Salt Lake City DUI DEFENSE Attorney

Defending Clients Who Have Been Charged with a DUI in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Morgan, & Box Elder County, UTAH

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be overwhelming. Having handcuffs placed on you and being taken to jail is a distressing experience. If you or someone you care about has been arrested and is now facing DUI charges in Salt Lake City, it’s essential to seek guidance from Jardine Law Offices P.C. as soon as possible. Our DUI attorney in Salt Lake City possesses the resources and legal knowledge necessary to conduct a comprehensive investigation into your case and develop a strong defense strategy on your behalf. 

Have you been arrested for a DUI in Utah? Call Jardine Law Offices today at (801) 396-9993 or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation with our Salt Lake City DUI defense lawyer.

Understanding DUI & DWI in Salt Lake City, UT

The terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) are sometimes used interchangeably, but in Utah, including Salt Lake City, the official charge is DUI regardless of whether alcohol or drugs are involved. Utah law, under Utah Code Title 41, Chapter 6a, strictly prohibits operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .05% or higher. Salt Lake City authorities rigorously enforce these standards, and individuals charged face severe consequences. If you’ve been arrested, the specifics of impairment type, breath or blood test procedures, and whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor can all impact your case. A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney in Salt Lake City will ensure every detail, from your arrest to the admissibility of evidence, is thoroughly analyzed for legal validity and procedural compliance.

In Salt Lake City, DUI checkpoints are routinely operated by local law enforcement agencies, such as the Salt Lake City Police Department and Utah Highway Patrol, especially along major corridors and during periods of high risk like holidays and weekends. These operations, along with local public safety campaigns, reflect a strong commitment to preventing impaired driving in the community. If you are facing a DUI or DWI charge in Salt Lake City, understanding both state law and local prosecutorial attitudes—such as the firm stances often seen in the downtown, University District, and Sugarhouse neighborhoods—is critical. At Jardine Law Offices P.C., our approach blends in-depth knowledge of Utah DUI statutes with a keen awareness of local practices in Salt Lake City, ensuring your defense is tailored to the jurisdiction where your charge is being prosecuted.

What Can a DUI Lawyer Do For You?

A DUI defense lawyer in Salt Lake City is dedicated to handling cases arising from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Here are just some of the essential ways a Salt Lake City DUI attorney can work for you:

• Legal advice: A DUI attorney in Salt Lake City provides customized legal guidance for your circumstances, clearly explaining relevant Utah statutes, the potential outcomes, and the smartest path forward.
• Case assessment: Your DUI lawyer in Salt Lake City will carefully review the facts, evidence, and context of your arrest, identifying procedural issues or violations that may offer a pathway for an effective challenge.
• Defense strategy: A DUI defense attorney in Salt Lake City will craft a defense tailored to your unique situation, often questioning the accuracy of field sobriety testing, breathalyzer or chemical analysis, or the legal basis for your stop.
• Plea negotiation: If settlement provides a better outcome than trial, a Salt Lake City DUI lawyer negotiates assertively with prosecutors, seeking to minimize your exposure and penalties.
• Legal representation: Your dwi attorney in Salt Lake City will represent you at all court proceedings, from arraignment to trial, safeguarding your interests with persuasive advocacy.
• DMV hearings: In Utah, an administrative hearing with the Driver License Division (DLD) is crucial. Your DUI defense lawyer in Salt Lake City will represent you, fighting to protect your driving privileges.
• Knowledge of local laws: Having a Salt Lake City DUI defense attorney who understands how local courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement operate can make a substantial difference in securing favorable case results.
• Mitigation of penalties: If a conviction is unavoidable, your DUI attorney in Salt Lake City will fight for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing, including treatment programs, probation, or community service.

What to Expect in Salt Lake City DUI & DWI Court Proceedings

When you are charged with DUI or DWI in Salt Lake City, your case usually begins with an appearance at the Salt Lake City Justice Court or the Third District Court, depending on the details and severity of your offense. At arraignment, charges are formally presented and you’ll have the opportunity to enter a plea. Pretrial motions, formal discovery of evidence, and potential hearings over police procedures follow, all of which are heavily influenced by strict local judicial deadlines and court procedures. The timelines can move quickly, with Salt Lake City prosecutors known for advancing cases efficiently within legal time frames.

Having a DUI defense attorney in Salt Lake City who is experienced with the nuances of these courts can be invaluable. Your lawyer will anticipate the evidence and arguments most impactful locally, properly frame pretrial challenges, and identify diversion or treatment alternatives when available. At Jardine Law Offices P.C., our approach includes preparing you for local procedures, judge-specific tendencies, and unique requirements for things like alcohol monitoring or probation, giving you the insight and preparation needed for your unique situation.

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a DUI in Utah?

It is vital to contact an experienced Utah DUI defense attorney as soon as possible after a DUI arrest. Utah enforces some of the nation’s strictest and most severe DUI penalties. Without an experienced DUI lawyer in Salt Lake City, the financial cost of a DUI can easily exceed $10,000 and have lasting consequences for your freedom and reputation. 

A DUI attorney in Salt Lake City will provide step-by-step guidance through the complex legal process, protect your legal rights at every turn, and work to achieve the best possible result for your situation.

DUI Cases In Salt Lake City that We Handle

Our Salt Lake City DUI defense attorneys can assist you with a broad range of charges, including the following:

• CDL DUI
• DUI Hit And Run
• DUI Marijuana
• DUI Metabolite
• Felony DUI
• Misdemeanor DUI
• Repeat DUI
• Underage DUI

Utah DUI Laws

If you or a loved one are facing a DUI, there are urgent steps to take immediately. You need to know that two different agencies can profoundly affect your future: 1) the criminal justice system (the court) and 2) the Driver License Division, or DLD (the agency granting or suspending your driving privileges). The Court can impose fines, jail, and other restrictions. The DLD determines if you maintain your driver’s license. For many people, the loss of a driver’s license can be the most severe and disruptive outcome.

How Long Do I Have to Request A DLD Hearing?

Imagine the hardship of losing your right to drive for 120 days—a full four months without personal transportation.

• How do you get to work?
• How do you drive to the next job site?
• How do you go to the store for groceries?
• How do you pick up your kids from school? 
• How do you get to the doctor’s office?

The first and most time-sensitive step is to protect your driver’s license. In Utah, you have only 10 days from your DUI citation date to request an administrative hearing with the DLD. Failure to act results in an automatic minimum 120-day license suspension. All requests must be submitted in writing and received within this narrow deadline.

This can be confusing because, on your citation, it will often state you have to appear in "not less than five, nor more than 14 days after the issuance of this citation." IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT MAY ISSUE A WARRANT FOR YOUR ARREST.

Is The DLD The Same As The Court?

Most people do not realize there is a critical difference between "the court" and the DLD. Simply contacting the court is not enough. This misunderstanding can put your driving privileges in jeopardy. If you want to keep your license, you must submit a written request to the DLD within 10 days—there is no alternative.

Protect your rights by either: 1) independently preparing and submitting your DLD request; or 2) hiring a Salt Lake City DUI attorney to handle these crucial steps for you. We routinely make these requests for our clients and know the proper processes and contacts. Once your license is protected, your next step is to address your criminal liability.

You Have Not Less Than Five nor More than 14 Days to Request Your Court Hearing

Essentially, you have a nine-day window to contact the court or face a possible arrest warrant. The citation says you must "appear," but most courts only require you to schedule a hearing within this timeframe, often by calling the court directly at the number listed on the ticket. When you hire a Salt Lake City DUI defense attorney, your lawyer will coordinate directly with the court to fulfill this obligation and keep your record clear. This is a core service provided to every Jardine Law Offices P.C. client.

Once You Have Requested Both Hearings, You Are Ready to Start Preparing Your Defense

Once your administrative and court obligations are met, you are positioned to start preparing your defenses. The DLD and the courts operate under separate guidelines and there may be consequences in one venue that can affect the other. For this reason, working with an experienced Salt Lake City DUI defense attorney is critical at both hearings and throughout the process.

Keep in mind, at the DLD hearing, the arresting officer is required to testify under oath. In our experience, officers are often less prepared at these administrative hearings than in criminal court, making it an opportunity to secure testimony that could help your defense later.

The Reason for the Stop

The first question that needs to be addressed: “Why were you stopped?” Were you speeding? Did you fail to signal? Were you swerving? Did you run a red light? 

There are many valid reasons for a police officer to stop a vehicle, but also improper and challengeable ones. If you are cited for violating a traffic law, the officer must be clear and truthful about the grounds for the stop.

Salt Lake City officers are sometimes assigned to patrol bar districts and may stop drivers leaving popular nightlife areas, especially during weekends and holidays. There are unfortunately cases where officers offer pretextual or incorrect justifications for a stop—like failing to signal or minor equipment issues. If you know you obeyed the law but were still stopped, consult a DUI defense attorney in Salt Lake City immediately. We have successfully challenged DUI charges based on improper stops; you can read about one such case by clicking here.

Thorough investigation of the stop circumstances often reveals the strongest grounds for defense. Even if you know you had some alcohol or were over the BAC limit, a step-by-step analysis is critical. A diligent DUI defense attorney in Salt Lake City will scrutinize every aspect—from initial contact to arrest and all field tests.

By law, officers must possess “reasonable suspicion” of a vehicle or traffic offense to initiate a stop. If your defense lawyer in Salt Lake City can prove that reasonable suspicion did not exist—or that evidence was gathered in violation of your rights—your DUI case may be reduced or dismissed.

Contact our Salt Lake City DUI attorneys at Jardine Law Offices online or call (801) 396-9993 today!

The DUI Investigation Process

Once a legal stop has been made, the investigating officer conducts a DUI investigation. An officer will typically ask where you are going and if you’ve consumed any alcohol. If they detect the odor of alcohol, spot open containers or controlled substances, or hear an admission, further investigation is initiated. The ultimate goal is to establish "probable cause" for an arrest.

Field Sobriety Tests

If the officer believes they have reasonable suspicion of DUI, you may be asked to step from your vehicle to perform field sobriety tests. These generally include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand. Instructions are often brief, and your performance determines the next steps. Due to stress, nerves, or physical condition, many people—even those who are sober—struggle with these assessments.

A skilled DUI lawyer in Salt Lake City will closely review the body cam footage and administration of these sobriety tests, looking for officer errors or misinterpretations. Local law enforcement sometimes lacks training in administering these tests properly. If your DUI defense attorney spotlights these errors to the judge, your case may be dismissed or the impact of the test results reduced.

Language & Physical Attributes

During the encounter, the police document physical indicators—such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, slow responses, and confusion about date or time. Every detail can become part of the prosecution’s case, but a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer knows how to challenge subjective observations in Salt Lake City courts.

Chemical Test

Eventually, you may be asked to submit to a chemical test: breath, blood, or urine. Refusal carries harsh penalties under Utah’s Implied Consent law—including a minimum 18-month license suspension. If you refuse, a warrant may be obtained for a blood draw. In Utah, a BAC of .05% or more triggers a DUI charge. A DUI lawyer in Salt Lake City will evaluate if procedures were properly followed and if your rights were respected throughout the process.

Utah DUI Penalties 

The Utah DUI penalty system weighs several factors, including:

• Driver’s age
• Prior DUI convictions
• Presence of children in the car
• Involvement in an accident
• Any injuries that occurred

You can read about all the specifics of DUI penalties in Utah law by clicking here. Generally, these are the most common outcomes:

• First offense: Minimum two days in jail or 48 hours community service; up to 180 days in jail; $1,380 minimum fine; evaluation and treatment classes; probation at judge’s discretion; ignition interlock is generally not required; Class B misdemeanor.
• Second offense within 10 years: Minimum 10 days in jail or five days in jail plus 30 days home confinement; up to 364 days in jail; $1,570 minimum fine; evaluation and treatment classes; supervised probation mandatory; ignition interlock generally required; Class A misdemeanor.
• Third offense within 10 years: Zero to five years in prison or 62.5 days in jail; up to five years in prison; $2,900 minimum fine; evaluation and treatment classes; mandatory supervised probation; ignition interlock required; third-degree felony.

Additionally, a DUI conviction makes you an Alcohol Restricted Driver, preventing you from operating any vehicle with measurable alcohol in your system for at least two years. Expect increased insurance premiums, possible job ramifications, and difficulty securing certain professional licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens to My Driver’s License After a DUI Arrest in Salt Lake City?

Following a DUI arrest in Salt Lake City, your license is in immediate jeopardy. Law enforcement will usually confiscate it and issue a 29-day temporary permit. You then have only 10 days to request a hearing with the Utah Driver License Division (DLD) to challenge the suspension. At your hearing, an administrative law judge examines the circumstances, test results, and police actions before a decision is made. If you do not file for a hearing in time, your license will be automatically suspended—a minimum of 120 days for a first offense, increasing for aggravated charges. Enlisting a Salt Lake City DUI defense attorney gives you the strongest opportunity to make persuasive arguments, fully comply with all administrative rules, and potentially limit license suspension duration while your criminal case progresses.

How Is a Salt Lake City DUI Different from a DWI Charge in Other States?

Utah only uses the term DUI (Driving Under the Influence), applying it to drivers impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or a mix of both. States that use DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) may define it differently and apply it to distinct impairment levels or substances. In Salt Lake City, Utah’s strict .05% BAC threshold means criminal charges can apply at lower alcohol levels than in most states, reflecting a strong focus on public road safety. Administrative penalties and court designations (like Alcohol Restricted Driver status) are swiftly enforced, with Salt Lake City judges rarely showing leniency. If you’re facing a DUI charge and come from out-of-state, rely on a local DUI defense attorney familiar with both Utah law and Salt Lake City procedures to help guard you against harsh repercussions and manage complex interstate legal issues.

What Should I Bring to My Consultation with a Salt Lake City DUI Defense Attorney?

Preparation is key when meeting your DUI defense attorney in Salt Lake City. Bring any paperwork provided by law enforcement, such as your citation, notice of license suspension, results of any chemical tests, vehicle impoundment documents, and any court or DLD notifications. Prepare a clear written summary of your arrest—including where and when you were stopped, what the officer said, your responses, and any field testing performed. List any prior DUI or traffic offenses and their outcomes. If you have hearings scheduled at the Salt Lake City Justice Court or DLD, provide dates, locations, and deadlines. This preparation enables your DUI defense attorney to immediately assess your case and outline a tailored legal plan, so together you can begin building a solid defense against DUI charges in Salt Lake City.

Understanding the Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Charge

Being charged with a DUI in Utah can have significant long-term consequences beyond the immediate criminal penalties. It’s crucial to understand how a DUI conviction in Salt Lake City can affect your job, auto insurance premiums, relationships, and personal freedoms.

Here are some of the most serious long-term effects of a DUI conviction:

• Employment challenges: Many employers check criminal records, and a DUI can limit prospects, especially for professional drivers or positions requiring background checks.
• Insurance premium increases: A DUI almost always results in dramatic car insurance hikes, and you may be required to carry high-risk coverage by statute.
• Family & personal relationship strain: Legal and financial pressures from a DUI can hurt family and personal relationships, sometimes prompting deeper emotional struggles.
• Travel restrictions: Many foreign countries restrict entry for those with DUI records, which can impede work or leisure travel.
• Permanent criminal record: A DUI conviction in Utah is a matter of public record and can have long-lasting effects on civil rights and future opportunities.

At Jardine Law Offices, we are dedicated to providing strong DUI defense to minimize and manage these consequences. Our DUI attorneys in Salt Lake City work to protect you at every stage, clarify your legal options, and personally guide you through all hearings, court requirements, and administrative steps to give you the best possible support during a challenging time. Take the first step to protecting your future. Contact our DUI defense attorney in Salt Lake City for a consultation.

Contact our Salt Lake City DUI lawyers at Jardine Law Offices online or call (801) 396-9993 today!