Utah DUI Consequences
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Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) is no laughing matter. In fact, as one of the most dangerous acts a driver can commit, DUI carries a number of harsh penalties. While drunk driving is a serious crime in every part of the country, each state has its own guidelines for determining the penalties for the offense. Utah DUI consequences, for example, include a number of strict sentencing guidelines that often include a mandatory license suspension, fine, and jail time.
Although the exact penalties for driving under the influence vary greatly based on the circumstances of your arrest, the sentence for a first-time offender typically includes a minimum $700 fine, 120-day license suspension, and 48-hour jail sentence. In addition, the judge may require you to undergo treatment for alcoholism and/or attend a driver’s education program. And, keep in mind that your punishment will be far more severe if you are charged with “Aggravated DUI” for driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.16% or higher.
Regardless of what your BAC was at the time you were arrested, you will face much tougher sentencing guidelines if you are a repeat DUI offender. For example, if you are convicted of a second DUI within a ten-year period, you may be required to pay $800 in fines and spend up to ten days behind bars. Plus, your driving privileges may be revoked for the next two years, and the judge will most likely include probation and/or substance abuse treatment in your sentence.
If you are convicted of a third DUI within ten years after your last violation, a subsequent offense will be classified as a felony. As a result, you can plan to pay at least $1,500 in fines and spend a minimum of 1,500 hours in jail—and once again, you may find yourself without a driver’s license for the next two years or more.
Unfortunately, whether you are a first-time offender or have a history of driving under the influence, a DUI conviction will haunt you long after you have completed your sentence. Because your conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently, anyone who performs a background check will find out about your DUI—and as you can probably guess, this could cost you numerous employment, housing, and educational opportunities in the long term.
A drunk driving conviction can also have a significant impact on your financial future. Along with any fines, fees, and third-party expenses you incur (such as the cost of obtaining treatment or maintaining an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, for instance), you can plan on paying much more for auto insurance—not to mention health and life insurance. In fact, it’s not uncommon for insurers to charge convicted drunk drivers two to three times more for coverage, while some companies may simply refuse to insure you altogether. And, if you are lucky enough to find a company that is willing to insure you, it may be several years before your rates are reduced.
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid the consequences of a drunk driving conviction—a fact evident by the number of drivers who are able to get their charges reduced or dismissed in court. To determine the ideal strategy for you, submit your information online today to receive a free case evaluation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.
