Can I get a first time dui charge reduced in Utah?

Utah DUI charges can be issued against you if you are driving with a BAC above .08 or if you are under age and have any traces of alcohol in your system while driving. A Utah DUI carries serious penalties, with even a first offense resulting in two days minimum of jail time and a drivers license suspension. Because of the serious consequences and the fact that even a single DUI charge will mar your driving and criminal record, you may wonder if it is possible to get a first time DUI charge reduced. 

The answer is that it may be an option to have your first time DUI charges reduced if you arrange a plea bargain, but there is no guarantee this will occur. Most commonly, when DUI charges are reduced, they are reduced to something called a "wet reckless." This is a form of reckless driving charge that may carry less serious penalties than DUI charges. It is generally going to be at the discretion of the person prosecuting your case whether he or she wants to arrange a plea bargain with you and allow you to face wet reckless charges instead of DUI charges. If your BAC was very close to the legal limit or the prosecutor believes he may have a problem making his case to the judge, then you have a better chance of being able to arrange this plea bargain.

It is important to note, however, that even if you plea the charges down to a wet reckless, this will usually be counted against you if you are convicted of a DUI again. 

If you hope to arrange a plea bargain after a DUI in Utah, it is imperative you consult with a criminal lawyer to discuss the possibility of a wet reckless or your other options for making a deal with the prosecutor.