Felony DUI Attorney In Ogden
Serious DUI Charges, Clear Guidance & Local Support
If you are facing a felony DUI charge in Ogden, you are dealing with more than a traffic case. A felony DUI can put your freedom, your driver's license, and your future at risk. In this situation, you need calm, clear direction from a legal team that understands Utah DUI law and the local courts.
At Stevens & Gailey, PLLC, we represent people across Northern Utah who are charged with serious drunk driving offenses, including felony DUI. Our attorneys bring over 30 years of combined experience in criminal defense, and we work closely with each client to explain options and build a strategic response to the charges.
We know this may be one of the most stressful moments of your life. Our goal is to provide straightforward answers, realistic expectations, and a focused plan, so you can decide what comes next with as much information as possible.
A felony conviction doesn't have to be your future. Contact a felony DUI attorney in Ogden at Stevens & Gailey, PLLC to start building your defense. We offer legal services in both English and Spanish, along with affordable fees and convenient payment plans. Call us at (801) 761-2124 or reach out online to schedule your consultation.
Understanding Felony DUI Laws in Utah
Utah is unique in having the lowest "per se" blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States at 0.05%. While many DUI arrests result in misdemeanor charges, several factors can elevate the offense to a Third-Degree Felony under Utah Code § 41-6a-503.
The following circumstances trigger a felony filing:
- Two Prior Convictions: If you have two or more prior DUI-related convictions (including "impaired driving" or "alcohol-related reckless driving") within the last 10 years.
- Prior Felony Conviction: If you have any previous conviction for a felony DUI or automobile homicide in Utah, every subsequent DUI—regardless of how much time has passed—will be charged as a felony.
- Serious Bodily Injury: If the incident resulted in "serious bodily injury" to another person, meaning an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement.
A specific addition in 2026 is the "Interdicted Person" status (HB 437). Anyone convicted of a felony DUI or an "Extreme DUI" (BAC of 0.16% or higher) is now legally prohibited from purchasing alcohol. This results in a physical red banner on your Utah driver’s license that states "NO ALCOHOL SALE," which is visible to any clerk or officer who checks your ID. An Ogden felony DUI lawyer from our firm is essential to navigating these new, highly visible collateral consequences.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Felony DUI Convictions in Utah
A Third-Degree Felony in Utah carries weight that a misdemeanor simply does not. The court is required to impose specific mandatory minimums that cannot be easily waived.
- Imprisonment: A conviction carries a sentence of up to 5 years in the Utah State Prison. The law mandates a minimum of 62.5 days in jail if prison is not imposed.
- Fines: You face fines and surcharges that can reach $5,000 or more.
- License Revocation: Your driving privilege will be revoked for at least 2 years. Following this, you will be classified as an "Alcohol Restricted Driver" for 10 years, meaning you cannot drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): You will be required to install an IID on any vehicle you operate for 6 years.
- Interdicted Status: As per the 2026 law, you will receive the "NO ALCOHOL SALE" designation on your ID, effectively barring you from purchasing alcohol at any retail location or restaurant in the state.
- Loss of Rights: As a convicted felon, you will lose your right to possess a firearm and your right to vote while incarcerated.
Given these severe outcomes, we provide affordable fees and convenient payment plans to ensure that high-quality legal representation is accessible to those who need it most.
How We Defend Felony DUI Cases in Ogden
Defending a felony DUI in the Ogden area requires careful attention to detail and a clear plan. From the beginning, our attorneys focus on both the legal and personal aspects of your case. We want to know what happened from your perspective, what you have been through since the arrest, and what you are most worried about moving forward.
We start by reviewing the stop, the arrest, and any testing that occurred. That can include examining dash or body camera footage when available, analyzing how field sobriety tests were conducted, and looking at whether breath or blood samples were collected and stored properly. If there are potential challenges related to the legality of the stop, the reliability of testing, or statements that were taken, we will discuss those with you and consider appropriate motions.
Not every felony DUI case follows the same path. In some situations, negotiations may focus on reducing the level of the charge, seeking alternatives that emphasize treatment, or limiting the impact on your license and record. In other cases, it may be important to challenge the evidence more aggressively in hearings or at trial.
As your case moves through the Second District Court in Ogden, we communicate with you about each setting so you know what to expect. We explain the difference between preliminary hearings, pretrial conferences, and other events, and we help you prepare for each appearance. As we receive discovery from the prosecution, we keep you informed about what it shows and how it may affect strategy.
Speak with a dedicated Ogden felony DUI lawyer—Call (801) 761-2124 or contact us through our online form to begin your case evaluation today.
Why Choose Our Felony DUI Team In Ogden
When you are deciding who should stand beside you in court, experience and communication matter. Our attorneys have spent decades handling criminal cases in Utah, including complex DUI matters that can be filed as felonies. We understand how prosecutors evaluate these cases, how judges in the Second District Court in Ogden typically schedule proceedings, and what evidence often becomes critical.
We start by listening carefully to your side of the story. We review the police reports, prior history, and the facts that led to a felony filing or the threat of one. Then we discuss your goals, such as protecting employment, limiting custody time, or addressing treatment concerns. From there, we work to build a defense strategy that fits your situation instead of applying the same approach to every case.
Many clients worry about how they will pay for a felony DUI attorney in Ogden. We recognize that a sudden arrest can strain any budget. Our firm offers affordable fees and convenient payment plans, and we explain costs upfront so you are not surprised later. We also provide flexible scheduling and virtual meetings, which can be essential if you are juggling work, family responsibilities, and court dates.
Driven by integrity, compassion, & commitment Why Choose Stevens & Gailey, PLLC?
-
Trusted AdvisorsWhether facing complex legal challenges or high-value disputes, you need a firm you can trust. With extensive experience and a reputation for excellence, we are here to guide you through every step with confidence and expertise.
-
Unwavering CommitmentYour success is our priority. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcomes, offering personalized attention and a strategic approach that’s always focused on your needs.
-
Tailored StrategiesHandling complex, high-stakes cases requires a deep understanding of financial intricacies. We specialize in managing high-net-worth cases, crafting personalized legal strategies designed to protect your assets and interests.
-
Bilingual Legal ExpertiseWe’re proud to offer legal services in both English and Spanish. Our bilingual team ensures that language is never a barrier to receiving top-tier legal representation, providing clear communication for all our clients.
What Happens After A Felony DUI Arrest
Understanding the steps that usually follow a felony DUI arrest can lower some of the anxiety you are feeling. While every case is different, there are common stages that many people in the Ogden area experience after an arrest for a serious DUI offense.
Most cases begin with a traffic stop or a contact after a crash, followed by field sobriety tests and a breath or blood test. If the officer believes there is probable cause, you may be taken to the Weber County jail for booking. Release can occur in several ways, which may include bail, a promise to appear, or continued custody, depending on the circumstances and prior history.
Your first court appearance is often held in the Second District Court in Ogden when the case is being handled as a felony. At this hearing, the judge typically advises you of the charges, addresses release conditions, and schedules the next court dates. At the same time, a separate track related to your driver license usually begins with the Utah Driver License Division, which may involve strict deadlines to request a hearing.
What happens in the days right after an arrest can affect both your court case and your driving privileges. That is why contacting a felony dui defense attorney in Ogden as early as possible can be helpful. Early involvement allows your lawyer to start gathering information, advise you about court appearances, and help you avoid decisions that could limit your options later.
If you have just been arrested, some immediate steps are often helpful:
- Write down everything you remember about the stop or incident while it is still fresh.
- Gather any documents you received from law enforcement, including citations and notices.
- Avoid discussing the details of the case with anyone other than your attorney.
- Pay close attention to any deadlines listed on paperwork from the Driver's License Division.
- Contact a local attorney to discuss your situation before your first formal court appearance.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Felony DUI Defense
At Stevens & Gailey, PLLC, we don't just look for a plea deal; we look for a way out. Our methodology is built on a decade of experience in Utah’s courts:
- Challenging the Initial Stop: If the officer pulled you over for a minor technicality or without a valid legal reason, the entire case may be dismissed.
- Scrutinizing the Blood/Breath Evidence: We investigate whether the blood draw was performed according to medical standards or if the breathalyzer was properly calibrated under Utah administrative rules.
- Mitigation through Treatment: We often help our clients enroll in substance abuse assessments early in the process. Proactive steps can sometimes sway a judge toward house arrest or treatment rather than a 62-day jail stay.
- Multilingual Support: Because the legal system is intimidating enough, we provide all our services in both English and Spanish, ensuring you fully understand every decision in your case.
Talk To Our Ogden Felony DUI Lawyers
A felony DUI charge can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Speaking with an attorney who understands Utah DUI laws and the courts in Ogden can give you a clearer picture of what you are facing and what steps you can take to protect yourself. At Stevens & Gailey, PLLC, we bring over 30 years of combined criminal defense experience, a client-focused approach, and accessible services that include bilingual support and payment plans. We listen without judgment, explain your options in plain language, and work with you to build a strategy that reflects your goals and circumstances.
To discuss your felony DUI case and your next steps, call (801) 761-2124 or reach out online today.
