Utah Law About PRIME for Life® Classes

If you’re reading this page, then you have probably asked yourself the question, “Why do I have to take PRIME for Life® classes in the State of Utah?”

Utah State law requires that many individuals complete a PRIME for Life® class series after being convicted of a charge related to drugs or alcohol.

Other people are directed by their private attorney to take this class because, in most impaired driving and possession/use charges, this class is often the minimum a judge would order a defendant to complete. People who do this are merely trying to show the court that they are “serious” about addressing their charge(s) before even going to court for the first time. Taking this class before a person’s first appearance in court is NOT a guarantee of satisfying any court. This is a decision best made with your attorney.

Below is a link to the official Utah law that governs this requirement in relation to offenses involving motor vehicles:

Below is another link to the document on sentencing.utah.gov that specifies PRIME for Life® as the class series authorized to meet these legal requirements in Utah:

 

Why Adults (21+) Have to Take PRIME for Life® Classes

Adults, those age 21 years and older, generally have to take PRIME for Life® Classes due to any drug or alcohol related criminal violation that pertains to their age group.

These violations include: Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, Driving While Impaired (DWI), Operating Under the Influence (OUI), Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Public Intoxication, Contributing to a Minor, and some drug charges.

 

Why Minors (Under 21) Have to Take PRIME for Life® Classes

For minors, the legal reasons why they must take PRIME for Life® Classes are slightly different than individuals of 21 years and older.

Minors in Utah are required to complete the PRIME for Life® education series when convicted of being impaired on anything and/or in the possession of any illicit or illegal drug or under the influence of any amount of alcohol. This is commonly called the “Not a Drop Law” in Utah, and such charges are also commonly called Minor in Possession charges, or MIP charges.

Click Here for More About Under 21 DUI Classes

Below are links to the Utah State laws that govern these requirements in relation to alcohol-related offenses and MIP charges for minors:

 

Information for Parents

PRIME for Life® Classes are not a substitute for substance abuse treatment, however, we still want to direct the parents of teens who are struggling with substance abuse toward resources that will help them heal and reclaim their lives.

To learn more, we recommend that you read this page about Outpatient Teen Treatment at Odyssey House of Utah.