Provo DUI Defense | Drunk Driving Attorneys

Ignition Interlock Device in Utah | List of Providers

Chris Salcido — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:28:26 +0000

A court may order an ignition interlock device be installed in your vehicle for any of the following law violations:

A drunk driving conviction (DUI).
Conviction of an interlock violation (this means if you are suppose to have an interlock and are cited for not having one, the court can further order an interlock and give you more time for the violation).
Second or more subsequent offense for any related drunk driving charge including, a DUI, an impaired driving offense, an alcohol related reckless driving offense, or a metabolite charge.
Refusing to submit to a breath or other chemical test.
Automobile homicide.

You will notice above a couple of different things: First, if you are convicted of a DUI it is very likely you will have to install an interlock device on your vehicle for a period time. Second, if you were cited for not having an interlock when you were suppose to, you will get more time on that interlock requirement. Third, a second related offense no matter if it is plead down to an impaired or something similar, will require an interlock. Finally, refusing to submit to a chemical test not only can lead to an automatic license suspension, but you will very likely be required to install an interlock device as well.

List of Ignition Interlock Providers in Utah

There are several ignition interlock providers throughout the state of Utah. We can provide you with a list for your area. For more information, call and speak with a Provo DUI Attorney today. Also, if you have any questions about whether or not you may be required to install such a device, we can help. We do not charge for phone consultations and try to answer calls at all times of the day or night so there is no reason to pick up the phone now.

Prime for Life Class in Utah County

Chris Salcido — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:13:25 +0000

The Prime for Life Class is the typical court ordered DUI class you must attend if convicted of a DUI or other alcohol related offense in Utah County. The Prime for Life Class is mandatory in almost every DUI case, unless your case is dismissed, you can bet the Prime for Life will be a part of your sentence. Being charged with a DUI carries the potential for several other penalties including large fines, community service, ignition interlocks, suspended license, and even possible jail time. As attorneys we try to make the probationary terms go as smoothly for our clients as possible. If you have been ordered to complete an alcohol assessment and take the Prime for Life class, as your attorney, we provide you with a list of options for taking the class and help you get in and out of the program successfully.

Violating DUI Probation

If you do not get the Prime for Life Class completed during the time indicated by the court, you may be in violation of your court ordered probation which could carry severe penalties. There is a fee for the Prime for Life Class and many individuals put it off because they do not want to pay the class fee. As a result they allow the time to slip by and they end up getting a notice form the court that they have not complied in a timely manner and now have to face the judge again. If you have violated your probationary terms, you need a Provo DUI Attorney to help ensure you get through the system and back on track. Do not go to court alone, at the very minimum you should call our office and get some advice over the phone.

Provo DUI Lawyer

Going through a DUI case is difficult enough, get a Provo DUI Lawyer on your defense today to help get you the best result possible. We have a list of the entire Prime for Life providers in your area and can help you get through the process without violating the court ordered terms. Call us anytime at 801.900.3371.

Spring Break in Utah and DUIs

Chris Salcido — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:42:14 +0000

It’s that time of year again, Spring Break is here for most students, including high school and college students, in Utah and that may mean an increase in parties and outdoor activities for many of these students across the state. Not to mention many adults also use this time of year to get out and vacation a little bit. Unfortunately, there may also be a rise in the number of DUIs handed out each year during this time as the weather warms and drinking and driving increases. We caution everyone enjoying Spring Break this year in Utah to not drink and drive and be responsible. Nonetheless, we understand many people will be charged with DUIs during spring break, as well as other charges such as marijuana possession, and we offer our services to help you get through a not so fun situation.

Minor Consumption Charges

Many college students on Spring Break may not only receive a DUI, but might also find themselves facing a Minor Consumption of Alcohol charge. The fact is the majority of undergrad college students are under the age of 21 which means the penalties and charges could be even worse in those cases. You don’t even have to be driving to lose your driving privileges for drinking under the age. If you or someone you know is under the age of 21 and is facing a DUI and/or related alcohol charges, call and speak with a Provo DUI Defense Lawyer at our office right away.

Provo DUI Defense

Whether you live in Provo, Orem, Spanish Fork, Lehi, or anywhere else in Central Utah, we can help. With UVU and BYU right here in the valley, we see a lot of charges against college students. Don’t take any chances by thinking you can go to court alone and just hope for the best. We offer payment plans for poor college students looking to get a lawyer onboard so you don’t have to take extra student loan debt to cover your legal fees. We do not charge for consultations over the phone so call now.

DUI and Texting, Man Charged with Felony in Accident

Chris Salcido — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:41:25 +0000

Drinking and driving can be a deadly combination. Drinking and driving, and texting, is a certain mix for a potential fatal accident. Recently, a man in Utah was accused of doing just that. According to news sources, the defendant allegedly pinned a woman between his car and hers as he hit her while texting and driving. The lady was severely injured at the time of the report it was not yet known whether she would lose her leg. Authorities later reported alcohol and/or drugs may have been in the man’s system at the time. Now, authorities have charged the man with a felony and he is facing the potential of prison time. Many of us have heard how dangerous texting can be while driving. In fact, some experts have indicated it is similar to drinking drunk as far as your ability to properly operate the vehicle. As you can imagine, combining both DUI and texting is even more dangerous. We caution everyone in our community to exercise safe driving practices and neither drink and drive or text while driving. For those of you who face a DUI Charge in Utah, contact a Provo DUI Defense Attorney at our office as soon as possible.

Felony DUI Charge in Utah

If you are facing a Felony DUI Charge in Utah, you may have a few prior DUIs, or you may have been in a car accident and caused significant property damage or even worse, physical injury to another. Whatever the circumstances may be, you are entitled to a proper defense and should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. the DUI Laws in Utah are extremely tough, you could lose your license for a long period of time and even go to jail to name just a few of the penalties you may be facing. When it is a felony DUI charge, there is the possibility of prison time so these cases should be taken very seriously and properly defended. Don’t wait, contact us now.

Justice Courts in Utah County | Provo, Orem, American Fork

Jerry Salcido — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:12:04 +0000

Chances are if you have been charged with a DUI in Utah County, you will be facing a charge in one of the many justice courts throughout the valley. The justice courts in Utah are the courts in which the lower level criminal charges are filed such as infractions, Class C misdemeanors, and Class B Misdemeanors. Most DUIs filed in Utah are filed as Class B misdemeanors and not felonies. If you are facing a third DUI or there are aggravating circumstances surrounding your charges, you may be in district court rather than justice court.

Provo DUI Attorney

Even though you may not be facing a felony with your DUI charge, make no mistake, the justice court are still no walk in the park. Having a Provo DUI Attorney represent you in the justice courts can make all the difference in the world. When we are hired on your case, we get all the evidence and do a thorough investigation into your defenses to give you the best possible chance of resolving your case in best possible manner. Our team of DUI defense lawyers in Utah are experienced in all the justice courts in Utah Valley. It doesn’t matter if you have been charged in Provo, Orem, Spanish Fork, or Lehi, we can help. We provide free consultations right over the phone so you can get a good idea of what we think about your case quickly and know what to expect.

Appearing in Justice Court

In many instances, especially involving out of state residents, we are able to waive the client’s appearance and appear on their behalf. This is very helpful for those who are unable to be at court on an assigned day for one reason or another. We will work hard on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected and to see your case goes as smoothly as possible. Contact us 24/7 at 801.900.3371.

Marijuana and the DUI Metabolite

Chris Salcido — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:04:51 +0000

With the recent legalization of marijuana in some nearby western states it is important to understand how, if at all, those laws affect us in Utah. Of course marijuana is still not legal in Utah so any possession, use, or distribution of marijuana is still illegal. Most people understand this aspect of the new laws but what is less understood is how you could possibly be charged with a crime in Utah almost a month after having consumed marijuana legally in a nearby state.

DUI Metabolite

When most people thing of a DUI they think of drunk driving, while this is obviously the most common scenario there are also other ways of being charged with a DUI, like driving under the influence of marijuana for example. One of the ways you could be charged with a DUI for consuming marijuana is if a blood test is done that shows there is marijuana in your system, this is called a DUI Metabolite. The difficulty is that marijuana can stay in your system for more than a month and show up as a metabolite on a blood test even though you have smoked in weeks. So if you’re thinking about going to a state where marijuana is now legal to consume of marijuana then be aware that you may run the risk of being pulled over, having blood taken, and facing criminal charges for a DUI metabolite.

Criminal Defense and DUI Attorney in Provo

If you are facing a DUI or DUI metabolite charge then you need to protect your rights and make sure you have an attorney to help you mitigate the damage. The law is stacked against you and a blood test showing marijuana in your system can often be insurmountable evidence. With the help of the attorneys at Salcido Law Firm you can make sure that the penalties you are facing are not as bad as they would be otherwise and that your future will not be placed in jeopardy for this one mistake. Call or email us today to find out more.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus | HGN Test

Jerry Salcido — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:00:18 +0000

One of the most common field sobriety tests administered by law enforcement officers following suspected DUI in Utah is the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus or “HGN” test. Some people commonly refer to this test as the “follow the pen” test. When an officer administers this test, typically after suspecting drunk driving or in some cases following minor consumption of alcohol, the officer will first check for equal tracking of your eyes by moving the pen or other object side to side. Next the officer will typically check your eyes for equal pupil size. At the time the officer is checking for equal pupil size, he will typically hold the pen right in front of your face and will also be checking for resting nystagmus. Nystagmus essentially means a jerking of the eyes. The video below demonstrates what nystagmus actually looks like. Next the officer will again move the pen from left to right repeating this motion checking for a lack of smooth pursuit. The officer will also check for nystagmus at maximum deviation. Which means checking to see if the eyes of the defendant twitch back and forth when looking all the way to the side. Another clue is nystagmus prior to 40 degrees. Vertical nystagmus occurs when the eyes are tracking up and down. All of these clues are demonstrated in the video provided below:

Provo Utah DUI Attorney

If you were pulled over and asked to perform field sobriety tests, it is very likely you were asked to perform the HGN test described above. At our office, we look at the details of how these tests were performed to ensure any mistakes made by the officer in collecting this evidence against you is properly addressed in court and before the jury if necessary. A Provo Utah DUI Attorney at our defense law firm can help to ensure your rights are properly protected and that officers are kept honest in the way they perform these tests and testify against you. For more information, contact us today.

The Standing on One Leg Fields Sobriety Test

Chris Salcido — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:58:58 +0000

If you were pulled over for a suspected DUI, you were likely asked to, among other tests, stand on one leg as part of the field sobriety test conducted by the officer. In order for the test to be considered reliable and good evidence in court, the officer must perform the test according to the standards outlined by the appropriate agency. The following video provides an example of how the one legged stand is supposed to be conducted by law enforcement.

As you can see from the video, the officer is supposed to demonstrate how the test is to be properly conducted. You are suppose to raise your foot 6 inches from the ground, keeping your arms down to the side, pointing your toe, and count off using the thousands count until the officer tells you to stop.

Issues Regarding Credibility of One Legged Stand Test

There are many issues which may call the credibility of the One Legged Stand Test into question. One common scenario is when the person taking the test suffers from a physical ailment which may prevent them from performing the test such as a knee replacement, sprained ankle, or other injury to the legs or feet. Another issue which may arise involves the environment in which the test is conducted. If the person is asked to perform the test on a surface which is not flat or is otherwise comprised, this can call into question the validity. Also, the weather may make it difficult for an individual to perform the test. Particularly if it is windy outside, a person who is not intoxicated may have trouble keeping balance. For these and other reasons, it is important to consult with a lawyer to discuss the particular facts of your case and review how this particular field sobriety test was conducted in your case. Our attorneys practice in DUI defense in Utah and will provide you with a free consultation to review the field sobriety tests and other evidence in your case.

Driver’s License Hearing for a DUI in Utah | Provo DUI Lawyer

Jerry Salcido — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:35:09 +0000

When you have been charged with a DUI in Utah, your license will be suspended by the Driver’s License Division if you fail to request a hearing within 10 days from the date of your citation. The state is inclined to suspend your license before you are even heard in court so do not delay in addressing the matter with the DLD as soon as possible. Many people do not realize this fact and fail to ever contact the DLD only to later learn, by receiving a letter in the mail, that their license has been suspended for a period of at least 120 days or more depending on the circumstances. If you provide the adequate notice and information to the DLD, they will schedule a hearing to give you the opportunity to plead your case in hopes of keeping your driving privileges. At the hearing, the officer who cited you will be questioned by the DLD agent and you will have the opportunity to cross examine the police officer. The hearing can be conducted either in person or by telephone if you request the same within a certain period of time. It is important to understand that these hearings do not carry all of the same rights and evidence rules available in court so in many respects, the cards are stacked against the person accused. The DLD officer will not make a decision on your license until after the hearing and you will be sent a letter as to whether or not the division decided to suspend your license or take no action.

Refusing to Submit to a Breath Test

It gets even worse if you refuse to submit to a breath test. If you refuse to submit to chemical testing after you are suspected of a DUI, your license can be suspended automatically for an even longer time. You may still request a hearing with the DLD to address the license suspension but it may be even more difficult to win since the issue becomes simply whether or not you knowingly refused to take the test, not whether or not you were actually intoxicated while driving. Don’t take any chances on this, if you have been accused of refusing to submit to a breath test following a DUI stop, you need to consult with a Utah DUI Attorney in our firm as soon as possible.

Provo DUI Lawyer

Because the DLD hearing for DUIs are already prejudiced against the defendant, it is important to hire an attorney to represent you in the process if at all possible. We cannot stress enough the difference an experienced lawyer can make in the outcome of your case. An experienced Provo DUI Lawyer at our firm can give you the best chance possible of winning at the hearing and keeping your license. For more information, call us today at 801.900.3371. Our team is ready to take on the most challenging cases and our record of success on the license issue speaks for itself.

DUI Involving Boating or Recreational Vehicles

Chris Salcido — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 19:53:41 +0000

Yes, it is possible to be cited with a DUI for drinking and driving while boating or driving recreational vehicles such as ATVs. Every year during the summer months we receive numerous calls from people cited with drunk driving for operating any number of recreational toys while under the influence of alcohol. Some of these cases are more serious than others and involve accidents with injuries to the driver, others, or both. Probably the most common DUI in this area occurs out on the water. Utah is known for its beautiful desert lakes such as Lake Powell and Sand Hallow. However, the park rangers and law enforcement officials in these hot spots are always on the lookout for people drinking on their boats. Another outdoor area in which we see a lot of people being cited for DUI is the Sand Dunes. Many people party at the sand dunes but then make the mistake of getting behind the wheel of their sand rail, dirt bike, or ATV. There seems to be high number of Sheriffs and other law enforcement officials at the sand dunes especially during the holiday weekends in the summer. We are not saying don’t go out and have fun, get out and enjoy the great outdoors Utah has to offer, just remember, if you find yourself facing a drunk driving charge in Utah from operating a fun little toy under the influence this summer, call us to take your defense.

DUI Involving Injuries in Utah

If you are involved in an accident while you are operating a boat or recreational vehicle under the influence, you will likely be facing even tougher charges and possibly a felony. In these types of cases, it is absolutely imperative you speak with a Provo DUI attorney at our law firm as soon as possible. Do not take your chances by going to court without a lawyer when injuries may have resulted from your accident.

Free Consultation

We are available by phone or email 24/7 and we provide free consultation so there is no reason not to pick up the phone and at least get a formal opinion about your case from one of our DUI defense lawyers in Utah.