Kansas City DUI Lawyer: What to Do After a Drunk Driving Arrest

It is scary to get arrested for DUI. You could be in a daze, angry, or upset and have no idea what to do next. But your behavior now matters. If you get arrested for operating under the influence in Kansas City, the following is a step-by-step guide of what to do and what to expect.

Step 1: Remain Calm and Remain Silent

Do not say much when you are being arrested. You need not say anything. Utilize your right of silence. Do not explain yourself. Do not debate. Remain calm and silent. The police will ask you questions. They can be nice to you. But do not utter anything beyond your name and identification details. Hold this in abeyance until you are conversing with a lawyer.

Step 2: Ask for an Attorney at Once

You will require an attorney. A DUI can land you in jail, cost you money in fines, or get you your license suspended. An attorney with knowledge of the courts and laws of Kansas City knows how to represent you. Call now. The sooner you have an attorney on the phone, the better chance you have of protecting your rights.

Step 3: Be Aware of the Charges

DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. In Missouri, it would be:

• Consuming a beer, ale, or wine, or other alcoholic beverage with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater.
• Driving under the influence.
• Refusal to take a breath or blood test.

Even if your BAC was not .08 or greater, you may still be arrested and charged if you appeared to be drunk. Some have prescription medication, even. Prescription medication can impair driving. If this does occur, you can still be charged. Always inquire with your physician or pharmacist prior to driving.

Step 4: Know What Happens Next

Once you’ve been arrested for a DUI, here are what normally follow:

• You receive a ticket or court date. Don’t miss it. Missing court only lands you in more hot water.
• You might lose your license. You can appeal and have a hearing to argue against this. You only have 15 days.
• You are being charged with a crime. That is not the same as the DMV proceeding on your license.

You’ll also have to have an ignition interlock device installed. That’s a testing machine for drinking in your car. You’ll have to blow into it so your car can go. It won’t go if you’ve been drinking. Court and DMV can be dealt with by your attorney.

Step 5: Don’t Drive Without a License

If suspended, do not drive. That’s a crime, too. You may possibly be able to get a hardship license or permit. Talk to your attorney to find out if you can get it. There are a few who are eligible for a hardship license. It allows driving to and from school or to and from work only. It has limitations, but at least that is something.

Step 6: Get Evidence and Witnesses

Try to recall what was happening. Write it down. Were you tired, sick, or anxious? Were the tests given fairly? Were the officers pleasant or hostile? Get everyone with you to tell you what they saw. Let your lawyer know everything. Save any messages, receipts, or records of phone calls that validate proof of what you were doing. Small things will bail you out.

Step 7: Attend Each Court Hearing

Show up on time. Wear court clothes. Be polite. Judges pay attention to your attitude. Being nice to them can assist you. If you are late to court, you may be issued an arrest warrant. That is not a good idea.

Step 8: Do What Your Lawyer Tells You

Your Kansas City DUI lawyer may tell you to:

• Take an alcohol or drug class
• Have a driver’s evaluation
• Do some community service

Having them prepared in advance can make you look good in the eyes of the court. They can suggest an on-record clean printout, company mailings by your boss, or rehab reports. They can reduce your sentence.

Step 9: Think About the Outcome

A DUI arrest is not always going to result in a conviction. Your lawyer can:

• Have charges dismissed
• Have charges dropped
• Win the case

But even if you are guilty, they can reduce your sentence. Jail time, fines, and points on your license. But so do little ones. Each case is unique.

Step 10: Learn from This

DUI isn’t something to mess around with. It can lose you your job, insurance, and future. Consider it. Make better decisions. It’s up to you. If you have consumed a few drinks, don’t drive. Call a taxi service. Call a friend. Just remain where you are. It isn’t worth the gamble.

Remember this as a lesson on a larger alternative decision-making process experience in the future. Most individuals make ill-informed decisions. It is what you do with it that matters.

Why Should You Hire a Kansas City DUI Lawyer?

DUI laws vary from state to state. Local attorneys familiarize themselves with Kansas City law, judges, and courts. They understand how to find faults in your arrest or result. They are also familiar with dealing with local prosecutors that can get you a better deal or plea. Having an attorney familiar with the area will mean having a representative in your corner that is familiar with the way things work around here. That will make a big difference.

What a DUI Lawyer Will Do for You

This is what you can expect:

• Explain your charges and what they mean
• Prepare paperwork to file with court and DMV
• Review arrest records and test results
• Fight to keep your license
• Try to mitigate fines, time in jail, or points

A traffic defense lawyer in Kansas City comes between you and the judge. They lead you through every step. They can uncover weaknesses in police stops, test results, or how you were stopped. These are facts that will turn the case around.

FAQs About Kansas City DUI Arrests

1. Will I probably be arrested for first-time DUI?

Maybe, but not probably. The overwhelming majority of first-off DWIs are probationed, fined, or educated instead of jailed. Your attorney might bail you out.

2. May I drive after DUI arrest?

In short, yes. You have 15 days in which to make a hearing request. Otherwise, your license will be suspended.

3. Do I require an attorney if I wish to plead guilty?

Yes. Your lawyer can still plead or reduce your sentence.

4. What would happen if I had not taken the breath test?

You might lose your license. But your lawyer will be able to appeal the suspension and the criminal charge.

5. How much will a DUI lawyer cost?

It is negotiable in cost, but consider it an investment. A good lawyer will cost you thousands of dollars in fines, increased insurance costs, or lost employment.

Final Thoughts

A DUI arrest is not the end of the world. You can talk your way out of it with good counsel. Be wise with your decision. Let fear not dominate. Phone a skilled Kansas City DUI lawyer today. They can help you defend your rights and begin anew. You do not have to face it by yourself. Help is at hand. Pick up the phone and start writing the next chapter.