Facing charges based on trace substances in your system can be frustrating and unfair, but the right defense can make all the difference.
Work With a Metabolite DUI Expert
Branson West Law
DUI stands for "driving under the influence" and usually it means just that — driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Utah laws, however, allow for DUI penalties to be applied in another type of situation: If traces of an illegal drug, or metabolites, are found in your system, and authorities can prove that you have been driving, you can be charged with what is known as DUI metabolite charges. That means that even if you were no longer under the influence of a drug when driving, you may need the help of a metabolite DUI lawyer in Utah.
Whether under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Utah takes DUI charges very seriously. While updates to the metabolite DUI law allow for better resolution, the state of Utah still considers driving under the influence of drugs a serious crime. Drivers caught with possession of marijuana or paraphernalia will automatically lose their license for six months. Other circumstances, such as being obviously intoxicated, can further complicate a DUI case.
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If you're facing criminal or DUI charges, don't wait. Branson West offers free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights, the charges against you, and what steps to take next. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Utah court system, Branson provides honest, straightforward legal insight, whether you choose to move forward with him or not.
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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What are Metabolites?
Branson West Law
Metabolites are the remnants of a drug in your system with effects that are not necessarily impairing. A metabolite can be found in your system for days or even weeks after consumption. If metabolites are found, it confirms you consumed drugs at some time, not that you are on drugs right now.
A major update to the "Driving with a Measurable Controlled Substance" (or metabolite DUI) law has relaxed Utah's previous "zero tolerance" towards marijuana DUI charges. Previously, drivers could be convicted of driving under the influence if marijuana metabolites were found in their system. Many opponents pointed out the flawed logic of this law — metabolites can remain in an individual's system weeks or months after drug consumption. Under this law, therefore, completely sober and innocent individuals could be charged with a DUI. This includes individuals that consumed marijuana in legal states and those who used marijuana with a medical prescription.
After much debate, the law has been updated to reflect a fairer system. Drivers accused of a DUI can no longer be convicted on the basis of an inactive metabolite in their system. It may be that the officer or prosecutor involved in your case is unaware of the recent changes to the "Driving with a Measurable Controlled Substance" law which may lead to you being charged unfairly. In order to build a strong defense, you need strong representation from a knowledgeable marijuana criminal defense attorney in order to have a strong metabolite DUI defense.
It’s important to keep in mind that Utah is a state that is non-tolerant of recreational marijuana usage. This can complicate things as a lot of states surrounding Utah are tolerant of recreational marijuana. So you may have legally used marijuana in one of these neighboring states days or weeks previous.
If pulled over while driving or stopped at a DUI checkpoint, the officers at the scene may have charged you with a metabolite DUI. This is unfair, as you were sober at the moment you were driving and within your rights to use marijuana in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, regardless of Utah law. Cases such as these are when it’s important to have a prepared metabolite DUI defense strategy.
Utah DUI Penalties
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Fighting a Metabolite DUI
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