Taylorsville Aggravated DUI Lawyers

A DUI charge is serious under any circumstances. The possibilities of jail, fines, license suspension, and more are always on the table. Even allowing that, however, some charges are more serious than others. An aggravated DUI charge can lead to enhanced penalties, and those charged with this crime should have a lawyer zealously committed to their defense. 

The kind of aggravated DUI attorney you or your loved one need can be found in the Taylorsville office of Melton Law.  We believe in our clients. We know that the justice system is far from perfect and that people deserve second chances. When you come to us, you’ll get open communication, transparent pricing, and---above all—hard work aimed at getting the best possible outcome. 

Call (801) 781-5803 or contact us online to set up a free consultation. We meet with clients both in person or virtually, whichever you prefer.

What Is Aggravated DUI in Utah? 

Let’s baseline this by explaining what a standard DUI  charge is. If a driver has a blood-alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.05% or higher, they are over the legal limit and can be charged with DUI. It’s when additional factors come in that the charge can be enhanced to aggravated DUI. 

Here are just a few of those aggravating factors: 

• If your BAC level rises as high as 0.16%.
• If there is a controlled substance involved.
• If you were driving the wrong way on the highway.
• If there was a passenger 16 years old or younger also in the vehicle.
• If you have a prior criminal conviction on your record—including a first-offense or second-offense DUI charge.
• If another person was injured or killed in a DUI-induced accident. 

It’s worth further noting that the latter two factors—prior convictions or an injury/death, can actually result in more serious charges than aggravated DUI. 

Situations that Can Result in an Aggravated DUI Charge

Unfortunately, it’s not hard for people to end up facing this serious allegation. Here are just a few fairly normal scenarios that could lead to an aggravated DUI: 

• The holiday party mishap: After enjoying a festive holiday gathering,  you decide to drive home, believing you’re sober enough. But BAC levels can sneak up on anyone and perhaps yours jumped to 0.17% due to underestimated cocktails. 
• The concert chaos: A young person goes to a music festival and mixes alcohol and recreational drugs. On the way home, they get stopped at a DUI checkpoint. The mix of substances leads to an aggravated DUI charge. 
• The family road trip gone wrong: You and your family set out on a road trip, with two young children. Feeling drowsy, you have a strong energy drink mixed with alcohol to stay alert. A routine traffic stop results in an aggravated DUI charge due to minors in the vehicle.
• The reunion relapse: A person with prior DUI convictions attends a high school reunion, gets caught up in the moment, drinks just a bit too much, and then drives home. The prior DUI record escalates the charge to aggravated DUI.

Penalties Associated with Aggravated DUI in Utah

In Utah, the consequences of an aggravated DUI are notably severe. Here's a breakdown of the key penalties:

• Jail time: A first aggravated DUI offense can result in a minimum of five days in jail, while a second offense mandates at least 20 days behind bars. The maximum imprisonment can extend up to 364 days.
• Fines: Financial penalties for an aggravated DUI can reach up to $2,500. This sum may vary based on the specifics of the case and any additional violations.
• License suspension: A conviction can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. The length of the suspension depends upon factors such as previous offenses and the circumstances of the arrest.
• Ignition interlock device (IID): Offenders are often required to install an IID in their vehicles. This device prevents the car from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.02% or higher. 
• Substance abuse treatment: Participation in a substance abuse treatment program is often mandated. 
• Alcohol-restricted driver designation: You may be labeled as an alcohol-restricted driver, imposing stricter limitations on your driving capabilities.