Charged With DUI in Utah

Charged With a DUI in Utah? What You Should Know About Police DUI Training

If you have been charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Utah, you need an attorney who understands not only the letter of the law—but also the intricate mechanics of how DUI investigations actually work.

The moments following a traffic stop are critical. Understanding the training (or lack thereof) of the officer who arrested you can be the difference between a conviction and a dismissed charge.

Call or text Utah DUI attorney Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6745 for a consultation.

DUI in Utah Can Involve Alcohol, Drugs, or Both

Many drivers are surprised to learn that a DUI charge in Utah is not limited to alcohol consumption. Under state law, a DUI charge can involve alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, or any combination of substances that impair your ability to drive safely.

Many people assume DUI charges only apply to alcohol. That is not true. To protect your rights, you must recognize that Utah DUI cases frequently involve:

  • Alcohol (including the 0.05% BAC limit)

  • Marijuana (including medical cannabis)

  • Prescription medications (even when taken as directed)

  • Illegal drugs

  • Combinations of substances

Even legally prescribed medication can lead to a DUI charge if law enforcement believes it impaired your ability to operate a vehicle. If you are facing charges involving any of these substances, you need an attorney who can challenge the officer’s “opinion” of impairment.

Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) in Utah

When you are pulled over on suspicion of impaired driving, the officer will likely ask you to perform “roadside gymnastics.” Utah law enforcement officers are typically trained in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) under Utah Code 41-6a-515.6.

These roadside tests often include three specific components:

  1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): The eye test looking for involuntary jerking.

  2. Walk-and-Turn Test: A divided attention test.

  3. One-Leg Stand: A balance and timing test.

However, it is important to note: not all officers receive advanced DUI impairment training beyond this basic certification. If an officer lacks advanced training, their ability to accurately identify drug-related impairment is significantly diminished.

What Is ARIDE Training?

Beyond the basics, some officers undergo Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE). This is a 16-hour training program developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

ARIDE training helps officers:

  • Detect drug impairment that may not be obvious through SFST.

  • Identify combined alcohol and drug impairment (polydrug use).

  • Understand signs of impairment beyond alcohol intoxication.

The training is designed to bridge the gap between basic SFST training and the highly specialized Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program. If the arresting officer was not ARIDE-certified, their conclusions regarding drug impairment may be legally vulnerable.

What Is a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)?

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a law enforcement officer with specialized training to identify drug impairment through a rigorous, 12-step detailed evaluation process.

Important points regarding DREs:

  • DRE certification is only available to active law enforcement officers.

  • Not all officers are DRE certified; in fact, they are relatively rare.

  • Many DUI arrests occur without a DRE evaluation.

Understanding the limits of an officer’s training can be critical in defending a DUI case. If an officer claims you were high on drugs but is not a DRE, their testimony can—and should—be challenged in court.

Why Training Matters in Your DUI Defense Case

DUI investigations are not always based on hard science like blood tests; they often rely heavily on:

  • Officer observations (bloodshot eyes, slurred speech).

  • Field sobriety testing (which is often subjective).

  • Claimed signs of impairment.

But those conclusions depend entirely on the officer’s training and experience. An attorney who understands how these investigations are conducted and where mistakes occur can often uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Jake Gunter: An Attorney Trained Like the Police

Utah DUI defense attorney Jake Gunter has gone the extra mile to protect his clients. He has completed both:

  • Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) training

  • Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training

This specialized training—the same training the police receive—allows him to analyze:

  1. Whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly (officers often skip steps).

  2. Whether officers followed proper impairment detection procedures.

  3. Whether conclusions about drug impairment are scientifically supported.

Charged With DUI in Utah? Call Now.

If you have been charged with DUI or drug-related impaired driving in Utah, you should speak with an attorney immediately. Your driver’s license, your record, and your freedom are on the line.

Call or text:

Jake Gunter – Utah DUI Defense Attorney

📞 (801) 373-6745

Early legal intervention can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Don’t let an officer’s lack of training lead to a lifelong criminal record.

Learn More About Criminal Defense Lawyer Jake Gunter

For additional insights on Criminal Defense Law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:

These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.

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120 E 300 N. Provo, Utah 84606
Telephone: 801-373-6345 | Fax: 801-377-4991 | Email us
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