Protecting Your Rights Against DUI Charges
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious charge. You could lose your driver's license for more than a year. Your job can be put in jeopardy. Under certain circumstances, you could even face jail time.
At the Law Office of Steven L. Newton, I understand the consequences of these charges. I can help protect your rights against DUI charges.
Advice For The Future
After you have been pulled over and charged with DUI, it is important not to panic. I can still try to fight your charges. As a defense attorney and former prosecutor, I recommend the following advice for future situations:
- DO NOT do any field sobriety tests.
- DO NOT talk to the police officers but ask for a lawyer.
- DO NOT admit to drinking.
- DO take the blood or breath test if it is requested by a police officer.
- Contact an attorney immediately.
Facts About Field Sobriety Tests
You can refuse to take a field sobriety test. As a matter of fact, I recommend it. You can refuse them without the consequence of losing your driver's license. Two examples of field sobriety tests:
- The one-legged test. Officers have you stand on one leg and then ask you to perform tasks like touching your nose.
- The eye test. Technically referred to as the HGN test, where an officer puts his finger in front of your eyes and moves it left to right to see how your eye reacts to the movement.
- The nine step walk and turn. The office instructs you to stand in certain position, walk an imaginary or real line nine steps, turn around and walk nine steps back.
If you failed a field sobriety test, do not worry. I can still help protect your rights. Please contact me today to discuss your unique situation.
Facts About Blood/Breath Tests
If you refuse to take a blood or breath test that is requested by a police officer, you could lose your driver's license for up to a year. A second refusal and further refusals could result in losing your license for substantial amounts of time or possibly permanently.
Facts About DUI Charges
With your first DUI charge, depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), you could face a jail sentence. A second offense within 10 years of the first has a mandatory 10-day minimum jail sentence. A third offense within 10 years is a felony with a minimum mandatory jail sentence of over 60 days.
Do Not Get Discouraged
Facing possible jail time is scary. Do not get discouraged. As your defense lawyer, my goal is to keep you out of jail by providing an aggressive defense to your DUI charges.
I first investigate your case to see if mistakes were made in the stop or arrest. If police or prosecutors used improper procedures, I will work to have the charges dismissed. After my investigation, I formulate effective strategies to either negotiate your charge or take your case to trial.
Free Consultation
To discuss your DUI case and how I can help, please call me at 801-663-9565 for a free consultation or send me an e-mail. I serve clients in Utah County, Salt Lake County, Cache County and the surrounding areas of Salt Lake City, Utah.
