Download Zipped Enrolled WordPerfect SB0020.ZIP
[Introduced][Amended][Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]
S.B. 20 Enrolled
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill modifies the Motor Vehicles Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure by
amending driving under the influence related provisions.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
. provides that an attorney with felony jurisdiction over the defendant must approve a
plea of guilty or no contest to a possible felony DUI charge;
. amends the definition of conviction to:
. include a violation by a person that knowingly and intentionally has any amount
of a controlled substance in the person's body and operates a vehicle in a
negligent manner causing serious bodily injury or death; and
. provide that a plea which is held in abeyance is the equivalent of a conviction for
purposes of enhancement of penalties for DUI offenses and for purposes of
expungement;
. amends and redefines screening and assessment and provides that an assessment shall
be ordered if found appropriate in a screening;
. provides that until June 30, 2006, a plea to a DUI charge may be held in abeyance
only in certain circumstances;
. beginning on July 1, 2006, prohibits all pleas in abeyance for driving under the
influence violations;
. provides sunset provisions;
. provides that a court may not expunge a person's record:
. for a conviction of an automobile homicide or a felony DUI violation; or
. within ten years for a felony violation by a person that knowingly and intentionally
has any amount of a controlled substance in the person's body and operates a
vehicle in a negligent manner causing serious bodily injury or death or for the
equivalent of a misdemeanor DUI conviction;
. requires the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice to study pleas in abeyance
for driving under the influence violations and report to the Transportation Interim
Committee; and
. makes technical changes.
Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
This bill provides an effective date.
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
17-43-201, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 22 and last amended by Chapter 262,
Laws of Utah 2003
41-6-43.8, as enacted by Chapter 15, Laws of Utah 2003
41-6-44, as last amended by Chapter 8, Laws of Utah 2002, Fifth Special Session
62A-15-105, as last amended by Chapter 22, Laws of Utah 2003
76-5-207, as last amended by Chapter 10, Laws of Utah 2003
77-2a-3, as last amended by Chapter 35, Laws of Utah 2002
77-18-11, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1999
77-18-12, as last amended by Chapter 267, Laws of Utah 2002
ENACTS:
63-55b-177, Utah Code Annotated 1953
77-2a-3.1, Utah Code Annotated 1953
Uncodified Material Affected:
ENACTS UNCODIFIED MATERIAL
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 17-43-201 is amended to read:
17-43-201. Local substance abuse authorities -- Responsibilities.
(1) (a) (i) In each county operating under a county executive-council form of government
under Section 17-52-504 , the county executive is the local substance abuse authority.
(ii) In each county operating under a council-manager form of government under Section
17-52-505 , the county manager is the local substance abuse authority.
(iii) In each county other than a county described in Subsection (1)(a)(i) or (ii), the
county legislative body is the local substance abuse authority.
(b) Within legislative appropriations and county matching funds required by this section,
and under the policy direction of the board and the administrative direction of the division, each
local substance abuse authority shall:
(i) develop substance abuse prevention and treatment services plans; and
(ii) provide substance abuse services to residents of the county.
(2) (a) By executing an interlocal agreement under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal
Cooperation Act, two or more counties may join to provide substance abuse prevention and
treatment services.
(b) The legislative bodies of counties joining to provide services may establish acceptable
ways of apportioning the cost of substance abuse services.
(c) Each agreement for joint substance abuse services shall:
(i) (A) designate the treasurer of one of the participating counties or another person as
the treasurer for the combined substance abuse authorities and as the custodian of moneys
available for the joint services; and
(B) provide that the designated treasurer, or other disbursing officer authorized by the
treasurer, may make payments from the moneys for the joint services upon audit of the
appropriate auditing officer or officers representing the participating counties;
(ii) provide for the appointment of an independent auditor or a county auditor of one of
the participating counties as the designated auditing officer for the combined substance abuse
authorities;
(iii) (A) provide for the appointment of the county or district attorney of one of the
participating counties as the designated legal officer for the combined substance abuse authorities;
and
(B) authorize the designated legal officer to request and receive the assistance of the
county or district attorneys of the other participating counties in defending or prosecuting actions
within their counties relating to the combined substance abuse authorities; and
(iv) provide for the adoption of management, clinical, financial, procurement, personnel,
and administrative policies as already established by one of the participating counties or as
approved by the legislative body of each participating county or interlocal board.
(d) An agreement for joint substance abuse services may provide for joint operation of
services and facilities or for operation of services and facilities under contract by one participating
local substance abuse authority for other participating local substance abuse authorities.
(3) (a) Each local substance abuse authority is accountable to the department, the
Department of Health, and the state with regard to the use of state and federal funds received
from those departments for substance abuse services, regardless of whether the services are
provided by a private contract provider.
(b) Each local substance abuse authority shall comply, and require compliance by its
contract provider, with all directives issued by the department and the Department of Health
regarding the use and expenditure of state and federal funds received from those departments for
the purpose of providing substance abuse programs and services. The department and
Department of Health shall ensure that those directives are not duplicative or conflicting, and shall
consult and coordinate with local substance abuse authorities with regard to programs and
services.
(4) Each local substance abuse authority shall:
(a) review and evaluate substance abuse prevention and treatment needs and services,
including substance abuse needs and services for individuals incarcerated in a county jail or other
county correctional facility;
(b) annually prepare and submit to the division a plan for funding and service delivery that
includes:
(i) provisions for services, either directly by the substance abuse authority or by contract,
for adults, youth, and children, including those incarcerated in a county jail or other county
correctional facility; and
(ii) primary prevention, targeted prevention, early intervention, and treatment services;
(c) establish and maintain, either directly or by contract, programs licensed under Title
62A, Chapter 2, Licensure of Programs and Facilities;
(d) appoint directly or by contract a full or part time director for substance abuse
programs, and prescribe the director's duties;
(e) provide input and comment on new and revised policies established by the board;
(f) establish and require contract providers to establish administrative, clinical,
procurement, personnel, financial, and management policies regarding substance abuse services
and facilities, in accordance with the policies of the board, and state and federal law;
(g) establish mechanisms allowing for direct citizen input;
(h) annually contract with the division to provide substance abuse programs and services
in accordance with the provisions of Title 62A, Chapter 15, Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Act;
(i) comply with all applicable state and federal statutes, policies, audit requirements,
contract requirements, and any directives resulting from those audits and contract requirements;
(j) promote or establish programs for the prevention of substance abuse within the
community setting through community-based prevention programs;
(k) provide funding equal to at least 20% of the state funds that it receives to fund
services described in the plan;
(l) comply with the requirements and procedures of Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal
Cooperation Act, Title 17A, Chapter 1, Part 4, Uniform Fiscal Procedures for Special Districts
Act, and Title 51, Chapter 2, Audits of Political Subdivisions, Interlocal Organizations and Other
Local Entities;
(m) for persons convicted of driving under the influence in violation of Subsection
41-6-44 (2) or Section 41-6-44.6 , conduct the following as defined in Section 41-6-44 :
(i) a screening [
(ii) an assessment;
[
[
(n) utilize proceeds of the accounts described in Subsection 62A-15-503 (1) to supplement
the cost of providing the services described in Subsection (4)(m).
(5) Before disbursing any public funds, each local substance abuse authority shall require
that each entity that receives any public funds from the local substance abuse authority agrees in
writing that:
(a) the entity's financial records and other records relevant to the entity's performance of
the services provided to the local substance abuse authority, except patient identifying
information, shall be subject to examination by:
(i) the division;
(ii) the local substance abuse authority director;
(iii) (A) the county treasurer and county or district attorney; or
(B) if two or more counties jointly provide substance abuse services under an agreement
under Subsection (2), the designated treasurer and the designated legal officer;
(iv) the county legislative body; and
(v) in a county with a county executive that is separate from the county legislative body,
the county executive;
(b) the county auditor may examine and audit the entity's financial and other records
relevant to the entity's performance of the services provided to the local substance abuse
authority; and
(c) the entity will comply with the provisions of Subsection (3)(b).
(6) A local substance abuse authority may receive property, grants, gifts, supplies,
materials, contributions, and any benefit derived therefrom, for substance abuse services. If those
gifts are conditioned upon their use for a specified service or program, they shall be so used.
(7) (a) As used in this section, "public funds" means the same as that term is defined in
Section 17-43-203 .
(b) Nothing in this section limits or prohibits an organization exempt under Section
501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code, from using public funds for any business purpose or in any
financial arrangement that is otherwise lawful for that organization.
Section 2. Section 41-6-43.8 is amended to read:
41-6-43.8. Acceptance of plea of guilty to DUI _ Restrictions -- Verification of prior
violations -- Prosecutor to examine defendant's record.
(1) A court may not accept a plea of guilty or no contest to a charge under Section
41-6-44 unless:
(a) the prosecutor agrees to the plea:
(i) in open court;
(ii) in writing; or
(iii) by another means of communication which the court finds adequate to record the
prosecutor's agreement;
(b) the charge is filed by information as defined under Section 77-1-3 ; or
(c) the court receives verification from a law enforcement agency that the defendant's
driver license record contains no record of a conviction, arrest, or charge for:
(i) more than one prior violation within the previous ten years of any offense which, if the
defendant were convicted, would qualify as a "conviction" as defined under Subsection
41-6-44 (1);
(ii) a felony violation of Section 41-6-44 ; or
(iii) automobile homicide under Section 76-5-207 .
(2) A verification under Subsection (1)(c) may be made by:
(a) a written indication on the citation;
(b) a separate written document; or
(c) any other means which the court finds adequate to record the law enforcement
agency's verification.
(3) (a) Prior to agreeing to a plea of guilty or no contest or to filing an information under
Subsection (1), the prosecutor shall examine the criminal history or driver license record of the
defendant.
(b) If the defendant's record contains a conviction or unresolved arrest or charge for an
offense listed in Subsections (1)(c)(i) through (iii), a plea may only be accepted if:
(i) approved by:
(A) a district attorney;
(B) a deputy district attorney;
(C) a county attorney;
(D) a deputy county attorney;
(E) the attorney general; or
(F) an assistant attorney general; and
(ii) the attorney giving approval under Subsection (3)(b)(i) has felony jurisdiction over the
case.
(4) A plea of guilty or no contest is not made invalid by the failure of the court,
prosecutor, or law enforcement agency to comply with this section.
Section 3. Section 41-6-44 is amended to read:
41-6-44. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both or
with specified or unsafe blood alcohol concentration -- Measurement of blood or breath
alcohol -- Criminal punishment -- Arrest without warrant -- Penalties -- Suspension or
revocation of license.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "assessment" means an in-depth clinical interview with a licensed mental health
therapist:
(i) used to determine if a person is in need of:
(A) substance abuse treatment that is obtained at a substance abuse program;
(B) an educational series; or
(C) a combination of Subsections (1)(a)(i)(A) and (B); and
(ii) that is approved by the Board of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in accordance
with Section 62A-15-105 .
[
[
[
Subsections (9) and (10);
[
taken illegally in the body;
[
both-related reckless driving adopted in compliance with Section 41-6-43 ;
[
(F) Subsection 58-37-8 (2)(g);
[
which judgment of conviction is reduced under Section 76-3-402 ; or
[
district, possession, or territory of the United States which would constitute a violation of this
section or alcohol, any drug, or a combination of both-related reckless driving if committed in this
state, including punishments administered under 10 U.S.C. Sec. 815;
(ii) A plea of guilty or no contest to a violation described in Subsections (1)(b)(i)(A)
through (H) which plea is held in abeyance under Title 77, Chapter 2a, Pleas in Abeyance, is the
equivalent of a conviction, even if the charge has been subsequently reduced or dismissed in
accordance with the plea in abeyance agreement, for purposes of:
(A) enhancement of penalties under:
(I) this Chapter 6, Article 5, Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving; and
(II) automobile homicide under Section 76-5-207 ; and
(B) expungement under Section 77-18-12 .
[
program that is approved by the Board of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in accordance with
Section 62A-15-105 ;
[
appraisal of a person:
(i) used to determine if the person is in need of:
(A) an assessment; or
(B) an educational series; and
(ii) that is approved by the Board of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in accordance
with Section 62A-15-105;
[
permanent disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or
organ, or creates a substantial risk of death;
[
program that is approved by the Board of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in accordance with
Section 62A-15-105 ;
[
program;
[
this section adopted in compliance with Section 41-6-43 ; and
[
degree of care that an ordinarily reasonable and prudent person exercises under like or similar
circumstances.
(2) (a) A person may not operate or be in actual physical control of a vehicle within this
state if the person:
(i) has sufficient alcohol in his body that a subsequent chemical test shows that the person
has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of the test;
(ii) is under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and
any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle; or
(iii) has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of
operation or actual physical control.
(b) The fact that a person charged with violating this section is or has been legally entitled
to use alcohol or a drug is not a defense against any charge of violating this section.
(c) Alcohol concentration in the blood shall be based upon grams of alcohol per 100
milliliters of blood, and alcohol concentration in the breath shall be based upon grams of alcohol
per 210 liters of breath.
(3) (a) A person convicted the first or second time of a violation of Subsection (2) is
guilty of a:
(i) class B misdemeanor; or
(ii) class A misdemeanor if the person:
(A) has also inflicted bodily injury upon another as a proximate result of having operated
the vehicle in a negligent manner;
(B) had a passenger under 16 years of age in the vehicle at the time of the offense; or
(C) was 21 years of age or older and had a passenger under 18 years of age in the vehicle
at the time of the offense.
(b) A person convicted of a violation of Subsection (2) is guilty of a third degree felony if
the person has also inflicted serious bodily injury upon another as a proximate result of having
operated the vehicle in a negligent manner.
(4) (a) As part of any sentence imposed the court shall, upon a first conviction, impose a
mandatory jail sentence of not less than 48 consecutive hours.
(b) The court may, as an alternative to all or part of a jail sentence, require the person to:
(i) work in a compensatory-service work program for not less than 48 hours; or
(ii) participate in home confinement through the use of electronic monitoring in
accordance with Subsection (13).
(c) In addition to the jail sentence, compensatory-service work program, or home
confinement, the court shall:
(i) order the person to participate in a screening [
(ii) order the person to participate in an assessment, if it is found appropriate by a
screening under Subsection (4)(c)(i);
[
order substance abuse treatment as described under Subsection (4)(d); and
[
(d) The court may order the person to obtain substance abuse treatment if the substance
abuse treatment program determines that substance abuse treatment is appropriate.
(e) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(e)(ii), the court may order probation for the
person in accordance with Subsection (14).
(ii) If there is admissible evidence that the person had a blood alcohol level of .16 or
higher, the court shall order probation for the person in accordance with Subsection (14).
(5) (a) If a person is convicted under Subsection (2) within ten years of a prior conviction
under this section, the court shall as part of any sentence impose a mandatory jail sentence of not
less than 240 consecutive hours.
(b) The court may, as an alternative to all or part of a jail sentence, require the person to:
(i) work in a compensatory-service work program for not less than 240 hours; or
(ii) participate in home confinement through the use of electronic monitoring in
accordance with Subsection (13).
(c) In addition to the jail sentence, compensatory-service work program, or home
confinement, the court shall:
(i) order the person to participate in a screening [
(ii) order the person to participate in an assessment, if it is found appropriate by a
screening under Subsection (5)(c)(i);
[
order substance abuse treatment as described under Subsection (5)(d); and
[
(d) The court may order the person to obtain substance abuse treatment if the substance
abuse treatment program determines that substance abuse treatment is appropriate.
(e) The court shall order probation for the person in accordance with Subsection (14).
(6) (a) A conviction for a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if it is:
(i) a third or subsequent conviction under this section within ten years of two or more
prior convictions; or
(ii) at any time after a conviction of:
(A) automobile homicide under Section 76-5-207 that is committed after July 1, 2001; or
(B) a felony violation under this section that is committed after July 1, 2001.
(b) Any conviction described in this Subsection (6) which judgment of conviction is
reduced under Section 76-3-402 is a conviction for purposes of this section.
(c) Under Subsection (3)(b) or (6)(a), if the court suspends the execution of a prison
sentence and places the defendant on probation the court shall impose:
(i) a fine of not less than $1,500; and
(ii) a mandatory jail sentence of not less than 1,500 hours.
(d) For Subsection (6)(a) or (c), the court shall impose an order requiring the person to
obtain a screening and assessment and substance abuse treatment at a substance abuse treatment
program providing intensive care or inpatient treatment and long-term closely supervised
follow-through after treatment for not less than 240 hours.
(e) In addition to the penalties required under Subsection (6)(c), if the court orders
probation, the probation shall be supervised probation which may include requiring the person to
participate in home confinement through the use of electronic monitoring in accordance with
Subsection (13).
(7) The mandatory portion of any sentence required under this section may not be
suspended and the convicted person is not eligible for parole or probation until any sentence
imposed under this section has been served. Probation or parole resulting from a conviction for a
violation under this section may not be terminated.
(8) (a) (i) The provisions in Subsections (4), (5), and (6) that require a sentencing court
to order a convicted person to: participate in a screening [
an educational series; obtain, in the discretion of the court, substance abuse treatment; obtain,
mandatorily, substance abuse treatment; or do a combination of those things, apply to a
conviction for a violation of Section 41-6-44.6 or 41-6-45 under Subsection (9).
(ii) The court shall render the same order regarding screening [
educational series, or substance abuse treatment in connection with a first, second, or subsequent
conviction under Section 41-6-44.6 or 41-6-45 under Subsection (9), as the court would render in
connection with applying respectively, the first, second, or subsequent conviction requirements of
Subsections (4), (5), and (6).
(b) The court shall notify the Driver License Division if a person fails to:
(i) complete all court ordered:
(A) screening [
(B) assessment;
[
[
[
(ii) pay all fines and fees, including fees for restitution and treatment costs. Upon
receiving the notification, the division shall suspend the person's driving privilege in accordance
with Subsections 53-3-221 (2) and (3).
(9) (a) (i) When the prosecution agrees to a plea of guilty or no contest to a charge of a
violation of Section 41-6-45 , of an ordinance enacted under Section 41-6-43 , or of Section
41-6-44.6 in satisfaction of, or as a substitute for, an original charge of a violation of this section,
the prosecution shall state for the record a factual basis for the plea, including whether or not
there had been consumption of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, by the defendant in
connection with the violation.
(ii) The statement is an offer of proof of the facts that shows whether there was
consumption of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, by the defendant, in connection with the
violation.
(b) The court shall advise the defendant before accepting the plea offered under this
Subsection (9)(b) of the consequences of a violation of Section 41-6-44.6 or of Section 41-6-45 .
(c) The court shall notify the Driver License Division of each conviction of Section
41-6-44.6 or 41-6-45 entered under this Subsection (9).
(10) A peace officer may, without a warrant, arrest a person for a violation of this section
when the officer has probable cause to believe the violation has occurred, although not in his
presence, and if the officer has probable cause to believe that the violation was committed by the
person.
(11) (a) The Driver License Division shall:
(i) suspend for 90 days the operator's license of a person convicted for the first time under
Subsection (2);
(ii) revoke for one year the license of a person convicted of any subsequent offense under
Subsection (2) or if the person has a prior conviction as defined under Subsection (1) if the
violation is committed within a period of ten years from the date of the prior violation; and
(iii) suspend or revoke the license of a person as ordered by the court under Subsection
(12).
(b) The Driver License Division shall subtract from any suspension or revocation period
the number of days for which a license was previously suspended under Section 53-3-223 or
53-3-231 , if the previous suspension was based on the same occurrence upon which the record of
conviction is based.
(12) (a) In addition to any other penalties provided in this section, a court may order the
operator's license of a person who is convicted of a violation of Subsection (2) to be suspended
or revoked for an additional period of 90 days, 180 days, one year, or two years to remove from
the highways those persons who have shown they are safety hazards.
(b) If the court suspends or revokes the person's license under this Subsection (12)(b),
the court shall prepare and send to the Driver License Division an order to suspend or revoke that
person's driving privileges for a specified period of time.
(13) (a) If the court orders a person to participate in home confinement through the use
of electronic monitoring, the electronic monitoring shall alert the appropriate corrections,
probation monitoring agency, law enforcement units, or contract provider of the defendant's
whereabouts.
(b) The electronic monitoring device shall be used under conditions which require:
(i) the person to wear an electronic monitoring device at all times;
(ii) that a device be placed in the home or other specified location of the person, so that
the person's compliance with the court's order may be monitored; and
(iii) the person to pay the costs of the electronic monitoring.
(c) The court shall order the appropriate entity described in Subsection (13)(e) to place an
electronic monitoring device on the person and install electronic monitoring equipment in the
residence of the person or other specified location.
(d) The court may:
(i) require the person's electronic home monitoring device to include a substance abuse
testing instrument;
(ii) restrict the amount of alcohol the person may consume during the time the person is
subject to home confinement;
(iii) set specific time and location conditions that allow the person to attend school
educational classes, or employment and to travel directly between those activities and the person's
home; and
(iv) waive all or part of the costs associated with home confinement if the person is
determined to be indigent by the court.
(e) The electronic monitoring described in this section may either be administered directly
by the appropriate corrections agency, probation monitoring agency, or by contract with a private
provider.
(f) The electronic monitoring provider shall cover the costs of waivers by the court under
Subsection (13)(c)(iv).
(14) (a) If supervised probation is ordered under Section 41-6-44.6 or Subsection (4)(e)
or (5)(e):
(i) the court shall specify the period of the probation;
(ii) the person shall pay all of the costs of the probation; and
(iii) the court may order any other conditions of the probation.
(b) The court shall provide the probation described in this section by contract with a
probation monitoring agency or a private probation provider.
(c) The probation provider described in Subsection (14)(b) shall monitor the person's
compliance with all conditions of the person's sentence, conditions of probation, and court orders
received under this article and shall notify the court of any failure to comply with or complete that
sentence or those conditions or orders.
(d) (i) The court may waive all or part of the costs associated with probation if the person
is determined to be indigent by the court.
(ii) The probation provider described in Subsection (14)(b) shall cover the costs of
waivers by the court under Subsection (14)(d)(i).
(15) If a person is convicted of a violation of Subsection (2) and there is admissible
evidence that the person had a blood alcohol level of .16 or higher, [
appropriate:
(a) treatment as described under Subsection (4)(d), (5)(d), or (6)(d)[
(b) one or both of the following [
(i) the installation of an ignition interlock system as a condition of probation for the
person in accordance with Section 41-6-44.7 ; or
(ii) the imposition of home confinement through the use of electronic monitoring in
accordance with Subsection (13).
Section 4. Section 62A-15-105 is amended to read:
62A-15-105. Authority and responsibilities of board.
The board is the policymaking body for the division and for programs funded with state
and federal moneys under Sections 17-43-201 , 17-43-301 , 17-43-304 , and 62A-15-110 . The
board shall:
(1) in establishing policy, seek input from local substance abuse authorities, local mental
health authorities, consumers, providers, advocates, division staff, and other interested parties as
determined by the board;
(2) establish, by rule, minimum standards for local substance abuse authorities and local
mental health authorities;
(3) establish, by rule, procedures for developing its policies which ensure that local
substance abuse authorities and local mental health authorities are given opportunity to comment
and provide input on any new policy of the board or proposed changes in existing policy of the
board;
(4) provide a mechanism for review of its existing policy, and for consideration of policy
changes that are proposed by local substance abuse authorities or local mental health authorities;
(5) develop program policies, standards, rules, and fee schedules for the division; and
(6) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make
rules approving the form and content of substance abuse treatment, educational series, [
screening, and assessment that are described in Section 41-6-44 .
Section 5. Section 63-55b-177 is enacted to read:
63-55b-177. Repeal dates, Title 77.
Section 77-2a-3.1 is repealed June 30, 2006.
Section 6. Section 76-5-207 is amended to read:
76-5-207. Automobile homicide.
(1) As used in this section, "motor vehicle" means any self-propelled vehicle and includes
any automobile, truck, van, motorcycle, train, engine, watercraft, or aircraft.
(2) (a) Criminal homicide is automobile homicide, a third degree felony, if the person
operates a motor vehicle in a negligent manner causing the death of another and:
(i) has sufficient alcohol in his body that a subsequent chemical test shows that the person
has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of the test;
(ii) is under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and
any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle; or
(iii) has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of
operation.
(b) A conviction for a violation of this Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if it is
subsequent to a conviction as defined in Subsection 41-6-44 (1)[
(c) As used in this Subsection (2), "negligent" means simple negligence, the failure to
exercise that degree of care that reasonable and prudent persons exercise under like or similar
circumstances.
(3) (a) Criminal homicide is automobile homicide, a second degree felony, if the person
operates a motor vehicle in a criminally negligent manner causing the death of another and:
(i) has sufficient alcohol in his body that a subsequent chemical test shows that the person
has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of the test;
(ii) is under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and
any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle; or
(iii) has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of
operation.
(b) As used in this Subsection (3), "criminally negligent" means criminal negligence as
defined by Subsection 76-2-103 (4).
(4) The standards for chemical breath analysis as provided by Section 41-6-44.3 and the
provisions for the admissibility of chemical test results as provided by Section 41-6-44.5 apply to
determination and proof of blood alcohol content under this section.
(5) Calculations of blood or breath alcohol concentration under this section shall be made
in accordance with Subsection 41-6-44 (2).
(6) The fact that a person charged with violating this section is or has been legally entitled
to use alcohol or a drug is not a defense.
(7) Evidence of a defendant's blood or breath alcohol content or drug content is
admissible except when prohibited by Rules of Evidence or the constitution.
Section 7. Section 77-2a-3 is amended to read:
77-2a-3. Manner of entry of plea -- Powers of court.
(1) Acceptance of any plea in anticipation of a plea in abeyance agreement shall be done
in full compliance with the provisions of Rule 11, Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure.
(2) A plea in abeyance agreement may provide that the court may, upon finding that the
defendant has successfully completed the terms of the agreement:
(a) reduce the degree of the offense and enter judgment of conviction and impose
sentence for a lower degree of offense; or
(b) allow withdrawal of defendant's plea and order the dismissal of the case.
(3) Upon finding that a defendant has successfully completed the terms of a plea in
abeyance agreement, the court shall reduce the degree of the offense, dismiss the case only as
provided in the plea in abeyance agreement or as agreed to by all parties. Upon sentencing a
defendant for any lesser offense pursuant to a plea in abeyance agreement, the court may not
invoke Section 76-3-402 to further reduce the degree of the offense.
(4) The court may require the Department of Corrections to assist in the administration of
the plea in abeyance agreement as if the defendant were on probation to the court under Section
77-18-1 .
(5) The court may upon acceptance of a plea in abeyance agreement and pursuant to the
terms of the agreement:
(a) order the defendant to pay a nonrefundable plea in abeyance fee, which shall be
allocated in the same manner as if it had been paid as a fine and shall not exceed in amount the
maximum fine which could have been imposed upon conviction and sentencing for the same
offense;
(b) order the defendant to pay all or a portion of the costs of administration of the
agreement;
(c) order the defendant to pay restitution to the victims of his actions as provided in Title
77, Chapter 38a, Crime Victims Restitution Act;
(d) order the defendant to pay the costs of any rehabilitative program required by the
terms of the agreement; and
(e) order the defendant to comply with any other conditions which could have been
imposed as conditions of probation upon conviction and sentencing for the same offense.
(6) A court may not hold a plea in abeyance without the consent of both the prosecuting
attorney and the defendant. A decision by a prosecuting attorney not to agree to a plea in
abeyance is [
(7) No plea may be held in abeyance in any case involving:
(a) a sexual offense against a victim who is under the age of 14[
(b) a driving under the influence violation under Section 41-6-44 .
Section 8. Section 77-2a-3.1 is enacted to read:
77-2a-3.1. Restrictions on pleas to driving under the influence violations.
(1) As used in this section, an "education or treatment incentive program" means a
program that includes:
(a) a screening as defined in Section 41-6-44 that is approved by the Board of Substance
Abuse and Mental Health in accordance with Section 62A-15-105 ;
(b) an assessment as defined in Section 41-6-44 that is approved by the Board of
Substance Abuse and Mental Health in accordance with Section 62A-15-105 , if found appropriate
in a screening under Subsection (1)(a);
(c) (i) an educational series as defined in Section 41-6-44 that is approved by the Board
of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in accordance with Section 62A-15-105 ; or
(ii) a substance abuse treatment program as defined in Section 41-6-44 that is approved
by the Board of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in accordance with Section 62A-15-105 , if
found appropriate in an assessment under Subsection (1)(b);
(d) regular court reviews for compliance;
(e) random drug and alcohol testing; and
(f) if a substance abuse treatment program is found appropriate under Subsection (1)(c),
at least monthly reports from the substance abuse treatment program to the court.
(2) (a) A plea may not be held in abeyance in any case involving a driving under the
influence violation under Section 41-6-44 that is punishable as a felony or class A misdemeanor.
(b) A plea to a driving under the influence violation under Section 41-6-44 that is
punishable as a class B misdemeanor may not be held in abeyance unless:
(i) (A) the plea is entered pursuant to an education or treatment incentive program; and
(B) the education or treatment incentive program is approved by the district attorney,
county attorney, attorney general, or chief prosecutor of a municipality; or
(ii) evidentiary issues or other circumstances justify resolution of the case with a plea in
abeyance.
(3) A plea to a driving under the influence violation under Section 41-6-44 may not be
dismissed or entered as a conviction of a lesser offense pursuant to Subsection (2)(b)(i) if the
defendant:
(a) has been convicted of any other violation which is defined as a conviction under
Subsection 41-6-44 (1);
(b) has had a plea to any other violation of Section 41-6-44 held in abeyance; or
(c) in the current case:
(i) operated a vehicle in a negligent manner proximately resulting in bodily injury to
another or property damage to an extent requiring reporting to a law enforcement agency under
Section 41-6-31 ;
(ii) had a blood or breath alcohol level of .16 or higher; or
(iii) had a passenger under 18 years of age in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
(4) A decision by a prosecuting attorney not to establish an education or treatment
incentive program is final.
Section 9. Section 77-18-11 is amended to read:
77-18-11. Petition -- Expungement of conviction -- Certificate of eligibility -- Fee --
Notice -- Written evaluation -- Objections -- Hearing.
(1) A person convicted of a crime may petition the convicting court for an expungement
of the record of conviction.
(2) (a) The court shall require receipt of a certificate of eligibility issued by the division
under Section 77-18-12 .
(b) The fee for each certificate of eligibility is $25. This fee remains in effect until
changed by the division through the process under Section 63-38-3.2 .
(c) Funds generated under Subsection (2)(b) shall be deposited in the General Fund as a
dedicated credit by the department to cover the costs incurred in providing the information.
(3) The petition and certificate of eligibility shall be filed with the court and served upon
the prosecuting attorney and the Department of Corrections.
(4) A victim shall receive notice of a petition for expungement if, prior to the entry of an
expungement order, the victim or, in the case of a minor or a person who is incapacitated or
deceased, the victim's next of kin or authorized representative, submits a written and signed
request for notice to the office of the Department of Corrections in the judicial district in which
the crime occurred or judgment was entered.
(5) The Department of Corrections shall serve notice of the expungement request by
first-class mail to the victim at the most recent address of record on file with the department. The
notice shall include a copy of the petition, certificate of eligibility, and statutes and rules applicable
to the petition.
(6) The court in its discretion may request a written evaluation by Adult Parole and
Probation of the Department of Corrections.
(a) The evaluation shall include a recommendation concerning the petition for
expungement.
(b) If expungement is recommended, the evaluation shall include certification that the
petitioner has completed all requirements of sentencing and probation or parole and state any
rationale that would support or refute consideration for expungement.
(c) The conclusions and recommendations contained in the evaluation shall be provided to
the petitioner and the prosecuting attorney.
(7) If the prosecuting attorney or a victim submits a written objection to the court
concerning the petition within 30 days after service of the notice, or if the petitioner objects to the
conclusions and recommendations in the evaluation within 15 days after receipt of the conclusions
and recommendations, the court shall set a date for a hearing and notify the prosecuting attorney
for the jurisdiction, the petitioner, and the victim of the date set for the hearing.
(8) Any person who has relevant information about the petitioner may testify at the
hearing.
(9) The prosecuting attorney may respond to the court with a recommendation or
objection within 30 days.
(10) If an objection is not received under Subsection (7), the expungement may be
granted without a hearing.
(11) A court may not expunge a conviction of [
(a) a capital felony;
(b) a first degree felony;
(c) a second degree forcible felony; [
(d) any sexual act against a minor[
(e) an offense for which a certificate of eligibility may not be issued under Section
77-18-12 .
Section 10. Section 77-18-12 is amended to read:
77-18-12. Grounds for denial of certificate of eligibility -- Effect of prior
convictions.
(1) The division shall issue a certificate of eligibility to a petitioner seeking to obtain
expungement for a criminal record unless prior to issuing a certificate of eligibility the division
finds, through records of a governmental agency, including national criminal data bases that:
(a) the conviction for which expungement is sought is:
(i) a capital felony[
(ii) a first degree felony[
(iii) a second degree forcible felony[
(iv) automobile homicide;
(v) a felony violation of Section 41-6-44 ;
(vi) a conviction involving a sexual act against a minor[
(vii) any registerable sex offense as defined in Subsection 77-27-21.5 (1)(d)[
(viii) an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit any offense listed in [
Subsection 77-27-21.5 (1)(d);
(b) the petitioner's record includes two or more convictions for any type of offense which
would be classified as a felony under Utah law, not arising out of a single criminal episode,
regardless of the jurisdiction in which the convictions occurred;
(c) the petitioner has previously obtained expungement in any jurisdiction of a crime
which would be classified as a felony in Utah;
(d) the petitioner has previously obtained expungement in any jurisdiction of two or more
convictions which would be classified as misdemeanors in Utah unless the convictions would be
classified as class B or class C misdemeanors in Utah and 15 years have passed since these
misdemeanor convictions;
(e) the petitioner was convicted in any jurisdiction, subsequent to the conviction for
which expungement is sought and within the time periods as provided in Subsection (2), of a
crime which would be classified in Utah as a felony, misdemeanor, or infraction;
(f) the person has a combination of three or more convictions not arising out of a single
criminal episode including any conviction for an offense which would be classified under Utah law
as a class B or class A misdemeanor or as a felony, including any misdemeanor and felony
convictions previously expunged, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the conviction or
expungement occurred; or
(g) a proceeding involving a crime is pending or being instituted in any jurisdiction against
the petitioner.
(2) A conviction may not be included for purposes of Subsection (1)(e), and a conviction
may not be considered for expungement until, after the petitioner's release from incarceration,
parole, or probation, whichever occurs last and all fines ordered by the court have been satisfied,
at least the following period of time has elapsed:
(a) seven years in the case of a felony;
(b) ten years in the case of [
(i) a misdemeanor conviction or the equivalent of a misdemeanor conviction as defined in
Subsection 41-6-44 (1); or
(ii) a felony violation of Subsection 58-37-8 (2)(g);
(c) five years in the case of a class A misdemeanor;
(d) three years in the case of any other misdemeanor or infraction under Title 76, Utah
Criminal Code; or
(e) 15 years in the case of multiple class B or class C misdemeanors.
(3) A petitioner who would not be eligible to receive a certificate of eligibility under
Subsection (1)(d) or (f) may receive a certificate of eligibility for one additional expungement if at
least 15 years have elapsed since the last of any of the following:
(a) release from incarceration, parole, or probation relating to the most recent conviction;
and
(b) any other conviction which would have prevented issuance of a certificate of eligibility
under Subsection (1)(e).
(4) If, after reasonable research, a disposition for an arrest on the criminal history file is
unobtainable, the division may issue a special certificate giving discretion of eligibility to the
court.
Section 11. Study.
The Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice shall study the use of pleas in abeyance
involving driving under the influence violations and report to the Transportation Interim
Committee no later than October 31, 2005.
Section 12. Effective date.
This bill takes effect on May 3, 2004, except that the amendments to Section 77-2a-3 take
effect on July 1, 2006.
[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]