviction date.

This ten-year waiting period can impact employment and insurance rates for an extended time. Organizations in Utah, including employers and licensing boards, check for DUI convictions during background screenings, which means even a dated offense can affect your future. Taking early, informed steps with guidance from an attorney may help reduce potential long-term effects.

How Can a DUI Attorney Help Me?

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) attorney defends individuals charged with DUI or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offenses. Here are specific ways a DUI defense lawyer helps within Salt Lake City or nearby communities:

• Legal advice and guidance: Receive case-specific legal advice explaining your charges, possible penalties, and rights.
• Understanding DUI laws: Get clear explanations on relevant statutes, blood alcohol limits, and penalties.
• Reviewing the arrest process: Have the details of your arrest, field sobriety tests, or chemical tests scrutinized for errors or rights violations.
• Building a defense strategy: Develop a defense based on detailed analysis of your unique circumstances.
• Legal motions: File motions to challenge or suppress evidence that may not meet legal standards.
• Negotiating with the prosecutor: Communication that explores reduction or dismissal of charges where warranted by the facts.
• Representing you in court: Present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for the best possible terms.
• Sentencing mitigation: Seek more favorable sentencing terms, such as reduced fines or shorter suspensions, when applicable.
• License suspension hearings: Assistance with the administrative side of license suspensions, including representation at hearings.
• Monitoring and advising on probation: Receive guidance through probation requirements to help maintain compliance and minimize additional consequences.

The attorneys at Nelson, Taylor & Associates, PLLC offer practical knowledge of Salt Lake City court rules and procedures. Familiarity with local judges and staff can prepare you for each stage of the process. Salt Lake County holds DUI hearings at either the main courthouse or District Court, depending on the charge. If you need clarity on where your case stands, our team will help guide you through each step and evaluate your options.

Consulting a DUI attorney promptly after a charge preserves vital evidence and may increase the likelihood of a more favorable outcome. Legal counsel brings valuable insight for minimizing the immediate and long-term impact of a DUI charge—including fines, license loss, or jail time—by helping you understand court schedules and critical deadlines in the Salt Lake City area.

Salt Lake City Court System & Local DUI Procedures

Salt Lake City’s criminal courts process hundreds of DUI cases each year, and local procedures may differ from neighboring jurisdictions. You may attend arraignment at Salt Lake City Justice Court or Third District Court, depending on case details. Judges and prosecutors in Salt Lake adopt a serious stance on DUI offenses at every phase, including pretrial hearings and sentencing. Utah’s .05% BAC threshold reflects a statewide commitment to road safety. These courts often move cases through administrative and criminal processes quickly, so understanding each step can help you stay compliant and protect your rights. At Nelson, Taylor & Associates, PLLC, we guide clients through the Salt Lake City legal system by clarifying your rights and helping you anticipate what comes next in your case.

Our Commitment to Clear Communication & Personal Support

Every client deserves clear information and steady guidance during a stressful time. At Nelson, Taylor & Associates, PLLC, we listen closely to your concerns at every stage. With multiple court dates and critical deadlines, Salt Lake City’s legal process can be overwhelming. We explain your options in direct terms so you always know the current status of your DUI case. Our firm provides individual attention and offers same-day appointments for urgent questions. We deliver honest feedback built on years of helping Salt Lake area clients. Your needs drive our strategies and recommendations. From your first call forward, you receive straightforward communication and support without confusing language or hidden conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI's In Salt Lake City

What should I do immediately after being arrested for DUI in Salt Lake City?

If arrested for DUI in Salt Lake City, remain calm and cooperative. Avoid making any statements about your intoxication. Contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and start preparing your defense.
 

Can a DUI charge be reduced or dismissed in Utah?

Yes, a DUI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss the charge by challenging evidence such as the reason for the traffic stop, the results of sobriety tests, or the calibration of breathalyzer devices. Each defense strategy depends on specific facts and circumstances in your case.
 

What are the possible consequences of a second DUI offense in Utah?

A second DUI offense in Utah leads to tougher penalties—including a longer license suspension, higher fines, mandatory treatment programs, and increased jail time. Working with an experienced DUI defense lawyer may help you reduce the impact of a second charge.

How a Salt Lake City DUI Lawyer Can Help You

Besides criminal and administrative penalties, a DUI conviction brings social and professional stigma. Effective legal representation ensures you have guidance focused on protecting your rights and minimizing harm. If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving anywhere in or near Salt Lake City, contact Nelson, Taylor & Associates for timely assistance.

Related Reading:

• Drunk Driving Law FAQ
• Implied Consent Law

Call (801) 901-7046 or contact our Salt Lake City DUI attorneys online to learn more about how we can help you. 

Helpful Resources

• Utah Department of Motor Vehicles
• Utah State Courts
• Utah Driver License Division