DUI Defense Attorney St George
DUI charges move fast. So do we.
The decisions made in the first 48 hours after an arrest can shape everything that follows — your license, your record, your career. William Palmer and our team know exactly what to do, and we move immediately.
Call Today (435) 465-8733
What you're facing
A first-time DUI in carries real consequences.
This isn’t something to wait out and hope for the best. A conviction can follow you for 10 years — affecting your license, your livelihood, and how you show up on a background check.
We’re not here to alarm you. We’re here to be straight with you. And the straight truth is: what you do right now matters.
William Palmer
DUI Attorney
Chase Christensen
DUI Attorney
Our Approach
Here's what happens when you call us.
There is no generic DUI defense. The right strategy depends on the specific facts of your case. That said, here’s what we evaluate in every DUI matter:
The Traffic Stop
DUI cases hinge on procedure. We examine every detail, the stop, the test, the arrest, and identify where the prosecution's case is weak.
We protect your license first
The DMV hearing is separate from your criminal case, and most attorneys miss it. We file immediately and fight to keep you driving while your case is pending.
We tell you what's actually possible
Not every case goes to trial. Some result in reduced charges. Some get dismissed. We tell you the honest path forward — not the optimistic one.
10-Day Driver’s License Hearing Deadline.
You have 10 calendar days from your DUI arrest to request a hearing with the Driver License Division. Miss it and your license is automatically suspended. Call Palmer Litigation today — we file the hearing request and start your defense immediately.
DUI Attorney in St. George
A DUI arrest in St. George is a two-track problem — your driver’s license and your criminal case start moving the moment you’re charged. Palmer Litigation defends DUI cases throughout Washington County, including St. George and every surrounding community.
St. George is Washington County’s largest city and the region’s commercial and judicial hub. With over 107,000 residents and among the fastest-growing cities in the country, it’s also where the majority of Washington County DUI cases are prosecuted — and where both the 5th District Court and the Washington County Justice Court are located.
Where Your Case Is Heard in St. George
DUI cases arising from arrests in St. George are typically filed in the Washington County Justice Court (Class B) / 5th District Court (Class A & felony). Here’s the court information:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Washington County Justice Court (Class B) / 5th District Court (Class A & felony) | 197 East Tabernacle St. (Justice) / 206 West Tabernacle, Ste. 100 (5th District), St. George, UT 84770 | (435) 301-7480 / (435) 986-5700 |
Class B misdemeanor DUIs (most first offenses) are typically heard at the justice court level. Class A misdemeanors and felony DUIs go to the 5th District Court at 206 West Tabernacle, St. George. We appear in all Washington County courts regularly.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest
The first 10 days matter most. Here’s what’s happening on both tracks:
- Driver’s license track: The arresting officer has already notified the Driver License Division. Your temporary driving permit is valid for 45 days — but only if you request a hearing within 10 calendar days. We handle that filing immediately.
- Criminal track: The Washington County Attorney’s Office will review the officer’s report and file charges. Most DUI arrests result in prosecution. The criminal case runs separately from the DLD hearing, on its own timeline.
I-15 through St. George sees significant DUI enforcement, particularly on weekends, holiday weekends, and during peak tourism season. The corridor between the I-15 exits and Bluff Street, St. George Boulevard, and the Red Hills Parkway is actively patrolled. Officers conduct both routine traffic stops and targeted saturation patrols in these areas.
How We Defend Your Case
The right defense depends on the facts of your arrest. We evaluate every case for:
Lawfulness of the traffic stop.
Officers need reasonable suspicion to pull you over. An unlawful stop can lead to suppression of all evidence collected after it.
Field sobriety test administration.
These tests have strict protocols. Officer error, environmental conditions, and medical factors can all affect results in ways a trained attorney can challenge.
Breathalyzer calibration and procedure.
The Intoxilyzer must be properly maintained and the officer must be certified to operate it. We request maintenance and calibration records in every case.
Blood test chain of custody.
Blood draw, labeling, storage, and lab analysis all have to be done correctly. Any break in the chain is a defensible issue.
Reduction to impaired driving.
For eligible first-offense cases, we pursue a reduction to impaired driving under §41-6a-502.5, which carries no mandatory jail and no mandatory license suspension.
DUI in St. George: What You Should Know
St. George is home to Tech University, a major employer, and a large healthcare sector. If you hold a professional license — as a nurse, teacher, contractor, or other licensed professional — a DUI creates a second front with your licensing board. We handle both the criminal case and the licensing implications.
St. George is also a major tourist destination. Out-of-state visitors arrested for DUI here face the proceedings plus the risk that their home state will impose its own consequences through the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. We advise on both.
Get Started.
Talk to Palmer Litigation Today
Whether you were arrested on I-15, on local St. George streets, or anywhere else in Washington County — we’re your team. Free consultation. We answer questions, assess your case honestly, and start working immediately.
Common Questions
What people ask us right after an arrest.
These are the questions we hear most often. If yours isn’t here, call us. There are no dumb questions when your record is on the line.
01) What are the penalties for a first-time DUI offense?
For a first-time DUI conviction, you may face:
A minimum of 48 hours in jail
Fines ranging from $700 to $1,000
A 120-day suspension of your driver’s license
Mandatory participation in a drug or alcohol screening program
02) Can a DUI charge be expunged from my record?
Yes, a DUI charge can be expunged from your record, but there are specific conditions and waiting periods:
A misdemeanor DUI may be expunged after 10 years, provided that you have not committed any other crimes during that period.
Felony DUIs have different, often more stringent conditions and longer waiting periods.
03) How long does a DUI stay on your driving record?
In Utah, a DUI conviction stays on your driving record for 10 years. This can impact your insurance rates and potentially affect job opportunities that require a clean driving record.
04) What is an ignition interlock device, and will I be required to install one?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. You may be required to install an IID if you are convicted of a DUI, especially for repeat offenses or if your BAC was particularly high.
05) Do I need a lawyer for a DUI charge?
It is highly recommended to consult with a lawyer if you are facing a DUI charge in Utah. Our firm has offices in both St. George and Salt Lake City, and our expert St. George attorneys are experienced in handling DUI cases and can help protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
06) What should I do immediately after being arrested for a DUI?
If you are arrested for a DUI, you should:
Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid self-incriminating statements.
Contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
Follow all instructions from law enforcement and your attorney to ensure that you do not worsen your legal situation.
07) Can I refuse a breathalyzer or field sobriety test?
You have the right to refuse a field sobriety test; however, refusal can lead to immediate consequences such as the suspension of your driver’s license for up to 18 months. Utah follows an “implied consent” law, meaning that by driving in the state, you automatically consent to chemical testing if suspected of DUI.
By addressing these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide clarity and insight into DUI convictions in Utah. For more personalized advice and legal representation, contact Palmer Litigation today.
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08) Do I have to appear in person at the Washington County Justice Court (Class B) / 5th District Court (Class A & felony)?
For most hearings, yes — but we make appearances on your behalf whenever the law allows, reducing how many times you need to take time off work to be present. We’ll tell you exactly when your presence is required.
09) What if I missed the 10-day DLD hearing deadline?
Call us immediately. Late hearing requests are rarely granted, but there may still be options depending on your circumstances. Don’t assume the window is entirely closed without talking to us first.
10) Can my DUI be expunged?
First-offense DUI convictions become eligible for expungement after five years from the completion of your sentence. Impaired driving convictions follow the same timeline. We track eligibility and advise when the window opens.