Alcohol or Drugs + Driving = A Very Bad Idea

As a public service announcement, we at Freedom Legal unite in asking everyone in Utah to be extra careful while driving and while drinking this holiday season. This request is not at all altruistic; the life you save may be one of ours.

In the United States, the day before Thanksgiving is sometimes known as "Black Wednesday," in part because it is unofficially the busiest day of the year for bars and in part because it is the single biggest travel day. This combination can be deadly.

One thing that many in Utah do not consider before they drink and drive is the possible penalty for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). These penalties are always severe.

For a first DUI conviction, you face the following:

• A MANDATORY two days in jail, with the possibility of up to six months
• A minimum fine of $1,295.00 that could easily range up to around $2,000.00
• Assessment for drug or alcohol problems, with court ordered follow-through on all recommended treatment
• PRIME for Life, a drug and alcohol class
• Having your license suspended for 3-24 months
• Possibly being required to have an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive for 36 months
• Possible supervised probation

For a second DUI conviction, the penalties are increased from the first as follows:

• The jail sentence is a minimum of ten days
• The fine is a minimum of $1,550.00
• Probation will be supervised (where you report to a probation officer)
• You will almost certainly have an ignition interlock device requirement as well

For a third or subsequent DUI conviction you will be charged with a FELONY. The penalties are as follows:

• 62.5 days jail at a minimum, with the possibility of 0-5 years in prison
• $2,775 - $9,250 fine
• Assessment for drug or alcohol problems, with court ordered follow-through on all recommended treatment, with intensive treatment or inpatient and aftercare of 240 hours
• Supervised Probation
• 1 year minimum Driver License suspension
• PRIME for Life, a drug and alcohol class
• Ignition Interlock Device
• Submit a DNA sample to the State at your expense
• You lose certain rights based on a felony conviction, including the right to vote and the right to possess a firearm

We sincerely hope you enjoy this holiday season. Please be careful and considerate of others, and be safe while on or near the roads.