Facing DUI Charges? Call a Kansas City DUI Lawyer Today

A DUI charge has the potential to shift your life in an instant. One misstep can ruin your job, license, and future. But there’s no need to do it alone. A Kansas City traffic attorney can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.

What Is a DUI in Kansas City?

DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. In Kansas City, it would signify that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or above, you’re legally impaired. Police also arrest you when they think you are too high or intoxicated to drive. That includes driving under the influence of legal medicines, not only illegal drugs. Even over-the-counter cold medicine or prescription pills can get you into trouble if they interfere with how you drive.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest

First, you will be going to jail. Your car can be towed. Then you will have a court hearing. The judge will read the charges against you. You can lose your license on the spot. You can be fined, jailed, and otherwise penalized. If this is not your first DWI, punishment will be more severe. You’ll also get a notice from the DMV or licensing board. This starts the suspension of the license. You only have a specific amount of time to respond. Forgetting it could cause longer suspension.

Why You Need a DUI Lawyer

A DUI is not a joke. The law is strict, and the process is complex. An attorney handling DUIs knows the system. They can analyze the evidence, see through the weaknesses of the case, and defend you in court. You might think that entering a plea of guilty would be simpler. But with an attorney, you might be able to get the charges reduced or dropped. That might be less time without a license or none at all. It can also preserve your job and your record.

Most DUI cases are flawed. The officer didn’t do what they were supposed to. The breath test is not always accurate. A lawyer is aware of how to spot these flaws and make them benefit you.

What a Kansas City DUI Attorney Can Do

• Explain your rights in simple terms
• Examine police reports and test results
• Verify if the officer followed the law
• Talk to the judge and prosecutor for you
• Negotiate a plea to lower your fees
• Take you to court and defend you if need be
• Help you keep your license if possible
• Walk you through every step so you’re not in the dark

Kansas and Missouri DUI Laws

Kansas City sits astride two states: Kansas and Missouri. Both states have varying DUI laws. A local attorney is familiar with both sides.

In Kansas:

• First offense: 6 months in jail maximum, $1,000 fine, 30-day license suspension
• Second offense: Up to 1-year incarceration, $1,750 fine, 1-year license suspension

In Missouri:

• First offense: Up to 6 months incarceration, $500 fine, 90-day license suspension
• Second offense: Up to 1-year incarceration, $1,000 fine, 1-year license suspension

Both states may require:

• Alcohol treatment or education courses
• Probationary periods
• Community service
• An ignition lock device

An ignition lock is a small device that you blow into first before you’re allowed to drive your car. If the unit senses alcohol, your car will not go anywhere. You pay for the cost of this device.

What to Do After a DUI Arrest

1. Remain calm and be polite to the police.
2. Ask for an attorney as soon as possible.
3. Don’t confess.
4. Take down everything that happened. Be very clear where you were and what time it was.
5. Keep any papers the police gave you.
6. Call a DUI lawyer immediately.
7. Write down all dates. Not appearing in court can lead to a warrant.

Can a DUI Be Erased from Your Record?

Sometimes. First-time DWIs may be expunged after 10 years in Kansas. In Missouri, it may do the trick after 10 years too, but it’s different legislation. You can hire an attorney to explain if you are qualified and help you file the papers. This is also known as expungement. This means that the record is sealed to the public.

You usually have to:

• Have all conditions satisfied in court
• Be of good behavior
• Serve out the full period

Expungement will allow you to find a job, house, or even a loan. It’s certainly worth asking your lawyer.

Costs of a DUI

DUI charges are expensive. You may have to pay:

• Court fines
• Lawyer fees
• Tow and storage fees
• Higher insurance rates
• Cost of DUI class
• Ignition lock fees
• License reinstatement fee

They all can potentially cost more than $10,000. Having a good attorney could save you in the long run. They could drop or dismiss some of the charges, resulting in less expense.

Also, your future career could be at risk. If you have a driving job, you could lose it. Others won’t even offer driving jobs to people with a DUI record. A lawyer can help protect your future.

Don’t Wait to Get Help

The sooner you see a lawyer, the better your chance. You only have a short amount of time to challenge your license suspension. Miss that time, and you blow your opportunity. Even if you are sure the case is good, the police made mistakes. An attorney can find them and make them work in your favor. The courts don’t dawdle. Early help gives your attorney time to build a stronger case. They will have more time to secure evidence and question witnesses.

Free Consultations Available

A complimentary initial consultation is what the majority of Kansas City DUI lawyers offer. That way, you can have your questions answered and know what to expect. Don’t wait. Your future may depend on it.

Ask about:

• How many DUI cases they’ve handled
• Their costs
• What they think will occur
• How they will represent you

Common Questions About DUI Charges

1. Do I go to jail on a first DUI?

Maybe. But if no one was injured and your record is clean, jail time will be less probable. A lawyer can typically get you out of this.

2. What if I refused the breath test?

Refusing in Kansas and Missouri means automatic suspension of your license right away. It can even be used as evidence at trial.

3. Can I drive after a DUI arrest?

You might get a limited work or school permit. You need to move fast and fill out the right forms. A lawyer can help you.

4. For how long does a DUI stay on my record?

Typically, it stays on your record for life unless you get it expunged. You have to fit under some guidelines to do that.

5. Is it worth hiring a lawyer?

Yes. Even with a first-offense DUI, an attorney can get you out of trouble. They know what they do that works in court.

Bottomline

A DUI isn’t the end of the road. Get help from a professional who knows the law and will fight for you. Call a skilled Kansas City DUI attorney today. You don’t have to go through this alone.