Cottonwood Heights DUI Lawyer

Cottonwood Heights DUI Attorney

Being pulled over and detained along Cataline Drive, 2300 East, or elsewhere in Utah can mark the beginning of a stressful ordeal. Utah’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws mean that anyone charged with driving while intoxicated could face heavy fines and confinement in jail. By working with a Cottonwood Heights DUI lawyer, defendants can avoid serious penalties by reviewing the evidence and identifying the right strategy to contest the charges. 

Our Law Firm Is Ready to Protect Your Freedom and Rights 

The defense attorneys at Blackley & Wingad represent defendants facing serious criminal charges, including DUIs, in Cottonwood. Our law firm was founded by former public defenders to provide residents in Cottonwood Heights with focused, ethical legal representation. 

Our Dedication Sets Us Apart From Other Firms

What sets our law firm apart is our dedication to protecting the rights and freedoms of clients. Criminal cases can be highly complex, and an effective defense begins with a thorough examination of the evidence and a careful exploration of viable defense strategies. At every step, our clients can rely on our legal team to remain in close communication and to be willing to go to trial if that is what is needed to see that justice is served. 

Understanding That DUI Charges Are Taken Very Seriously in Cottonwood Heights

DUIs are a serious offense in Utah. Between 2020 and 2024, the state recorded 4,408 alcohol-related crashes that led to 274 fatalities. Between July 2024 and June 2025, 10,923 people were arrested for DUIs. An arrest can happen in Butler, Willow Creek, Old Mill, and elsewhere in Cottonwood Heights after law enforcement sees someone driving well above or below the posted speed limit or failing to stay within their lane. 

Utah has the lowest blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the country. Anyone with a BAC of 0.05% or higher can be arrested and face criminal charges. Observable impairment is sufficient to initiate an arrest, and anyone under the influence of prescription drugs could also face criminal charges. Under state law, someone who is intoxicated can be arrested, even if they are found sitting in a non-moving vehicle. 

A first-time offense is a Class B misdemeanor that can lead to confinement in jail, fines, loss of driving privileges, and mandatory drug and alcohol screening for a set period of time. Repeat offenders can face heavier penalties, with a third offense leading to a felony charge. The state recognizes multiple aggravating factors, including a BAC of 0.16% or higher and having a minor in the car while driving under the influence. 

Effective Defense Strategies for Contesting DUIs

Finding the right defense strategy begins with a thorough examination of the evidence. The burden of proof falls on prosecutors, and any missteps made by law enforcement could favor the defense. One defense strategy could examine the moments leading up to the arrest. If law enforcement did not have a valid basis for initiating a stop, any evidence they gathered could be suppressed. 

Another approach could focus on whether the breathalyzer was calibrated before the arrest. Field sobriety test results could be inconclusive. These are reasons why reviewing bodycam footage from law enforcement is crucial. If the lab test results are unreliable or there are breaks in the evidence’s chain of custody, a defense attorney can use those shortcomings to call for reduced or dropped charges. 

What to Expect During the Criminal Court Process

Following an arrest for a DUI, suspects are typically taken to the nearest county jail, and their car is towed at the owner’s expense. After being processed, defendants are told when to appear in court. If they enter a plea of not guilty, that begins the pretrial phase, during which the defense can begin examining the evidence used against them. 

If the defense attorney finds that evidence was obtained unlawfully, they can pursue a motion to suppress. The pretrial period often involves negotiations between the prosecution and the defense attorney. Some cases may resolve through a negotiated resolution, while a weak case may lead to dropped or dismissed charges. 

Defendants also have the right to pursue a trial, where a judge or jury ultimately decides whether a crime was committed and what penalties are appropriate if a guilty verdict is reached. Some trials may lead to a not guilty verdict, which would lead to an acquittal. 

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Why You Should Hire a DUI Lawyer

The decision to hire a DUI lawyer can protect a defendant from becoming one of the roughly 13,000 individuals currently behind bars in Utah. The state’s DUI penalties are severe, and even a first-time offender could lose their driving privileges and face confinement in jail. A Cottonwood Heights DUI attorney can play a key role in balancing the scales of justice in favor of a client by casting doubt on the state’s case at every step.  

Defense attorneys bring decades of experience understanding state DUI laws and how they apply to specific cases. An attorney can gather new evidence and draw different conclusions about what did or didn’t happen on the day of the arrest. An attorney’s focused approach can lead to reduced or dropped charges. Certain cases may benefit from strategic negotiations focused on shielding clients from the most serious penalties under the law. 

Facing DUI Charges? Contact Blackley & Wingad Today

A DUI on your record could jeopardize your driving privileges and freedom. The dedicated team of defense attorneys at Blackley & Wingad can provide you with the unwavering support and advocacy that your case deserves. We bring decades of combined legal experience, a proven track record, and dedication to getting you results. 

When you work with our firm, you are connected directly to one of our lead attorneys, who manages your case from start to finish. By carefully reviewing the evidence and learning about your account of events, we can position you for a favorable outcome to your case that allows you to put the ordeal behind you. Take the first step by contacting our office today to schedule your consultation.