Utah DUI guide
First offense · What to do now
A first DUI arrest can leave you worried about your license, your work, and what comes next. An arrest is not a conviction. Start by protecting your deadlines and preserving your options.
A first DUI arrest has two separate tracks.
The Driver License Division handles administrative driving privileges. The criminal court handles the DUI charge. One process does not replace the other, so check each notice carefully and get advice about both.
This checklist is general information, not legal advice. Deadlines and options depend on your documents and circumstances. If you were arrested, contact a qualified Utah DUI attorney promptly.
Your first 10 days
01
Utah’s Driver License Division says a person arrested for DUI has 10 days to request a hearing. This administrative process is separate from the criminal case. Check the notice you received and act promptly; do not wait until the last day. The official DLD page offers an online hearing request and a printable form.
02
Look for the DLD hearing deadline, any court appearance, release conditions, and instructions about your license. Put each date in more than one place. If something is unclear, contact your attorney or the issuing court or agency right away.
03
Early legal advice can help you understand the two tracks of a DUI arrest, identify immediate deadlines, and begin preserving evidence. Ask about the attorney’s experience with Utah DUI cases and DLD hearings.
04
You can be respectful and say that you want to remain silent and speak with an attorney. Do not volunteer a statement or agree to an interview without first getting legal advice. Give your lawyer any subpoena, court order, or official notice immediately, and never ignore it.
05
As soon as you can, make a private, factual timeline: where you were, when you drove, why you were stopped, what was said, what tests were offered or performed, any medical or physical issues, and what happened after the stop. Separate what you remember clearly from what you are unsure about, and share it with your lawyer.
06
Keep paperwork, receipts, messages, photos, ride-share records, and the names of possible witnesses. Note nearby businesses or homes that may have video because recordings can be overwritten. Do not delete, edit, or alter anything, and do not try to access another person’s account or device.
07
If a health condition, injury, medication, or treatment could relate to balance, speech, vision, or testing, tell your lawyer and ask what records may help. Preserve records of any medical visit or independent testing. A medical condition does not decide a case by itself; the details need to be reviewed.
08
Do not drive if your license or driving privilege has been suspended or withdrawn. Check your documents and confirm your current status with the DLD or your attorney before getting behind the wheel. Ask about any lawful limited-license option that may apply to you.
09
Avoid posting or messaging about the stop, the arrest, alcohol or drug use, witnesses, or your version of events. Preserve existing posts and messages rather than deleting or editing them. Discuss evidence and next steps privately with your lawyer.
10
Before pleading guilty, accepting an offer, or paying a citation, make sure you understand the criminal and license consequences. Ask counsel to review the charge, the evidence, possible defenses, and what deadlines still apply. Do not miss a court date while you are seeking advice.
Utah law update
Utah’s current code defines “extreme DUI” to include admissible evidence of a blood or breath alcohol level of .16 or higher, .05 or higher together with a measurable controlled substance, or certain combinations of controlled substances. A first arrest does not automatically mean an extreme DUI; the charge, evidence, and applicable law matter.
Utah’s Electronic Information Privacy Act amendments, effective May 6, 2026, generally require a warrant for law enforcement to obtain, copy, or use certain electronic-device location, stored, or transmitted data in criminal investigations, subject to exceptions. Whether a rule applies depends on the specific data and circumstances. Preserve your information and ask counsel to review how any evidence was obtained.
You do not have to figure this out alone
Sean B. Druyon has 25+ years of criminal defense experience and has handled 4,000+ cases throughout Utah.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. DUI deadlines, procedures, and consequences depend on the facts of each case and may change. Speak with a qualified Utah attorney about your situation.
← Back to all articles