Unfortunately, DUI arrests are not uncommon in America, with as many as 1.5 million arrests occurring every year.
The circumstances surrounding a drunk driving incident can be horrific, however, even in the best case scenarios, penalties can put a significant strain on many areas of an individual’s life, including driving freedom and their finances.
For a first-time offender in the state of Kansas, penalties may include fines ranging from $750 to $1,000, and up to two days imprisonment, followed by as many as one-hundred hours of community service, license revocation, and a mandatory alcohol and drug treatment program that the individual is responsible for funding, not to mention court fees.
Furthermore, in the event that an individual is convicted of a DUI, that conviction will remain on their record for the rest of their life, unless expunged.
As of July 2015, Kansas law allows DUI diversions and convictions to be expunged from the records of first-time offenders, five years after they have completed their sentence, diversion or probation depending on the details of their court case.
A Drunk Driving Defense Attorney can prove invaluable in cases such as this, especially when many prosecutors will not engage in negotiations with defendants representing themselves. In addition, many people have actually saved money by hiring an attorney, as a knowledgeable attorney with experience and expertise can negotiate with prosecutors on such matters as plea bargains, reduced fees, limited jail time, as well as facilitate a driver’s license hearing to contest suspensions.
License revocation can have a dramatic effect on a person’s life, making commuting to and from work difficult and sometimes costly, as well as presenting vital issues for those employed in industries that require them to drive a company vehicle, or if they are in the trucking industry.
The penalties to an individual’s driving freedom will vary due to several factors, such as their age, whether he or she consented to a chemical test, the results of that test, and the presence of previous offenses.
Contacting a qualified Drunk Driving Defense Attorney as soon as possible after being charged with a DUI can mean the difference between financial and personal ruin, and a second chance.
In many cases, an attorney can work with prosecutors to come to a satisfactory settlement without ever taking the issue to court, saving individuals valuable time and peace of mind.
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