While grabbing a drink after work or with friends can be harmless, many people often choose to drive after they consumed a few drinks instead of taking a taxi or Uber. When someone gets behind the wheel with alcohol or drugs in their system, they can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI), which can have severe consequences and strict enforcement.
When you are facing DUI charges, you might wonder what comes next. Understanding the court process, potential defenses, and legal penalties is a lot to take on alone, but one of our experienced DUI attorneys could help. We recognize the gravity of these situations and could help you navigate the complexities of Manhattan DUI penalties.
Under Kansas law, like other states, it is illegal for an individual to drive with blood alcohol concentration levels (BAC) of 0.08 or more in their system. The common consequences are jail time and fines. However, penalties can ultimately vary depending on different factors, such as prior offenses, BAC levels, and the presence of aggravating circumstances.
The penalties significantly escalate for repeat offenders or those with higher BAC levels. Repeat DUI offenders often face mandatory jail time, which can range from several months to years, depending on the number of prior offenses and the severity of the incident. Subsequent offenses result in longer jail time. In some cases, repeat offenders may be designated as habitual offenders, which can result in more severe penalties and longer sentences. Also, they may be subject to close monitoring by probation officers, including regular check-ins and alcohol testing.
Additionally, Kansas imposes enhanced penalties for aggravating circumstances. Those include DUI incidents resulting in injury or death, driving with a minor under 14 years old in the car, or excessively high BAC levels. These factors can make penalties more severe, potentially leading to felony charges and lengthy prison sentences.
Due to the immense impact these consequences can have on your life, you need an attorney on your side when you are facing DUI punishments in Manhattan.
Sometimes people think they do not need a lawyer and can handle their criminal case on their own. However, attorneys have specific training and experience that could change the outcome of your case. After a consultation, an attorney could analyze the facts of your case and craft the perfect defense to protect your rights and your future.
A strong argument requires having solid evidence, which an attorney could obtain by investigating the circumstances and building a strong case to present in court. In pursuit of evidence against the prosecution’s claim, a lawyer could also:
While it may seem tedious, this step is one of the most important parts of the process.
A lawyer could also communicate with the prosecution to potentially get a plea deal or the case dropped. Even more importantly, they will have the training to represent you in court, present your defense, and cross-examine witnesses on your behalf. The counsel that you hire could work to undermine the prosecution’s case and persuade the judge or jury of your innocence or to mitigate the consequences.
A Manhattan attorney could also work to minimize the penalties you face if you are found guilty of a DUI. They may also explore alternatives to incarceration, such as probation or community service. As a result, having a lawyer on your side could immensely ease the burden of handling the legal system.
Navigating through the legal system can be intimidating, especially considering the potential long-term repercussions a DUI conviction can have on a person’s personal and professional life. That’s where our legal team comes in.
We employ strategic approaches to protect our clients’ rights. We could meticulously examine every aspect of the case, from the initial traffic stop to the administration of field sobriety tests, to identify any violations that can get your case dismissed or mitigate Manhattan DUI penalties. Call us today to schedule a consultation and get started.
