DUI vs DWI in Utah
Facing a DUI or DWI charge near Salt Lake City? You’re not alone. Every day, people across Utah search for “dui vs dwi near me” trying to understand what they’re up against. Whether you’re confused about what the charges mean, or scared about what comes next, we’re here to help.
Utah is admired throughout the country for its scenic mountain ranges, red rock-lined biking trails, pristine ski slopes, and hardworking citizens. However, it’s also a historically conservative state with some fairly strict drunk driving laws. Whether you live in Utah or are just traveling through, being pulled over and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) could subject you to some steep penalties if you’re convicted.
If you have been charged with a DUI, contact a Utah DUI defense attorney at Wasatch Defense Lawyers by calling (801) 459-8909.
We know what it takes to turn experience into results. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors think, how to challenge the evidence, and when to negotiate or take your case to trial. Every strategy is built around putting you in the strongest possible position.
But we don’t just know how to win—we have a track record that proves it. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of clients represented, our results speak for themselves.
Proven Results. Relentless Defense.
A History of Successful Defenses
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
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Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
The Difference Between DWI and DUI
Both driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are fairly self-descriptive: a DUI charge can be levied if you’re alleged to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel, while DWI may be a more appropriate description if you’re under the influence but haven’t quite reached the legal threshold of intoxication. However, in Utah, DWI is not a stand-alone charge — although prosecutors have the discretion to offer (and judges the discretion to approve) a DWI conviction as part of a plea deal for someone facing DUI charges, law enforcement officers are unable to arrest someone and charge them with DWI.
As a result, the main differences between these charges become evident during the sentencing phase. Penalties for a DUI conviction under current Utah law include::
- The revocation of your driver’s license for at least 120 days;
- The installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle (which you’ll usually be required to pay for yourself) once your license is returned to you; and
- Two days or more in jail, as well as fines and court fees.
If your BAC is measured at 0.16 or higher at the time of your arrest, you could face more enhanced penalties, including the loss of your driver’s license for a longer period of time or a habitual offender classification if you’re arrested again.
On the other hand, despite also being considered a B misdemeanor under Utah law, a DWI conviction carries much less severe potential penalties. If you plead guilty to DWI, you shouldn’t be required to spend any time in jail, you may be able to keep your driver’s license (although often subject to restrictions for a period of time), and defendants without any prior criminal history might be able to enter into a diversion agreement that can result in the dismissal of these charges after successfully completing probation.
Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Hire at Team You Can Count On
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Largest Criminal Defense Team in the History of the State
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100+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
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Fewer than 1% of its clients have been sent to prison
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Over 650 Trials Handled
our winning strategy
4 Steps to a Positive Outcome
Every case is different. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate the facts, examine the evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys evaluate every available option, from challenging improper procedures and suppressing evidence to negotiating reduced charges or preparing for trial. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of trials, we approach each case strategically and aggressively. Whether pursuing dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable trial outcome, we build a defense focused on protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
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1Laying the GroundworkWe prepare before the fight begins. Decades of experience, deep legal knowledge, and strong relationships with prosecutors and judges give us the foundation to build a smarter, more targeted defense.
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2Discussing The DetailsEvery detail matters. We dig deep into your case, examining reports, records, evidence, and your side of the story to uncover the facts that can shape your defense.
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3Building Your CaseWe challenge what the prosecution thinks it knows. We scrutinize the evidence, investigate police procedures, expose weaknesses, and develop a defense strategy built specifically for your case.
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4Obtaining Positive ResultsWe pursue the outcome that puts you in the strongest position. Whether through aggressive negotiation or a meticulously prepared trial defense, we fight to reduce charges, protect your future, and achieve the best result possible.