The AAA recently announced that it is joining the National Transportation Safety Board in advocating for the expanded use of alcohol-ignition interlock devices. Interlocks are most commonly installed on vehicles belonging to those who have been arrested for drunk driving. These devices can be installed on a car and prevent the engine from starting if …
Push grows for ignition interlock device expansion Read More »
A Utah father has been arrested for drunk driving after being involved in a minor car accident while driving his two young children. Authorities say that the Salt Lake City father rear-ended another car on Tuesday night and fled the scene of the crash, leaving his two children behind. Authorities were able to contact the …
Salt Lake City father arrested for DUI after crash Read More »
The Utah highway patrol recently cited a 53-year-old Fruit heights man for “failure to secure a load” after a mattress fell off of his vehicle and caused a fatal accident. The man was fortunate to leave with a citation for failing to secure a load. Some overzealous prosecutors may have brought involuntary manslaughter charges under …
A Utah Highway Patrol Officer with a prolific history of making drunk driving arrests recently admitted to violating department policies during traffic stops. The details of the November 2010 traffic stop and reprimand were admitted last week in court in connection with another case. The defense attorney in Tuesday’s proceeding says that the officer also …
Utah Highway Patrol Officer Violates DUI Policies Read More »
There are several types of field sobriety tests (FSTs) used by law enforcement officers while investigating DUI in Utah. Being arrested for DUI can be a very unnerving experience. If you are charged with DUI in Utah, be sure to hire an experienced Utah DUI lawyer who will fight to protect your rights. The attorneys …
Horizontal and Vertical Gaze Nystagmus Test (The ‘EYE TEST’) Read More »
In a previous posting, I wrote about the definition, history and accuracy of field sobriety tests. Now, I would like to discuss the implications of FSTs on your constitutional rights. Remember, if you are ever charged with a DUI or other crime in Utah, it is important that you hire an effective Utah defense attorney …
Assume you are pulled over by a cop, and you are stone cold SOBER. The cop asks you to take a breath test. You feel he is just trying to hassle you. You are outraged, so you refuse. The sad part about this is you could lose your license for 18 months for that refusal. …
If you have ever been suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) in Utah, then you have probably had to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs). If not, then it is likely that you have seen others performing FSTs on the side of the road. Remember, if you are facing charges for DUI in Utah …
We often get asked this question: Can the police in Utah pull a person over just because the passengers are young, have out of state plates, or because they are driving on I-80 near Wendover, Tooele, Salt Lake City or Park City, Utah? (Of course, we also hear this about Moab, Vernal, St. George, Cedar …
When you’re charged with a crime, you should be innocent until proven guilty. Utah Code of Criminal Procedure §77-1-4 is clear: “No person shall be punished for a public offense until convicted in a court having jurisdiction.” The Fourteenth Amendment is also clear: “[n]or shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, …