What criminal consequences can a defendant expect after a DUI arrest in Utah?
Cedar City, UT – There were news reports that a basketball player in Utah was cited and arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol [1].
DUI arrest after single vehicle crash
A 20-year-old college basketball player was arrested Thursday morning in Provo, Utah, on suspicion of driving under the influence following a single-vehicle crash.Police responded around 11:45 a.m. to an accident at the intersection of 900 West and Center Street. During the investigation, officers developed probable cause to arrest one of the involved drivers for DUI. The driver, from a university’s nationally ranked team, was taken into custody, cited for DUI, and later released to seek medical treatment for minor injuries sustained in the collision. His vehicle was impounded.
The university issued a brief statement acknowledging awareness of the allegations and confirming that the matter is under review. No additional details about potential team discipline or the player’s status have been released. It was also unclear whether the suspect had retained a criminal defense attorney in Utah.
What kinds of criminal penalties can a person face for being involved in a similar drunk driving accident in Utah?
In Utah, the criminal penalties for a drunk-driving incident like the one described (a crash with only minor injuries and property damage) depend primarily on whether it is charged as a standard DUI or enhanced due to aggravating factors, prior offenses, or injury. Utah treats all impaired-driving offenses seriously and has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country.
First-Offense DUI (Class B misdemeanor)
If this is the driver’s first lifetime DUI offense and no one was seriously injured:Jail: Up to 6 months (minimum 48 hours in jail or 48 hours of community service for a first offense; judges rarely waive jail entirely anymore)
Fine: $1,460–$2,000+ (base fine ≈ $700 plus court costs, surcharges, and a $700+ driver-responsibility fee)
License suspension: 120 days (first offense, age 21+); can be reduced to 120 days with an ignition interlock device (IID) or avoided entirely for drivers under 21 only if they install an IID and complete all other terms
Alcohol evaluation and treatment: Mandatory screening; any recommended education or treatment (often 16–24 weeks of classes at offender’s expense)
Probation: Typically 12–36 months supervised or court probation
Ignition interlock: Not automatic on a first offense unless BAC ≥ .16 or the person refuses testing, but many judges now require it anyway
If the Crash Causes Injury
Utah can elevate the charge to Automobile Homicide or DUI with Injury if someone is hurt:DUI causing bodily injury automatically becomes a third-degree felony (even on a first offense)0–5 years in prison (presumptive prison time if “serious” bodily injury)
Fine up to $5,000 + surcharges
License revocation: 2 years minimum
If a person suffers “serious bodily injury” (substantial risk of death, protracted impairment, etc.), it can be charged as Automobile Homicide (third-degree felony on first offense) with the same 0–5 year range and higher fines.
Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties
BAC ≥ .16: Mandatory 1,000-hour community service or additional jail, plus mandatory interlock
Refusal to test: Automatic 18-month (first) or 36-month (second+) license revocation and mandatory interlock
Minor in the vehicle: Enhances to a higher fine and possible felony
Prior offenses within 10 years: Second offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, 240 hours minimum jail/community service, 2-year revocation); third and subsequent are third-degree felonies with 0–5 years prison
Additional Consequences (Almost Always Applied)Vehicle impound/immobilization (30 days minimum) or forfeiture in extreme cases
Dram-shop liability if alcohol was served illegally
Civil liability: Victims can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, etc.
In short, even a “minor” crash with no serious injuries typically results in at least a couple days in jail or equivalent service, $2,000–$3,000 in direct costs, a 4–6 month license suspension (often with interlock), and a misdemeanor record for a first-time adult offender in Utah. Any injury or prior record escalates the consequences dramatically into felony territory. A top criminal defense attorney in Utah can explain more about the state’s drunk driving laws.
Assistance with criminal charges in Utah
Are you looking for the best criminal defense lawyers in Cedar City and other parts of
Utah? If so, call 435-586-2718 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
Firm contact info:
415 N. Main St., Suite 106, Cedar City, UT 84721
435-586-2718
jburns@burnslawpractice.com
Sources:
- https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/byu-basketball-player-arrested-suspected-dui-after-crash/
