Utah is known for its strict alcohol laws, and its DUI laws are just as rigid. A basic traffic stop can turn south quickly if the police officer has probable cause to believe you are driving drunk or under the influence of drugs. If the cop has probable cause to arrest you, you’ll likely be put in jail until someone pays bail. Whether or not you spend more time behind bars for your first DUI in Utah completely depends on the situation.

Talking on your phone while you’re operating your vehicle is not necessarily illegal in Utah. However, if you’re not careful, cell phone use may lead you to time behind bars, whether you were talking or sending a text message. Here’s what you need to know about driving while using your cell phone in Utah

Reckless driving in Utah comes with serious consequences that go beyond the time you may serve behind bars. In 2024, there were 281 fatalities on Utah roads. That’s up from 279 in 2023. Those numbers represent real people with real families, and many of them would still be alive if it weren’t for poor decision-making behind the wheel.Whether or not someone gets hurt, reckless driving is a crime in Utah, and it may lead to time behind bars.

You may never consider getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, but would you text and drive? About 45% of people in one survey admitted to doing just that. So even if you haven’t sent a message while driving, you probably know someone who has. While texting and driving may seem innocent, it’s a crime in Utah, and it can lead to time behind bars.

Domestic violence is a big problem in Utah. About one in three people have experienced it. That includes both women and men. If you know 600 people — the assumed average according to research — you probably know 200 people who have been victims of domestic violence.

When a loved one is arrested, it’s difficult for everyone in the family, but it can be a nightmare for the one behind bars. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to support inmates in Utah to make their days a little brighter.

If you are charged with reckless driving, you’ll be getting more than just a traffic ticket from the officer who pulls you over. The crime of reckless driving in Utah is considered a class B misdemeanor, which means if you are found guilty, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail. But what counts as reckless driving?

A judge may help a minor with rehabilitation outside of a detention facility by ordering probation. In the juvenile courts, probation lets minors who have been ruled delinquent serve time for their actions in their own home. Here are five questions parents might have about juvenile probation and house arrest in Utah.

Whether you are applying for a job, a volunteer opportunity, a place to live, or even to adopt a child, you may be requested to share your criminal history. This can be scary if the crimes of your past no longer define who you are today. It’s natural to worry what might still be on your criminal history and how the person requesting it might interpret the information. Below are some questions you may have if you need to provide a criminal background check and what to do if you need help challenging the results or expunging your record.