Utah residents have a reason to think twice before drinking and driving home. In 2018, its blood-alcohol content limit was reduced to 0.05. It has the strictest DUI standard across the state. The National Transportation Board pushed for years for the reduced standard to be lowered and was first to include it in the state of Utah. There are about 11,000 to 12,000 DUI arrests a year in Utah. The amount of arrests is slightly increasing over the last few years. There are 11,440 arrests in 2024 compared to the previous fiscal year. It is also a very serious criminal charge despite how common it is. If you are in the unfortunate situation to be charged with DUI, here are a few things to consider about hiring a DUI attorney:
Hiring a Salt Lake City DUI Attorney
The overwhelming majority of DUI arrests are resolved without the aid of an attorney. In most cases, especially if this is a first offense with no injuries, you may not need an attorney; chances are high that you will be convicted of a DUI. Due to the serious nature of the offense, it would be prudent, however, to at least speak to a DUI Lawyer. Here are some reasons you should hire a DUI attorney:
DUI Attorney Salt Lake City
Here are some reasons you should hire a DUI attorney:
- You have a commercial drivers license (e.g. truck driver, delivery person, bus driver, etc.).
- Someone was killed or seriously injured as a result of your DUI.
- There has been a previous DWI or DUI arrest.
- You believe that you are innocent.
- There is a good chance of getting charges reduced.
DUI Lawyers that specialize in alcohol and drug-related cases become experts. Their expertise can be very beneficial to getting your charges or sentencing reduced, and even possibly having your case dismissed.
Reduced Sentence
Hiring a DUI lawyer can assist in having your sentence reduced, whether you plead guilty or are found guilty. For instance, your lawyer can work out a deal in which you’d agree to plead guilty if your punishment for the DUI gets reduced. Some circumstances where this would be a good option would include:
- A person was killed or harmed as a result of your DWI
- Your BAC was very high.
- You were driving under the influence of drugs other than alcohol.
In these situations, you would most likely be looking at jail time, a license suspension, and/or a large fine.
Dropped Charges
There are many grounds for having your DUI case dismissed entirely. Many of these involve a nuanced understanding of laws and legal precedents that are not typically available to the layperson. A DUI attorney with experience can review your case and determine whether or not it is possible for you to pursue having the charges against your dismissed.
What to Look for in a DUI Attorney Salt Lake City
Things to Look for When Hiring a DUI lawyer:
- Their expertise of the state’s DUI/DWI laws.
- The percentage of your case they are handling for you.
- The fee for their services.
- Their relationship with the prosecution.
Don’t risk your future. Hire a DUI lawyer that will fight for you. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, driving while intoxicated, or under the influence, retaining the services of a DUI lawyer is well worth your time and money. Most DUI arrests are handled without any legal representation. You probably don’t need a lawyer if you are a first time offender; there were no injuries, and it’s highly likely you will be convicted of a DUI. Although, because of the severity of the charge, it would be wise to consider hiring a DUI Lawyer. Contact the professionals at Larsen Larsen Nash & Larsen today at (801) 964-1200 for the best defense possible.
