Facing DWI Charges? Hire an Experienced Kansas City DUI Lawyer

DWI, or driving while intoxicated (DWI) in some states, is a felony in Missouri. Being arrested for DWI can destroy your life. You could end up in jail, pay steep fines, have your driver’s license suspended, and have a criminal record. If you are a Kansas City resident and have a DWI charge against you, you need a qualified DUI attorney representing your interests. An experienced traffic defense attorney in Kansas City will be able to defend your rights. They will go over all the details of your case. They will find discrepancies in police reports, test results, or the way that you were stopped. Those little facts can convict you or release you.

Why You Should Never Fight a DWI Alone

There are individuals who believe they can represent themselves in DWI cases. They may save money or believe they can negotiate themselves out of it. It does not typically work. DWI cases are handled stiffly by courts with tight policies. Prosecutors want to convict you. Police officers will attest to what they witnessed. Breath and blood tests always look difficult to refute. A. An experienced DUI lawyer in Kansas City knows how to battle this evidence.

They are able to uncover:

Broken breathalyzers
tampered-with blood tests
Unlawful police stops
Violation of your rights

When you’re alone, you stand to lose time in jail, your job, and a mark against your record. With a good lawyer, you’ve got a good chance to battle back.

What Your Experienced DUI Lawyer Can Do for You

Your lawyer will:

Review all the evidence
Look at the arrest process
Look for errors or rights abuses
Negotiate with the prosecutor
Show up with you in court

They might be able to fight the stop. Police officers can only stop you when they have reasonable grounds. If they did not, any information they gather can be excluded. Your lawyer will also consider how tests were administered. Small mistakes can lead to a flawed test. A lab error might have caused a reading too high. A good lawyer can also get your charges lowered or put you in a diversion program. You might, in certain cases, not end up in jail and still keep your license.

The Consequences of a DWI Conviction

A DWI conviction in Kansas City is very serious:

Fines as much as $1,000 or more
Jail time
License suspended
Higher insurance costs
A criminal record for the rest of your life

Other people lose their jobs, too, especially if they have to drive to and from work. Other people can’t rent an apartment or even get a loan because they have their record. If you factor in all of those costs, it is generally less expensive overall to employ a DUI lawyer.

Why Kansas City Drivers Rely on Local DUI Attorneys

Local lawyers are familiar with the Jackson County and surrounding area courts. They are aware of how local prosecutors and judges perceive things. That familiarity gives them the ability to craft stronger defense cases. A Kansas City attorney will also be familiar with the area police departments and their routine procedures. This can provide crucial information to support your case.

What to Do If You’re Arrested for DWI

If you’re arrested on a charge of DWI, do these immediately:

Stay calm and polite to police officers.
Don’t talk about your case or say you’re at fault.
Ask for an attorney before you answer questions.
Write down everything you can remember about the arrest.
Call an attorney in Kansas City who specializes in DUI immediately.

Timing is critical. In Missouri, you have 15 days to request a hearing to contest the suspension of your license. Don’t wait and you will forfeit your right to drive legally.

The Effect of a DUI Charge on Your Life

Convictions for DWI remain with you forever on your record. You may face issues with:

Job applications
Professional licenses
Insurance rates
Travel overseas

Second or third offense entails harsher punishments. Recidivists serve longer prison sentences, pay higher fines, and have longer suspensions of their licenses. That is why you must take the first charge so seriously. You only have one chance to build the best defense.

Questions to Ask Your DUI Attorney

When you sit down with an attorney, ask these questions:

How many DWI cases have you handled?
What have been the kinds of results you’ve had for your past clients?
What defenses are there available for my case?
Are there some options other than trying the case?
How much is all this going to cost me?

Sincere answers will provide you the assurance that you’ve hired the best lawyer.

Your Defense Waits Today

Don’t wait if you or someone you love has a DWI. The quicker you act, the harder it is to prove your defense. A quality Kansas City DUI lawyer can give you a plan. They will fight aggressively for your rights and negotiate the best possible result. Call immediately to a Kansas city dui lawyer. It can start securing your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I won’t take a blood or breath test in Missouri?

It will suspend your license automatically. Refusal in the state of Missouri in most cases will revoke your license for one year. You do have other penalties, though, and your lawyer can try to get the suspension reversed.

2. Will a DWI charge be dismissed or reduced?

Yes. Charges can be dismissed if police erred or infringe your rights. Charges can be reduced to a lesser charge through negotiating or plea bargaining.

3. How long does a DUI appear on my record?

In Missouri, a DWI conviction remains on your record indefinitely. It can impact employment, insurance, and professional licenses. That is why it is so critical to contest the charge.

4. Do I automatically lose my license once I get arrested?

Not necessarily. You may request a hearing to dispute suspension. You must do something in a hurry—within 15 days—or otherwise you will forfeit this opportunity.