Tangaro Law | Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer

Salt Lake City, DUI and Labor Day

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Labor Day weekend is the last of the summer celebrations, the days are becoming shorter, temps are starting to cool off and kids are back in school. It also ranks second as the holiday with the most DUI incidents in Utah.

Today before the University of Utah football game law enforcement agencies were passing out DUI prevention barbecue sauce in an effort to raise DUI awareness. These sauces included catchy names like, “Drive Sauced, get busted: Warden Ted’s Orange Jumpsuit BBQ sauce” and “Ted’s Sweet jailhouse Hickory BBQ Sauce.”

KSL News Story

So as you fire up the BBQ this weekend and lather on that barbecue sauce, remember to not put yourself in the position of getting a DUI, if drinking, please take a cab or have a DD (designated driver).

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of getting pulled over for suspected DUI, Salt Lake City DUI Attorney, Cara Tangaro has the following pieces of advice.

  • Promptly use your turn signal and slowly and carefully pull over to the side of the road as safety permits.
  • Stay in the car, keep your hands on the wheel, and calmly wait for the police officer to approach your motor vehicle. Do not attempt to leave your car and do not shuffle around in the glove compartment looking for credentials.
  • Act politely towards the police. Do not act as though you have anything to hide or that you have done anything wrong. Give a courteous greeting when you open the window to speak to the police and follow their directions.
  • When you are asked, produce your driver’s license, registration and insurance card. Stay calm and remember that the police are watching to see how you perform the maneuvers involved in getting these credentials.
  • You have the right to refrain from answering any and all questions that the police officer asks you. If the police officer asks you if you have been drinking or if you had anything to drink or asks if you think you are drunk or not, simply tell the police officer that you are declining to answer their questions. Do not discuss where you were, what you did, whom you were with, or whether you were drinking at all.
  • You DO NOT have the right to contact a lawyer or have a lawyer present at this time.
  • If the police officer asks you whether you will take a chemical test, which is a device used to determine your blood alcohol contents, be advised that in Utah you DO NOT have the right to refuse a chemical test. If you refuse to take the test, your license may be suspended for 18 months even if you are not under the influence of alcohol! AND, law enforcement will apply for an electronic search warrant and do a blood draw on you.
  • Do not believe that by being candid with the police officer and telling them that you had one or two beers is going to be of help to you. Most people say they had “a few beers.” Police officers hardly ever believe that. When you are asked anything about drinking, politely decline to answer any questions concerning drinking or where you were or whom you were with. Do not argue with the police officer, but instead comply with their request.
  • Do not get out of your car unless you are asked to. Make sure that you don’t stumble or trip when you get out.
  • You do have the right to refuse Field Sobriety Tests. In Utah, there are 4 standardized tests: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus; 9 Step Walk and Turn, a One Leg Stand and a portable breath test. If you do refuse, you will likely be arrested for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence.
  • It is not uncommon for sober people to fail these tests. They are more of a test of athleticism and coordination and are easily affected by time of day, poor balance, medical condition or poor vision.
  • In Utah, it depends on the police agency that has arrested you on whether you will go to jail. Salt Lake City Police Department rarely takes anyone to jail if they can find a sober driver for the arrestee. Utah highway patrol takes every one to jail regardless of your breath alcohol content.
  • Your vehicle may be impounded depending on the arresting agency.

Utah Department of Public Safety Impound Vehicle Service

If you have been arrested for a DUI, you only have 10 days to request a driver’s license hearing.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Utah it is very important to choose an experienced lawyer who is competent and aggressive. You need a lawyer who specializes in DUI defense.

Tangaro Law provides an aggressive defense for individuals charged with DUI in Utah. Ms. Tangaro, has handled hundreds of Utah DUI cases, she has the experience to help you today!

Charge with DUI in Utah? Call today…801.673.9984

Cara Tangaro, Salt Lake City DUI Attorney