First Offense DUI in Utah

Conviction of a first DUI in Utah carries the likelihood of both criminal and administrative penalties, which are handled primarily by the state licensing department. The following outlines the applicable minimum and maximum penalties for first offense convictions for private adult drivers, and in turn, commercial drivers, minors in violation of zero tolerance laws, minors in general, and violations of implied consent laws will carry different penalties. For more information on the potential penalties applicable to your Utah DUI case, it is imperative you consult with a DUI lawyer.

Administrative Penalties

• First offense DUI arrests initiate an impending administrative license suspension of ninety (90) days. On the other hand, refusals to submit carry mandatory license suspension of eighteen (18) months

• Reinstatement of license requires completion of alcohol screening/assessment, as well as completion of alcohol or driver education/awareness program

• Condition of reinstatement, even for first offense, may include provision requiring use of ignition interlock device in state of Utah

Criminal Penalties

• First offense convictions for DUI in Utah carry penalty of mandatory incarceration for a minimum of two (2) days, which may be served in form of work service program in limited instances

• A number of alternative sentences available for offenders to avoid incarceration or even conviction, which may include home confinement, electronic monitoring, and intensive probation periods

• Fines are levied at a minimum of $700 in state of Utah for first offense convictions of DUI, however, these fine amounts do not include expenses incurred in relation to completing terms of sentence, such as participation in education programs, home monitoring programs, or costs incurred in reinstatement of license process

• Conviction of first offense DUI in Utah results in conviction influencing future or subsequent DUI convictions for a period of ten (10) years, although conviction will remain on criminal record indefinitely unless otherwise sealed or expunged

Getting Legal Help

The state of Utah does not expressly forbid plea bargain deals involving reduction of DUI charge to lesser criminal offense. Likewise, defendants are free to actively pursue dismissal of the charges outright as well. In either case, having legal counsel involved is of paramount importance. For more information and insight, consult with a Utah DUI lawyer.