Victim/Witness Resources

District Attorney's Office

Victim/Witness Resources

DUI Facts

Quick Facts

According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, law enforcement agencies reported 11,384 DUI arrests in Utah during 2007, a 22.6 percent rise from the 9,282 arrests reported in 2006.

The Utah Highway Safety Office reports that, in 2006:

  • 2,674 alcohol and drug related crashes occurred in Utah resulting in 1,966 injured persons and 68 deaths.
  • Alcohol and drug-related crashes were six times more likely to be fatal than other crashes
  • Alcohol and other drug related crashes occurred in Utah every 3 hours 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that:

  • Of the 299 deaths in Utah reported for 2007, 17.1 percent (51 deaths overall) were directly related to alcohol alone.
  • Of those killed in alcohol related crashes, 66.5 percent were operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle while intoxicated—indicating those driving under the influence put themselves at great risk. 

These few statistics, with others, detail the risks associated with driving under the influence.  Every time an individual drives while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they put themselves, their families and friends, and every other driver on the road at risk. 

DUI Prosecution

Recognizing the risks posed by DUI offenses, the DA’s Office has changed the way it prosecutes offenders.  Felony DUI offenses are now handled by a team of attorney’s in the Drug Crimes Unit whose special expertise is DUI prosecution, a first for the DA’s Office.  These experienced and motivated attorneys have made felony DUI prosecution their top priority. 

Working closely with law enforcement and local city prosecutors, DUI prosecutors aim to improve conviction rates and sentencing for the most dangerous DUI offenders by brining specialized knowledge, improved coordination, and consistency to DUI prosecution. 
When people commit multiple DUI offenses, the specialized DUI prosecutors will better recognize what is necessary to prosecute these repeat offenders.  Additionally, the experience these prosecutors posses in addressing addiction will help offenders get the help they need to overcome the weaknesses leading to driving under the influence.