The Impact Of Your First-Time DUI Arrest Can Last a Long Time
There may be mistakes in life where you get a free pass, a do-over, a “Mulligan,” or a slap on the wrist. Being charged with a first-time DUI in Utah is not one of them. Given the seriousness with which Utah law and prosecutors take drunk driving offenses, the consequences of being charged with driving under the influence for the first are harsh, immediate, and long-lasting. Even before a trial, and in the event of an acquittal, you can lose your driving privileges and experience burdens, inconveniences, and damage to your reputation.
A dedicated Salt Lake City DUI defense attorney like Intermountain Criminal Defense can help you defeat these charges and get your life back. If you plead guilty or are found guilty of drunk driving in Salt Lake County, you can wind up behind bars, pay hefty fines and costs, and be saddled with a criminal record for decades to come. You must treat first-time DUI charges as seriously as prosecutors do. Speaking with an experienced Salt Lake County criminal defense lawyer is the first and most important thing you can do to give yourself the best chance of retaining your driving privileges and avoiding the harshest consequences of a DUI conviction.
Related: Protect Your Rights – The Importance of Hiring a Skilled DUI Attorney in Salt Lake City
A Two-Front Battle
The fight against a criminal charge in Utah is held in the state’s criminal justice system, where a judge or jury of peers will decide on guilt, innocence, and the punishments to be imposed upon conviction. But, if you face first-time drunk driving charges in Utah, you have to wage an additional battle outside of the courts if you want to keep your ability to drive legally.
Automatic Driver’s License Suspension
In addition to your criminal prosecution, the Utah Driver License Division will impose administrative penalties on you even before and without a conviction. The most impactful of these penalties is an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. How long your suspension will last depends on how old you were during your arrest.
If you are age 21 or older, your Utah driver’s license will be suspended for 120 days. If you are under 21, the suspension will be for six months. In either case, the inability to drive will make going about your daily life challenging, whether commuting to work, shuttling kids around, or going to the grocery store. Your Salt Lake City DUI Attorney will help you understand your suspension or fight to remove it entirely.
Restricted Licenses and Additional Requirements
You may request a hearing to restore some of your driving privileges during the suspension period. A restricted license allows limited driving privileges, such as commuting to work, attending medical appointments, or fulfilling other essential needs. However, obtaining a restricted license frequently includes additional stipulations, such as the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Ignition interlock devices are mechanisms installed in a vehicle that require the driver to pass a breathalyzer test before starting the car. Individuals convicted of first-time DUI are required to have these devices installed in their vehicles at their own expense. Given the importance of restoring some of your driving rights, you should hire a Salt Lake City DUI attorney to represent you at the hearing. 
Criminal Penalties For First-Time DUI In Utah
Most first-time drunk driving charges in Utah are treated as either a Class A or Class B misdemeanor. You will likely face severe Class A charges if any of the following occurred when you were arrested:
- Someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxication
- A passenger was under 16
- A passenger was under 18, and you are 21 or older
- You were driving in the wrong direction on a freeway or controlled-access highway
Upon conviction for a misdemeanor for a first-time driving under the influence charge, you face many penalties. Some of these harsh consequences include:
- Two days in county jail or 48 hours of compensatory service (a judge can suspend jail time if you participate in a 24/7 sobriety program)
- $700 minimum fine plus a $630 surcharge and a court security fee
- Substance abuse screening, assessment, and treatment
Other considerations after a first-time drunk driving may include, and are not limited to:
- The installation of an ignition interlock device unless the court determines that the ignition interlock system is not necessary or serves in the best interest of justice
- Supervised probation, which may include regular check-ins with a probation officer and adherence to specific conditions, such as abstaining from alcohol and attending counseling.
- Additional driver’s license suspension
Related: When is a DUI a Felony in Utah?
Other Consequences of a First-Time DUI Conviction
The impact of a first-time DUI conviction extends far beyond lost driving privileges and criminal penalties. Your car insurance premiums can increase significantly as insurance companies view individuals with drunk driving convictions as high-risk drivers, leading to higher premiums or, in some cases, difficulty obtaining coverage.
Furthermore, a conviction for driving under the influence can tarnish your reputation, especially if the incident becomes public knowledge. A conviction of drunk driving can be particularly challenging if your career involves driving or you are in a profession that requires a clean record. Some employers will have strict policies against hiring individuals with criminal records, especially those related to alcohol or substance abuse. Additionally, professional licenses or certifications may be at risk for individuals in specific fields.
Prosecutors Treat First-Time DUI Charges Seriously. So Do Defense Attorneys.
If you are facing first-time drunk driving charges in Utah, you face immediate challenges and severe long-term consequences if you are convicted. Facing these serious charges is not a time to go it alone or to place your fate in the hands of any dime-a-dozen defense attorney. The Salt Lake County DUI defense attorneys at Intermountain Criminal Defense have a long record of successful results in DUI and DWI cases. These skilled attorneys work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome in every case. Speak with a criminal defense attorney today and arrange for your free and confidential initial consultation.
