Drunk driving is a felony. Conviction will change your life. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Kansas City, you need tough legal defense. A good Kansas City traffic attorney can help you, protect your rights, and fight for your future. This is a site which discusses what a Kansas City DUI attorney does, how he or she defends you, and how obtaining one early can be a game changer.
Why DUI Charges Are Serious
A DUI is not a traffic citation. It is a crime. A conviction can lead to jail, a substantial fine, or suspension of your license. In the state of Missouri, the penalty gets more severe with each successive offense. A first will be equal to fines and suspension of your license. A second or third will be equal to several months in jail and greater suspension of your license. The law also affects your record. A DUI remains on your record for several years. Employers, landlords, and schools will see it. That can affect job, housing, and your future.
Kansas City DUI Attorney’s Role
A DUI attorney represents you in court and at license hearings. His or her role is to protect your freedom, driving privilege, and record.
Some of the important responsibilities are:
- Reviewing the police stop and arrest
- Monitoring for whether or not the officer had reasonable grounds to stop you
- Reviewing results of a breath or blood test
- Requiring response to testing or police report errors
- Negotiating prosecutors
- Appearance at trial if required
Your lawyer can also help you keep driving until your case. They usually request a hearing so your license is not suspended right away.
How a DUI Lawyer Formulates a Defense
Every single case is unique. A professional DUI lawyer reviews everything.
Most common defense tactics are:
- Challenging the stop if there was no reasonable cause
- Challenging field sobriety because it is not necessarily always true
- Discovering malfunction in the machines used for breath tests
- Confirming if medical issues affected results
- Proving rights were abused during arrest
Even if your case is overwhelming, your lawyer can downplay charges or penalties by negotiating. Most cases end up with lesser charges like reckless driving instead of a DUI conviction.
Benefits of a Local Lawyer
You are at an advantage with a Kansas City DUI lawyer. They know the local courts, judges, and prosecutors. That puts them at an advantage to better prepare the optimum defense for your case. A Kansas City lawyer is also an expert on Missouri DUI law and DMV hearings. They defend you in court and license hearings. You can lose rights you do not even know you have without a lawyer.
What to Do If You Get a DUI Arrest
If you get arrested for a DUI in Kansas City:
- Do not become angry and be polite to police officers.
- Do not apologize and do not fight back.
- Ask for an attorney right away.
- Write down as much as you can remember about the stop and arrest.
- Call a DUI attorney as soon as possible.
The earlier your attorney is able to work on your case, the better your defense will be.
Missouri DUI penalties
The penalties are contingent on your record, the blood alcohol concentration, and whether or not there was an injury involved.
- First offense: A $500 fine, a maximum of 6 months in jail, 30 day license suspension
- Second offense: A $1,000 fine, a maximum of 1 year in jail, 1 year license suspension
- Third offense: A $5,000 fine, a maximum of 4 years in jail, 10 year license suspension
Certain aggravating factors, including a high blood alcohol concentration or an injury, can increase the penalties imposed.
How a DUI Affects Your Life This is not the end of the problems with DUI. The first impact you will notice is an increase in your insurance rates as a result of a DUI conviction. Many auto insurers, and sometimes even some private insurers, will cancel the coverage of people that have been convicted of DUI, especially if they drive cars for work. If you hold a professional license, your entire livelihood might be at stake as a result of a DUI conviction. You might even discover you can no longer travel. Canada, for example, does not allow people with a criminal conviction to enter the country. All these things may close some doors personally and professionally for you.
Why You Need to Hire a Kansas City DUI Lawyer
It is not a good idea to defend yourself with a DUI charge and without an attorney. A Kansas City DUI lawyer gives you a voice in court. They battle your rights on every corner. Their experience can lead to lower charges, lower license suspension, or not having to be incarcerated. Your future is yours to protect. A good lawyer can fight your DUI charge head-on.
Kansas City DUI Lawyer FAQs
- Will a DUI lawyer really be able to win my case?
Yes. A lawyer can find faults with testing, police protocol, or evidence. Nine out of ten DUI charges are reduced or dismissed.
- How much does it cost to retain a Kansas City DUI lawyer?
There is an added fee for $each case and experience of $an attorney. There are flat fees for certain attorneys, $some per hour. The expense is generally lower than the long-term ramifications of a conviction.
- Will I lose my license if I am arrested for DUI?
Not necessarily. Suspension can be appealed. Your attorney fights for your driving rights.
- Do I need an attorney for a first-time DUI charge?
Yes. A first-offense DUI is extremely serious. A lawyer can reduce charges, penalties, or suspension of your license.
- What do I bring with me to the first lawyer visit?
Bring with you all documentation from the time period you were arrested for, i.e., tickets, test results, court dates. Record information about your stop and arrest as well.
Final Thoughts
An arrest for a Kansas City DUI is frightening, but you are not without a fight. You can challenge evidence, safeguard your rights, and defend your future with a skilled DUI lawyer. Time is of the essence after an arrest. Don’t wait if you or a loved one is arrested for DUI. Call a qualified Kansas City DUI lawyer today.