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Understanding Drug Charges
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Drug charges can include anything from possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia, to driving under the influence of drugs. More serious charges can include possession with the intent to distribute, produce, write a forged prescription, and so on.
Utah is particularly severe on drug crimes and doles out harsh punishments. In addition, the laws and statutes pertaining to drug crimes in Utah are complex. You can stop your search for a drug lawyer in Utah with Branson West Law.
Branson West Law has extensive experience with criminal defense and navigating the pitfalls and complexities of Utah’s drug laws and is dedicated to helping clients and protecting their rights.
You can schedule a free consultation today. Branson West Law is a compassionate lawyer who will listen to your case and provide you with free advice. Whether or not you decide to hire him, you will leave his office with a better understanding of your case.
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Types of Drug Charges
There are not only different types of drug charges, but the punishments vary as well. Here are some of the different types of drug charges you may be faced with, and the typical penalties upon conviction.
Drug abuse includes the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and prescription drugs like oxycodone. Because people who commit drug-related crimes often struggle with addiction, Utah offers “drug courts” which offer detoxification and rehabilitation in place of sentencing. Studies have shown this kind of treatment can reduce drug abuse and repeated drug crimes.
Generally, “possession” refers to holding, applying, inhaling, owning, controlling, injecting or maintaining any controlled substance. False or forged prescriptions can also result in a charge for drug possession.
Utah law does not require that a person individually possess a drug to be charged with possession. If you knowingly participated in an activity with someone else who was in possession of a controlled substance, whether at a party or driving in a car, you can be charged with joint possession.
Drug possession charges can be enhanced if prosecutors believe someone possessed drugs with the intent to distribute them. The Utah criminal code does not make a lot of distinction between possession with the intent to distribute and drug distribution . Distribution includes anyone who shares, gives or otherwise provides drugs to another person.
A drug crime involving large quantities of drugs may result in trafficking charges. Depending on the type of drug and whether or not it is a repeat offense, penalties can range from five years to life in prison.
In Utah, a driver can receive a DUI charge if they either operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of a drug that renders them incapable of safely operating the vehicle, or if a person operates a motor vehicle with a measurable amount of a controlled substance in their body. Because there is no legal limit for drugs in the body, a person can be charged for having small amounts of drugs present in their bloodstream.
Penalties for drug charges range from a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in six months jail time and a fine of $1,000. Many drug convictions will also require driver’s license suspension for up to six months. However, things like distribution or intent to distribute, the amount of drugs in a person’s possession, and repeat offenses can result in more severe penalties such as larger fines or longer jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unless you are legally required to inform your employer upon any infraction of the law, you are not required to report it. Remember, a DUI charge is not a conviction. With the help of an aggressive and experienced Utah DUI attorney, you may avoid conviction or better yet, beat the DUI charge completely. Ultimately, it may be better to wait for the outcome of your DUI case to avoid putting strain on your employee/employer relationship. Contact Branson K. West, Utah's top DUI attorney, to schedule your first hearing for free and to discuss your case with no obligation.
When people get pulled over for a DUI in Utah, one of their main concerns is whether they will have to serve additional jail time beyond the time served after a DUI arrest in Utah. The answer depends on the circumstances, prior offenses, plus more. The most important thing to remember is DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY TO YOUR UTAH DUI CHARGE! It is crucial that you fight your Utah DUI aggressively with a DUI attorney in Utah who has the knowledge, experience, and compassion for your Utah DUI charge and situation. Call {phone} immediately for a free Utah DUI case review and protect your rights and freedom.
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and number of offenses, you may be ordered to attend a driver's educational series program and/or undergo alcohol treatment which can run anywhere from 4 to 50 hours. An experienced DUI attorney can help you negotiate the best possible outcome for your DUI case in Utah. Contact Branson West Law Firm to learn more about Utah DUI penalties or to schedule a free DUI case review.
If you are convicted of a Utah DUI, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. The amount of time you are required to keep the ignition interlock device varies depending on your age, number of DUI offense and any violations related to the device.
The Miranda rights for each citizen and non citizen are guaranteed by the United States Constitution. They are not required to be issued by police at the time of arrest. If this happens, your attorney may ask that any statements made to the police not be used against you in a Utah Court.
These rights include:
- the right to remain silent
- the right to a lawyer present while you are questioned
- the right to an appointed lawyer if you cannot afford one.
An arrest can be frightening and stressful. Don't hesitate to call {phone} for a free and confidential consultation or to get all your questions about your rights answered.
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