Source: http://norml.org/states/item/utah-drugged-driving?category_id=889
Timestamp: 2017-12-12 08:23:02
Document Index: 424775736

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 41', '§ 517', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 41']

Utah Drugged Driving - NORML.org - Working to Reform Marijuana Laws
Main » State Info » Utah » Utah Drugged Driving
There are two ways to get a DUI in Utah: (1) if the person is under the influence of any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle; or (2) if a person operates a motor vehicle while that person has any measurable controlled substance or metabolite of a of a controlled substance in the person's body (per se law). Utah Code Ann. § 41-6a-502(b) (West 2010); Id. § 517(2).
NOTE: Actual intoxication is not an element of this offense. Marijuana metabolites can be detected in a person's body up to one month after use, depending on a myriad of factors (See our science page). Thus, it is possible for a person to be convicted of this second type of DUI weeks after he or she last ingested marijuana.
If the substance or metabolite is prescribed by a practitioner for use by the accused (NOTE: that a doctors recommendation to use cannabis is not the same as a doctor's prescription); or
Refusal to submit to any and all tests can result in revocation of the driver's license, or the requirement of a ignition interlock device. If the driver is dead or unconscious they are considered incapable of refusing, and the police may administer the chemical tests. Id. § 41-6a-522.
First offense class B misdemeanor - at least 48 consecutive hours in jail, 48 hours of community service, or electronically monitored home confinement, - Participation in an educational course; Fine: at least $700; The court may also impose probation or substance abuse treatment. Id. § 41-6a-505 (1)(a)(i); Id. § 41-6a-503(1)(a); Id. § 41-6a-505 (1)(a)(iv); Id. § 41-6a-505 (1)(a)(v); Id. § 41-6a-505 (1)(b).
If 21 or older - suspension of the operator's driver's license for at least 120 days. The driver is entitled to a hearing, but only has 10 days after the incident to request this hearing in writing.
If under 21 - suspension of driver's license until person becomes 21 years of age, or 120 day, whichever is longer. Id. § 41-6a-509(1)(a)(i)(A); Id. § 41-6a-517(6); Id. § 41-6a-521; Id. § 41-6a-509(1)(a)(ii)(A).
Second offense (within 10 years) class B misdemeanor - not less than 240 consecutive hours in jail; or 240 hours of community service; or electronically monitored home confinement.; participate in an educational course; fine of not less than $800; the court may also impose probation or substance abuse treatment. Id. § 41-6a-505(2)(a)(i); Id. § 41-6a-505(2)(a)(iv); Id. § 41-6a-505 (2)(b).
If 21 or older - suspension of the operator's driver's license for a period of 2 years. Utah Code Ann. 41-61-509(1)(a)(i)(B).
If under 21 suspension of driver's license until person becomes 21 years of age, or 2 years, whichever is longer. Utah Code Ann. 41-61-509 (1)(a)(ii)(C).
State v. Wallice55 P.3d 1147 (2002) -- Finding that an individual may operates a motor vehicle in a safe manner however, if the driver has any measurable amount of controlled substance, that person may still be charged and convicted of DUI.
Utah's law calls for mandatory imprisonment of 48 hours and not more than 6 months upon conviction for a first offense.