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DUI Lawyer Salt Lake City UT
Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can be not only humiliating, but also stressful. Our DUI lawyer in Salt Lake City UT from Rasmussen & Miner can provide you with invaluable guidance as you move through the criminal justice system. Our decades of experience is reflected in our high success rate in helping clients who were charged with a DUI. An experienced and skilled DUI lawyer in Salt Lake City UT such as one from our firm is often able to get charges reduced or even dropped. Call us immediately to speak with our legal team to learn how we may be able to help you.
DUI Charges
In all 50 states, driving above the legal limit of .08% blood alcohol content will result in a DUI charge. If you are pulled over, you will likely have to submit to a breathalyzer test in order to determine whether or not you are under the influence. If you are charged with a DUI, the results can have a devastating impact on your future, especially if this was not your first offense. This underscores the importance of hiring a knowledgeable DUI lawyer in Salt Lake City UT from Rasmussen & Miner. We can protect your rights from start to finish. Your Rasmussen & Miner DUI lawyer may even begin with contesting the accuracy of the breathalyzer test, which could lead to your charge being dropped.
Common Repercussions of a DUI
You will have your day in court when you have been charged with a DUI. Your DUI lawyer in Salt Lake City UT from Rasmussen & Miner can represent you during each of the legal proceedings. If you were to represent yourself, you will likely not fare as well. Some of the most common consequences of a DUI conviction include:
- License suspension: Your license could be suspended for a minimum of 180 days.
- Fines: If this is your first DUI, the fines you will pay will be less than if for a second or third conviction. You will be ordered by the courts to pay fines and may also be required to pay for other required services such as:
- Alcohol programs
- Classes through the DMV
- Car impound fees
- Ignition Interlock Device
- Higher insurance premiums: A DUI puts you at risk of paying higher insurance premiums
- Mandatory alcohol program: You may be required to attend a program for people convicted of a DUI. More than half the states in the country mandate this form of treatment in addition to educational programs.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IIGs)
In some situations, you may be required to install an IIG in your vehicle. An IIG acts as a breathalyzer instrument that keeps you from driving your vehicle while you are under the influence of alcohol. Depending on the severity of your conviction, a judge may mandate that you have an IIG installed in your vehicle at your own cost.
Get the Quality Legal Representation That You Need
Rasmussen & Miner will make every effort to protect your rights and help you reach the best outcome possible. Contact us today so that we can go over the details of your case. We can provide the guidance you need from a DUI lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts.
Common Myths About DUI Charges
Getting arrested for a DUI isn’t a pleasant experience. You’re embarrassed, upset and frightened about it may affect your future. By learning about some of the most common misconceptions about DUI charges, you can get a clearer understanding of what your legal options are and avoiding making costly mistakes. Here are some myths you shouldn’t believe:
- A DUI Charge Isn’t a Big Deal: Unfortunately, some people don’t take DUI charges seriously enough. They think that they’re a minor charge and they don’t have to worry about it. However, even if this is your first offense, it could lead to a conviction. A DUI conviction can result in jail times, heavy fines and a permanent criminal record.
- If I Get Arrested for a DUI, I Should Plead Guilty: Many people who get charged with a DUI become overwhelmed and assume they have to automatically plead guilty. However, even if you did consume a few alcoholic beverages when you got pulled over, it doesn’t mean you should plead guilty right away. It’s better to allow your lawyer to negotiate with the prosecutor and look for possible holes in your case. For instance, if the police officer wasn’t properly trained on how to use a breathalyzer, it may be enough to get your charge dismissed.
- You Should Refuse to Take the Breathalyzer: Some mistakenly assume that if they don’t take the breathalyzer test, nothing will happen to them. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer for the arresting officer, you could get your driver’s license suspended for a year.
- You Can Only Get Charged With a DUI in a Car: Another common misconception about DUI charges is that they only apply to cars. However, you can also get charged with a DUI if you are caught operating a boat, motorcycle, jet-ski and other motorized vehicles while drunk.
- A Penny Under Your Tongue Will Fool the Breath Test Machine: This myth has been around for a while and is still believed by some. The truth, however, is that putting a penny under your tongue won’t do anything at all. The police officer has to check your mouth for foreign substances before administering the test anyway, so there is absolutely no point.
- You Don’t Need to Hire a Lawyer: If this is your first DUI charge and you have an otherwise clean record, you might think that it’s not necessary to hire a lawyer. However, all DUI cases may have complexities, and you don’t want to put your future at risk. A lawyer will help you build a strong defense and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
- Any Lawyer Will Do: This is false. You shouldn’t hire just any lawyer to represent you in a DUI case. It’s best to hire a criminal lawyer who specializes in DUI cases. He or she has extensive knowledge of the laws that pertain to your state and has handled similar cases in the past.
Rasmussen & Miner will make every effort to protect your rights and help you reach the best outcome possible. Contact us today so that we can go over the details of your case.