UTC and DUI Citations
The UTC or DUI citation is completed by law enforcement officers on all traffic related charges. This article explains the rules for when the arresting officer must issue a UTC or a DUI citation.
Whether a DUI Citation or UTC is being issued, the date of the traffic crash or traffic stop is documented on the citation, as well as the date of arrest.
The officer is supposed to explain the requirements and options for satisfying or answering to the charges prior to release. This information is unique to each county and should include, but not limited to:
- whether a court appearance is mandatory or optional, along with the court appearance schedule; and
- whether the violator is allowed to enter a plea and/or pay a fine by mail or at the traffic violations bureau.
The clerk of the circuit courts office will be contacted for the specific procedural requirements. The officer is required to deliver the traffic infraction citations to the defendant personally.
If the defendant resides outside of the member’s district or county of assignment, the United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) may be utilized to deliver the UTC to the defendant. However, such use of the U.S.P.S. will be in accordance with procedures established by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Attorney for UTC and DUI Citations in Tampa, FL
If you were issued a uniform traffic citation (UTC) or a DUI citation for an offense allegedly committed in the Tampa Bay area, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm.
Our main offices are located in downtown Tampa, FL. We also have a second office in New Port Richey in Pasco County, FL, across from the West Pasco Judicial Center.
Our attorneys represent clients at the court appearances required for any criminal charge, including criminal traffic offenses such as DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, racing on highways, or driving while license suspended.
Call (813) 250-0500.
When is the DUI Citation Issued?
The DUI citation is issued only for a DUI arrest when the driver’s blood-alcohol level is 0.08 or higher or when the driver refuses to take a blood, breath or urine test. When an officer seeks a capias for a DUI arrest and the blood results reveal a 0.08 or higher, the DUI citation will be used.
If a physical arrest is made, using toxicology results from a lab and/or hospital and the blood results are a 0.08 or higher, then a DUI Citation is used.
When the officer issues a DUI Citation from a traffic crash, the most serious charge for DUI will be used. Those charges might include:
- DUI Property Damage;
- DUI Injury or DUI Serious Bodily Injury. Additional DUI charges will be charged using a UTC.
When the officer issues a DUI Citation, the officer will notify the arrestee that the DUI Citation is the notice of suspension for the driver’s license.
When is the UTC is Issued?
A separate UTC must be completed for each violation or each count of a violation. If the blood results are below a 0.08 and/or impairment is based on the consumption of drugs, then a UTC must be used.
When a person is issued a UTC and failed to display a driver’s license, the officer will make sure that the right thumbprint is imprinted on the back of the Court Complaint copy of the hand-written UTC, or collected electronically by use of the Rapid ID Device.
If the UTC is generated using the MDC, the right thumbprint will be imprinted on the front of the Court Complaint copy.
Additional Resources
Look Up Uniform Traffic Citations in Hillsborough County – Visit the Clerk of Court website to find step by step instructions on how to look up your traffic ticket online if it was issued in Hillsborough County, FL. First locate your traffic ticket number located on the top right side of the ticket. If you misplaced your UTC, you can search by Case Number or Citation Number.
This article was last updated on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.
