DUI defense, including representation for medical or professional offender, out of state residents.
It happens every day across Utah: One minute you are driving, the next you are being asked by a police officer to stand on one leg, walk a line, and/or blow into a device.
Before you know it, you are charged with a DUI and find yourself sitting in the back of a squad car. A truly shocking turn of events!
Truth is, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common criminal charges faced by members of our community. Dealing with a DWI in UT is a serious matter — filled with stress, uncertainty, and confusion.
Unfortunately, it often seems like the odds are stacked against you when stopped by the police and arrested for drunk driving. In these situations it usually feels like the police officers and prosecutors have all of the power. It is easy to feel helpless and resigned to living with the serious consequences.
Never forget: You have options
No matter what the circumstances, help is available to assist you in fighting the charges or minimizing the impact of consequences in your life related to a DWI conviction.
Be aware: Local Utah law enforcement takes DUI and DWI very seriously. Not only are officials eager in their attempts to catch drunk drivers, but the justice system provides harsh penalties to those convicted.
While we all understand the importance of keeping our roads safe, it is critical that the rights of drivers not be violated during a DWI stop.
Generally, there are three types of drunk-driving related charges:
- Driving While under the Influence of Alcohol (DWI)
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUI); and
- Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)
A DWI Arrest Could Land You in Jail
Jail time could last anywhere from 10-180 days depending on the severity and circumstances of the crime. While other DWI attorneys have been able to reduce a possible felony to misdemeanor, many don’t worry about a lengthy jail sentence. Our firm will fight your criminal charge and your punishment. Attorney J. Kent Holland has helped hundreds of residents located in Salt Lake City, Utah and other locales in getting charges eradicated from their record for good.
Lesser Utah DWI-DUI Penalties
What about lesser charges? If the DUI conviction does not warrant a jail sentence, you may have your license suspended, or sentenced to a remedial program.
A remedial program is time consuming and expensive. According to state law, those sentenced to a remedial program will have to pay all fees (upwards of $5,000) and serve a sentence as long as 28 days. Programs like this have cost individuals their jobs, making it difficult to provide for themselves and their families.
A license suspension could also be included with a remedial program penalty, which doubles on the difficulty in getting to work to make enough money to survive. Your license could be suspended anywhere from 9 months to more than 5 years depending on your conviction. For adults over the age of 21 the duration of suspension is as follows:
- Class B Misdemeanor: 9 months – 2 years
- Class A Misdemeanor: 18 months – 2 years
- Class B Misdemeanor (second offense): 3+ years
- Class B Misdemeanor (third offense): 5+ years
For individuals under the age of 21, the penalties could increase if you have broken additional laws, or if you have a CDL. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will assist in defending you against these “Aggravating Circumstances.”
Other UT Attorneys May Not Know About Ignition Interlock Devices
Do you know what an ignition interlock device is? Many criminal defense attorneys are not aware of what this consequence will do to their clients. Attorney J. Kent Holland dedicates his time to understanding DUI Defense, he knows the impact this device can have. The ignition interlock device will require convicted individuals to blow into an installed breathalyzer before the ignition in the vehicle will start.
This Experienced Lawyer in UTAH — Fights DWI Arrests
You need an experienced attorney in the courtroom, one who knows all details of Utah law. Among the thousands of DWI defense attorneys in the United States, only a handful can claim to be as experienced as J. Kent Holland.
- American Association for Justice FKA
- American Trial Lawyers Association
- Utah State Bar
- U. S. District Court, District of Utah
- U. S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Traynor Society
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
J. Kent Holland is the one DWI attorney in thousands that can claim to have all of these credentials. If you want to see positive results on your DWI-DUI case, contact our office right away.