After a night out partying with your friends, you have a decision to make: Drive yourself or call a sober ride, such as an Uber or Lyft. In this situation, people often drive themselves for the sheer fact of not wanting to pay for a ride. Ironically, driving under the influence is a much costlier choice. The potential dangers to your own safety, other drivers’ safety, and the severe legal consequences are not worth the risk. However, some people may not know how to gauge their sobriety and cannot tell if they are sober enough to operate a vehicle properly.
If you have been caught driving under the influence or have violated any other alcohol-related laws, reach out to a DUI attorney for help with your case and understanding your rights under Kansas state law.
Driving Under the Influence in Kansas
In Kansas, driving a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher is illegal. Though, importantly, even if a driver has a BAC that is lower than the legal limit, if the drugs or alcohol make the driver incapable of safely operating the vehicle, they are still breaking the law.
If you are charged with a DUI of alcohol or drugs in Kansas, you could:
- Be detained and arrested
- Suffer significant losses both personally and financially
- Have your car towed
- Face criminal charges
- Lose your driving privileges
- Be required to submit to a drug/alcohol evaluation (at your own expense) and follow all recommendations therein
Kansas has additional rules for drivers under 21 years old who choose to drink and drive. If they are found to have a BAC of .02 to .079, they will face potential suspension of driving privileges different than those over 21. Consult an attorney for details.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Many times, driving impaired is preventable. Before you go out, you should plan for someone to be the designated driver. Call a taxi or a sober ride home if you cannot do that. If you drink at a friend’s house, ask if you can spend the night if you cannot drive. Nearly 42,000 people die in a motor vehicle crash every year, and around 16,000 are alcohol-related. You have the ability to keep yourself and others’ safe by refusing to drink and drive.
However, if you have already been charged with a DUI, contact a skilled lawyer at our firm today to discuss your legal options.