Out-of-State DUI
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What Happens When You Get A DUI Outside of Utah?
We see out-of-state DUI’s more often than you think. People will come to Moab for vacation or a work trip and have a drink or a few at dinner. Not knowing how to navigate Moab roads well, they may drive slowly trying to find their way back to their hotel. While driving below the speed limit is not necessarily illegal, it does seem suspicious and a police officer can see this as a reason to pull a car over. However, if they find out that the driver of the vehicle has been drinking, they have the right to question and take action against you.
If you have been arrested for a DUI while visiting Moab, the first thing the officer will do is file a license suspension with the state you got the DUI in because you either had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level higher than the legal limit or refusing to take the breathalyzer test. The second thing that happens will be getting prosecuted for a DUI in Utah.
While the process to have your license suspension will have already started at the time of your arrest, you will have 10 days to request a driver’s license hearing with the state of Utah to appeal your suspension. It is critical to submit the hearing request form during this short window to even have a chance at salvaging your driving privileges. However, this is not a guarantee that you will recover your driver’s license. If you fail to request a hearing for the license suspension in the allotted time frame or lose the hearing altogether, then your license will be suspended for however long the state determines.
What Are The Punishments Of An Out-Of-State DUI?
You may be subject to different punishments as an out-of-state offender versus someone who is a Moab resident. For a first or second offense within the past 10 years in Moab, the punishments include:
- – A fine of $1,850 and the possibility of spending between 0-180 days in jail (Class B Misdemeanor)
- – A fine of $4,625 and the possibility of spending up to 365 days in jail (Class A Misdemeanor)
In addition to this, you may be required to perform community service, be placed on probation, and pay a costly fine for the restrictive ignition interlock device that would be installed in your car. All of this would increase the fines you would be required to pay.
The local police department and the Department of Motor Vehicles in your home state will be notified of your out-of-state DUI due to the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. This means that you may also be punished by your home state.
Find the detailed information about possible DUI penalties and the different classes you can be charged under here!
Your Professional License Is At Risk
Anyone can get a DUI, including a physician, a psychiatrist, and even an attorney. Aside from losing your driver’s license, you run the risk of losing your professional license as well. Some industries revoke your ability to ever obtain the same professional license again, and your professional reputation will take a severe hit.
When To Get Legal Help From An Attorney
Moab police can suspend your driver’s license and take away your driving privileges only for the state of Utah, but they cannot actually revoke your license. If your license has been revoked by Moab police and you live in a different state, contact Schatz, Anderson, & Associates immediately.
The attorneys have Schatz, Anderson, & Associates have represented 3,000 DUI cases and have over 50 years of combined experience. We will aggressively represent your case because we understand just how important it is to not only keep your driver’s license, but to protect your professional license. Without it, yours and your loved ones livelihoods are at stake. You don’t have time to waste with a DUI conviction, call us today to schedule your consultation!
Utah's New BAC Limit
Utah will be the first state to lower its BAC level from 0.08 to 0.05. This will go into effect at midnight on December 30th, 2018. Find out how the rules and penalties will change along with this!