The laws governing the operation of a motor vehicle while impaired in the state of Kansas are among the most severe of any state. Three-quarters of defendants in a DUI case have no familiarity whatsoever with the Kansas court system. For these two reasons it is highly recommended to retain competent counsel when confronted with a DUI charge. Here are some possible consequences to a DUI charge in Kansas.
1. You are undoubtedly involved in a criminal proceeding.
2. You are also involved in a completely separate and independent administrative license hearing with the Kansas Department of Revenue. You have 14 days to file an application for a hearing before you lose your license.
On the criminal side, the first DUI conviction can lead to surprisingly serious consequences, which may include license suspension. In Kansas, a mandatory 48 hours in jail is required, or 100 hours of community service. The completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation and a possible 8 hour alcohol education class-all at your expense. Other costs include fines which range from $750-1000, court fees, and possibly probation fees.
The second DUI conviction has even more dire consequences and should be aggressively avoided. At this level, jail time ranges from 90 days to 1 year. Fines increase to a range of $1250-1750, court costs increase, as do probation fees. The court will order the completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation and then a treatment program-all to be paid out of your pocket.
The third DUI conviction in Kansas is a felony. Imprisonment will range from a minimum of 90 days to a maximum of 1 year. Fines range from $1750 to $2500 in addition to required court costs, possible drug and alcohol evaluation costs, alcohol treatment programs, and probation costs.
First DUI
48 hour mandatory minimum in jail OR 100 hours community service
$750-1000 fine
Possible treatment program/drug and alcohol evaluation/8 hour alcohol education class
Second DUI
90 days to 1 year in jail
$1250-1750 fine
Possible treatment program/drug and alcohol evaluation/8 hour alcohol education class
Third DUI (Felony)
90 days to 1 year in jail
$1750-2500 fine
Possible treatment program/drug and alcohol evaluation/8 hour alcohol education class
DUI and Traffic Offenses
Lawrence DUI and Traffic Offense Lawyer
When you have been pulled over and cited for DUI or for another traffic offense, including speeding or reckless driving, the natural inclination may be to go court by yourself and accept what the court gives you. You may mistakenly believe that there is little you can do or that there is little to gain by challenging the prosecution. You would be wrong - a DUI conviction or a traffic citation can have long-lasting effects on automobile insurance rates, job opportunities, and your emotional well-being.
At the Whitman Law Offices in Lawrence we have over 35 years experience defending men and women throughout northeast Kansas who have been charged with DUI or drunk driving and other criminal offenses. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
Over 35 Years of Experience • DUI/DWI Lawyer • Call 785-371-4135 for a free consultation
We handle all matters related to an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).When we represent you in a DUI criminal proceeding, we will thoroughly review all evidence put forth by the prosecution. Was the stop legal? Was there sufficient probable cause? Did the arresting officer properly advise you of your rights? Were field sobriety tests correctly administered? Was the breathalyzer test properly done?
At the Whitman Law Offices, we will zealously represent your interests at an administrative hearing regarding the suspension of your drivers' license. You have 14 days to file an application for a hearing before you lose your license. Kansas has an implied consent law; if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test, you will automatically lose your license for one year.
We also defend Douglas County residents on a broad range of traffic charges, from operating a vehicle while your license is under suspension or revocation to reckless driving and speeding. We understand the sense of urgency in criminal matters, but we urge you to contact an experienced attorney in all criminal matters. The rules of criminal procedure are complex and often unforgiving. If you try to navigate the criminal justice system on your own, you risk losing your rights and costing yourself a lot of money.
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, including DUI / drunk driving, contact the Whitman Law Offices to schedule a free initial consultation. We accept major credit cards and will visit you at home or in jail if necessary.