DWI or DUI Court Referral Programs in Utah

If you have been pulled over and arrested for a drinking and driving offense in Utah there are a few things that you can do to help stay out of jail and hopefully, avoid a life-changing DUI conviction. Depending on the type of charges you have, you may be required to complete a DWI or DUI Court Referral Program in Utah. The state of Utah offers its 24/7 Sobriety Program to individuals who have been convicted of DUI or DWI. This program has proven to be effective in reducing DUI fatality and reoccurring DWI/DUI rates while allowing DUI offenders to keep their employment and avoid jail time as long as they stay sober.

A DUI or DWI conviction in Utah is not something to be taken lightly. It can have serious life-altering consequences far-reaching into many areas of your life. We have helped thousands of people over the years avoid significant jail time, fines, and license revocation periods. Getting help for underlying alcohol addiction will help the courts determine if you are taking full responsibility for driving under the influence and breaking the law. Call us today and let us help you with your drinking and driving arrest and help you find an alcohol recovery program. Addiction No More ® can not give legal advice however if you are looking for rehabilitation for addiction we can help you find treatment in your area or anywhere in the country. Give us a call today and we can help. 

1-800-513-5423

What to do if you have been arrested for drinking and driving

Drinking and driving in Utah can be a serious offense and the consequences can life-changing outcomes. If you have been pulled over, make sure that you know your rights and remain courteous at all times. Being compliant and courteous can affect the outcome of the court’s layout as punishment.

Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence (DUI) Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating a motor vehicle under the influence (OUI). These are the common terms used to describe operating a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Utah, driving while intoxicated is considered a misdemeanor and is subject to the state’s laws regarding driving while drunk.

DWI/DUI diversion rehabs in Utah are very familiar with the court-mandated treatment requirements that the courts have imposed for their court-ordered alcohol rehab centers. Some court-ordered DUI deferment programs will include alcohol evaluations and at the very least, alcohol and drug classes for first-time offenders. This can cost anywhere from $1000-2500 dollars with the fines, not including lawyer fees and bail.

If this is your second offense, getting involved in a treatment program for alcohol abuse will not only help your ongoing DWI-DUI case but benefit you as well. You should always enter into an alcohol treatment program knowing that there is a need for a change before something worse happens. Driving and Drinking can cost you your life or even worse someone else life. Treatment programs in Utah for criminal justice clients will work with the court system to handle all the requirements for treatment to be considered time served. Once all the financial consequences are paid by the defendant and community service is completed if any, Utah district courts may terminate the probation period.

Driving under the influence can damage many people’s lives other than yourself. Getting treatment for your alcohol dependency can help you understand that the risks of drinking and driving heavily outweigh the rewards. Sometimes, all it takes is to talk to someone who has had the burden of having someone die due to their alcohol consumption and driving under the influence. Our counselors are ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-800-513-5423

DUI First-Offender and Diversion Programs

Going to jail is highly likely for a first DUI in Utah. A first conviction can result in a minimum of two days of jail time or 48 hours of community service. If you choose to participate in a 24/7 sobriety program, your jail time may be suspended.

The laws are different in each state for DWI offenses that allow for deferment programs instead of jail time. Some states, depending on the circumstances, will mandate treatment and community service. Some of these mandates can be handled while in treatment for alcohol abuse. Utah has a deferment program for first-time DWI offenders as long as there are no injuries, accidents, or drugs involved. If you have been arrested for your second DWI/DUI in Utah, it is highly recommended that you give us a call to find out your options for a deferment program instead of jail time. This will help with the possible consequences that the courts may impose on you. Drinking and driving can have serious outcomes including vehicular homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and other very serious charges. When a minor is involved, there are more serious outcomes that the courts in Utah can impose on the offender. If there has been an accident or death due to drinking and driving there will be significant jail time imposed as well as the knowledge that your indulgence cost someone their life.

Penalties for drinking and driving in Utah

If the courts grant a probationary period or a deferred prosecution the use of an ignition interlock system may be ordered for a period to be determined by the presiding Judge. Interlock costs are the sole responsibility of the offender and an additional cost on top of the mandatory court fines.

First Offense: First-time drinking and driving offenders can face up to 6 months in prison, fines up to $2,500, The presiding judge has at his discretion to order prolonged driving suspension periods of up to 2 years for the offenders that are classified as a safety hazard.

Second Offense: 2nd drinking and driving conviction in Utah within 10 years of a prior conviction can result in the following consequences. 2nd DWI conviction and the courts in Utah will order 10 days in jail up to one year in prison. Fines for the 2nd drinking and driving conviction can range in severity from $800 up to $2,500. A one-year driving revocation is mandated with an additional option for another 2-year suspension if the offender is deemed a safety hazard by the presiding judge.

Third Offense: 3rd DUI in Utah penalties can include the following consequences, Driving privileges revoked for a period of up to 3 years and fines up to $5,000. The court may add up to 5 years of prison time to the sentence for a 3rd DWI conviction within 10 years of a previous conviction.

Utah has specific drinking and driving laws and penalties for people who have been convicted of a DUI/DWI. There are minimum and maximum fines and penalties that are at the discretion of the judge and prosecuting attorney depending on many different factors and circumstances surrounding the case.

Find Deferred Prosecution Rehabs Near Me

We can help you locate treatment for addiction in your area or anywhere in the country. To locate AA meetings, group meetings, 12-step programs, inpatient treatment, or outpatient services in your town give us a call. There are many options for drug rehab services in many cities in Utah.

Herriman, Utah Alcohol Rehabs
Lehi, UT Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Murray, Utah Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation
Ogden, Utah Substance Abuse Treatment
Orem, UT 30/90-Day Treatment Centers
Park City, Utah Inpatient Alcohol  Rehab Programs
Provo, Utah Treatment Centers for Addiction
Salt Lake City, Utah Alcohol Detox Centers, and Rehab Facilities
Sandy, Utah Residential Treatment Programs


Treatment for alcoholism in place of jail time in Utah is a very common outcome for those seeking help to end their addictions. If you have an open DWI case in Utah, call us and we can help you locate a deferment program in your county that works with DUI and DWI offenders. We can help you find the best rehab center for alcohol misuse today. Addiction No More ® is an Addiction Treatment Center locator service. For immediate service, please call one of our counselors 24/7.

Sources
Utah State Legislature
Adult DUI Checklist
Utah DUI Overview
About pleas in abeyance

Erik Epp – Content Author