DUI Attorney in Provo

Charged With DUI Around Provo? We Help You Take Back Control

A DUI arrest in or near Provo can turn your life upside down in a single night. You may be worried about going to jail, losing your license, and explaining this to your family or employer, all while trying to make sense of court dates and paperwork. You do not have to sort through it alone.

At Melton Law, we defend people across Utah who are facing DUI and drunk driving charges, including cases that go through Utah County courts. Our team focuses on criminal defense and traffic-related matters, and we work to protect your rights, your driving privileges, and your future opportunities from the moment we get involved.

Clients come to us in difficult moments. They choose us because we combine aggressive representation with a highly personalized, human approach and transparent pricing. If you are ready to talk about your situation, you can reach our team online or call (801) 781-5803.

Understanding DUI Laws in Utah

Utah made national headlines by becoming the first state to lower its "per se" blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08% to 0.05%. Under Utah Code § 41-6a-502, you can be charged with a DUI if you operate or are in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or a combination of both to a degree that renders you incapable of safely operating the vehicle.

The landscape of Utah DUI law includes several critical classifications:

• Standard DUI (0.05% BAC): This is the baseline for an adult driver. You can be arrested even if you do not feel "drunk," as the law focuses on the chemical measurement of alcohol in your system.
• Extreme DUI (0.16% BAC or Higher): Effective January 1, 2026, Utah's HB 437 significantly increases the penalties for those with a BAC of 0.16% or greater. This threshold triggers mandatory "Interdicted Person" status.
• DUI Metabolite: Under § 41-6a-517, it is illegal to drive with any measurable amount of a controlled substance or its metabolite in your body, regardless of whether you are actually impaired at the time of the stop.
• Underage DUI (Not-a-Drop): For drivers under 21, Utah maintains a zero-tolerance policy. Any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to an immediate arrest and license suspension.

Differentiating between these charges is essential because a standard DUI is typically a Class B misdemeanor, while aggravating factors—such as having a minor in the car or causing bodily injury—can elevate the charge to a Class A misdemeanor or even a third-degree felony.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of DUI Convictions in Utah

The penalties for a DUI in Utah are tiered based on your prior history and the specific facts of your arrest. In 2026, the "interdicted person" designation became one of the most visible and restrictive consequences for high-BAC offenders.

• 1st Offense (Standard)
  • Jail time or community service: 48 hours of jail or 48 hours of community service
  • Mandatory fines: Minimum $700 plus fees
  • License suspension: 120 days
• 1st Offense (Extreme BAC .16+)
  • Jail time: Minimum 5 days
  • Mandatory fines: Minimum $700 plus fees
  • License suspension: 120 days
  • Additional consequence: Interdicted person designation
• 2nd Offense (Within 10 Years)
  • Jail time: Minimum 10 days
  • Mandatory fines: Minimum $800 plus fees
  • License suspension: 2 years
• 3rd Offense (Felony DUI)
  • Incarceration: Up to 5 years in prison
  • Mandatory fines: Minimum $1,500 plus fees
  • License status: 2-year suspension or revocation

Collateral Consequences

• Alcohol-Restricted Driver (ARD): You will be classified as an ARD, meaning it is a separate crime to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system for 2 to 10 years (or a lifetime for felony DUI).
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Most convictions require the installation of an IID in your vehicle at your own expense for 18 months to 3 years.
• Employment: Many employers in Utah County, especially those with moral codes or driving requirements, will terminate employees with a DUI conviction.
• Travel: A DUI conviction can make you "criminally inadmissible" to Canada and other international destinations.

Why Our Team Is a Strong Choice After a DUI Arrest

Choosing the right DUI attorney in Provo means finding more than basic legal help. You need a team that understands Utah DUI law, local court practices, and the real-life consequences you are facing. At Melton Law, every case starts with learning what matters most to you and tailoring a defense strategy to protect your record, license, and future.

Based in Taylorsville, the firm represents clients throughout Salt Lake City and Utah County in DUI and other criminal matters. From the first meeting, the focus is on strategy—carefully reviewing the stop, arrest, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the state’s case. This detailed approach is designed to create leverage and pursue better outcomes whenever possible.

Clients often value the firm’s personal, judgment-free approach and clear communication. A relaxed but professional environment helps uncover important details about work, family, school, or immigration concerns. The team also emphasizes affordable, transparent pricing and brings deep experience with traffic-related matters and expungements, offering valuable insight into long-term record and license consequences.

How We Build a DUI Defense Strategy for Your Case

Every DUI case is different. When you hire our team instead of trying to navigate things alone or simply pleading guilty, we focus on building a tailored strategy that takes into account both the law and your life.

• Listening To Your Story & Reviewing Evidence: We start by listening. In your first conversation with us, we want to hear what happened in your own words, from where you were coming from and going to, to how the officer approached, what tests were used, and how you were treated. We also review all available paperwork, including citations, police reports, and any notices about your license.
• Challenging Stops, Tests & Procedures: Next, we examine the legality of the stop and arrest. In many cases, the outcome can turn on questions such as whether the officer had a lawful reason to stop you, how field sobriety tests were administered, whether equipment was working properly, and whether the officer followed required procedures when requesting a breath or blood sample.
• Considering Your Life Beyond the Case: We also pay close attention to your broader circumstances. That includes whether you depend on driving for work, hold a commercial or professional license, are in school, or have immigration or family concerns that make certain outcomes particularly serious.
• Discussing Realistic Paths Forward: Finally, we talk with you about realistic paths forward. Some cases call for filing motions or taking a firm stance in litigation. Others may involve working toward negotiated resolutions that limit penalties, reduce charges, or address treatment needs.

Reach out to Melton Law online or call (801) 781-5803 for a free consultation with a DUI attorney in Provo. We specialize in challenging BAC evidence and protecting our clients in both the DLD and the criminal court.