Introduction
DUI legal costs in Utah depend on whether the offense is a first-time or repeat DUI, the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and whether the case is resolved through a plea agreement or proceeds to trial. Costs increase as cases move from simple administrative resolutions to contested hearings or full trials involving expert testimony.
A Utah-specific cost driver is the state’s lower legal BAC threshold (0.05% BAC limit) and mandatory administrative penalties, which often trigger license actions and treatment requirements early in the process. These rules can significantly raise total DUI expenses even in cases without accidents or injuries.
DUI Lawyer Fee Breakdown in Utah
| Case Scenario | Fee Structure | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| First DUI (standard) | Flat fee | $1,500 – $3,900 |
| First DUI with elevated BAC | Flat + add-ons | $2,800 – $6,500 |
| Second DUI offense | Hybrid billing | $5,500 – $13,000 |
| Felony or multiple DUIs | Hourly / hybrid | $9,000 – $32,000 |
| DUI case taken to trial | Hourly billing | $12,000 – $45,000+ |
| Typical hourly rate | Per hour | $250 – $450 |
For national averages, see: How Much Do Lawyers Cost in the United States.
Utah DUI Court, Government & Admin Costs
| Cost Type | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Court filing & assessment fees | $100 – $400 |
| Statutory fines & surcharges | $350 – $2,750 |
| License suspension / reinstatement | $50 – $300 |
| Alcohol & drug screening or treatment | $250 – $1,800 |
| Probation & supervision fees | $300 – $2,500 |
| Ignition interlock device (IID) | $1,200 – $3,500+ |
Related guide: Court Costs in the United States.
DUI Cost Escalation Factors in Utah
| Cost Driver | Impact on Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Lower BAC threshold | Earlier penalties |
| Prior DUI convictions | Mandatory enhancements |
| Accident or injury | Expanded investigation |
| Chemical test challenges | Expert involvement |
| Trial proceedings | High attorney hours |
How Utah DUI Costs Compare to Other States
DUI legal costs in Utah are higher than some neighboring states due to strict BAC limits and early administrative penalties. While attorney fees remain moderate, mandatory compliance requirements often push total costs above the national median.
Compare nationwide figures here: Legal Costs by State.
Cost Reduction Strategies for DUI Cases in Utah
| Action | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Retain counsel immediately | Limits escalation |
| Address license issues early | Prevents penalties |
| Resolve without trial | Cuts billable hours |
| Complete treatment promptly | Avoids extensions |
| Follow probation terms strictly | Stops compounding costs |
FAQ — DUI Legal Costs in Utah
What does a DUI usually cost in Utah?
Most DUI cases in Utah range from about $1,500 to more than $45,000, depending on prior offenses, BAC level, and whether the case goes to trial.
What factors most often increase DUI costs in Utah?
Repeat offenses, elevated BAC levels, accidents, contested chemical tests, and trial preparation are the most common cost escalators.
How does the DUI process typically work in Utah?
Cases involve criminal court proceedings plus administrative actions affecting driving privileges, treatment requirements, and possible ignition interlock use.
When is hiring a lawyer critical for a Utah DUI?
Legal representation is strongly recommended for repeat DUIs, high-BAC cases, accidents, or any situation involving possible incarceration.
How long do DUI cases usually take in Utah?
Straightforward cases may resolve within a few months, while contested or felony cases can extend a year or longer.
What risks commonly delay DUI cases in Utah?
Missed treatment deadlines, license compliance issues, evidentiary disputes, and trial scheduling delays frequently extend timelines.
Which DUI-related costs are non-refundable in Utah?
Court fines, IID fees, treatment programs, probation costs, and license-related fees are generally non-refundable.
Related Guides
DUI Legal Costs by State
Criminal Defense Legal Costs by State
Lawyer Fees in the United States
Legal Costs in Utah
External Resources
Utah State Courts
Utah Department of Public Safety
Utah State Bar
Conclusion
DUI legal costs in Utah typically range from $1,500 to over $45,000, depending on whether the offense is a first-time charge or a repeat or aggravated DUI. Attorney fees, court costs, fines, license penalties, ignition interlock requirements, and treatment programs all contribute to the final expense. Understanding these cost drivers helps individuals plan financially and make informed legal decisions.