Felony DUI Lawyer in Taylorsville

If you are like the majority of citizens in Utah, you probably have no idea what to do if charges are filed against you or your loved one for felony DUI – that’s where we come in. The skilled legal professionals at Melton Law will aggressively fight for your rights and push for a favorable outcome to your case. 

For your FREE initial consultation, call us at (801) 781-5803 today.

What Is Considered a Felony DUI in Utah? 

In Utah, a DUI can escalate to a felony under several specific conditions, reflecting the state's stringent approach to handling severe DUI offenses. 

A DUI is considered a felony if:

• It involves multiple offenses, typically when an individual has three or more prior DUI convictions within the past ten years. 
• It results in serious bodily injury or death, categorizing it as an aggravated DUI. 
• A high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) significantly above the legal limit may also contribute to elevating the charge, especially when combined with other aggravating factors.

What Are the Penalties of a Felony DUI in Utah? 

In Utah, the penalties for a felony DUI are severe, reflecting the seriousness of the offense and the state's commitment to maintaining public safety. Individuals convicted of a felony DUI face significant legal repercussions, starting with potential incarceration. Depending on the specifics of the case, such as prior offenses or the involvement of injury or death, an individual may be sentenced to a substantial prison term, often ranging from five years to life in extreme cases.

Fines for a felony DUI are also notably higher than those for a misdemeanor, potentially reaching thousands of dollars. These financial penalties are intended to serve as a deterrent and underscore the gravity of repeated or aggravated DUI offenses.

License suspension is another critical consequence, with durations extending well beyond those typical for misdemeanor offenses. A felony DUI conviction can lead to a license revocation of several years, severely impacting an individual's ability to commute and perform daily tasks.

Furthermore, the installation of an ignition interlock device may be mandated, requiring the driver to pass a breathalyzer test before starting their vehicle. This measure is particularly aimed at preventing repeat offenses by requiring the individual to remain sober while operating a vehicle.

Defending Against Felony DUI Charges

Understanding the available legal strategies for defending against a felony DUI charge is crucial in impacting the outcome of the case. 

Possible defenses include: 

• Challenging test accuracy: Question the reliability of breathalyzer or blood test results due to improper calibration, incorrect administration, or sample contamination.
• Questioning traffic stop legality: Argue that the traffic stop was unlawful if the officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, potentially rendering any evidence inadmissible.
• Utilizing evidence and testimonies: Gather witness statements and other evidence to contradict the officer’s account and show behavior not indicative of impairment.
• Reducing charges or penalties: Work with a skilled attorney who can identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and negotiate for lesser charges or penalties.