Blog
Insights on Utah DUI law, defense strategy, and protecting your rights.
Should I spend the Money on a Highly Trained DUI Lawyer, or Shop for the Cheapest?
This is a good question that a person often asks. A person arrested for DUI is involved in a sinking money pit. First they spend money on bail. Then, they spend money paying impound fees, state taxes, and other associated costs. The person is facing court costs, fines, driver license reinstatement fees, alcohol class fees, […]
Utah DUI Restricts Travel to Canada
There are many hidden consequences of a Utah DUI conviction. One of those consequences is the inability to enter Canada. I have had clients, where their case was totally dismissed, and yet they received a lot of grief trying to enter Canada. According to this web site, you do not even have to be convicted […]
Utah Crime Lab Makes a Mistake in a Utah DUI Charge
I was called on the phone today by KSL News today about a story that was unfolding. A man hit and killed a UPS driver. He was charged with a Vehiclular Hommicide by the goverment. The Utah State Toxicology Lab tested his blood and came back with a result of .19. The man was in […]
What do you think about Utah Field Sobriety Checkpoints?
I saw this site on the internet that asked the question, "What do you think about DUI Check Points?" The comments were interesting and people were pretty evenly split among for and against. The interesting response that was common among these people was "I don’t mind going through a checkpoint if it will just get […]
Does the Intoxilyzer 8000 used in Utah DUI Arrests Make Mistakes?
A couple of years ago, the State of Utah began purchasing a new product from CMI, Inc., the intoxilyzer 8000. Utah has purchased all machines from CMI since I have been practicing law. The new 8000 intoxilyzer differs from the 5000 model in that the 8000 is a portable machine. The machine can be carried […]
Utah DUI Ignition Interlock Devices
For a first time offense of DUI, normally the Courts will not impose an ignition interlock device requirement unless the person’s breath/blood alcohol content is at or over a .16. If there is a subsequent offense, the ignition interlock is mandatory. A person can be required to install the ignition interlock device if they are […]
Georgia DUI Trial Attorney–Allen Trapp
http://www.topgun-lawyer.com/
Utah DUI’s and Suppression Hearings
Many times, after being hired, I get the reports, the video, and any other evidence I can gather. I then look at that evidence to determine if there is a way to get the case dismissed as quickly as possible without going to trial. If I see an issue, I file a motion to suppress […]
Utah DUIs, Face Book, and My Space
A friend of mine, an attorney, told me about a case where he went to sentencing with his client. The friend argued to the judge that his client is not a party animal and that this was a one time mistake. When he was done, the prosecutor stood up with printed photos from the client’s […]
The Utah Highway Patrol made their Quota in Making DUI Arrests
The Utah Highway Patrol had 22 officers out on the weekend and made 24 DUI arrests. They made and exceeded their quota. The DUI Blitz is the modern DUI check point. Check points are generally unconstitutional unless rigorous guidelines are followed. The police don’t do checkpoints very often anymore. I wonder why? Perhaps there is […]
Utah Highway Patrol Has Quotas to Make DUI Arrests
Its Memorial Day weekend for 2008. Troopers have often claimed in the newspapers and in open court that there are no quotas to make arrests. In this story below, Trooper Cameron Roden tells the news reports that the troopers are encouraged to average at least one DUI arrest per officer involved in the DUI Blitz. […]
Utah DUI–Fourth Amendment is Still Alive!
I found an interesting article this afternoon. It was really interesting to me because it was my case. This case was first heard in the North Logan Justice Court. The judge in that Court heard the exact same evidence but ruled that the officers had reasonable suspicion. I didn’t agree with the judge’s decision so […]