Being arrested for DUI is a very stressful experience no matter where you live or how old you are. For many people, a DUI arrest will be their one and only arrest of their lifetime; however, if nothing is done, an arrest will undoubtedly lead to a criminal conviction. My name is Steve Neighbors and I have been practicing DUI defense in Kansas for over 30 years. I have focused my legal career on helping normal, everyday people just like you overcome their DUI charges. In addition to Kansas, I am also licensed to practice in Arkansas and Missouri. Should you be facing DUI charges, only a Mission DUI lawyer with extensive experience will be able to provide a powerful defense on your behalf.
I understand the consequences of a DUI conviction and how such a conviction can have a negative effect on virtually every aspect of your life. Your driving privileges are critical to getting you to and from work and driving your loved ones and family members where they need to go. This is especially the case if you have children, how would you take them to school or buy groceries if you couldn't drive? People with a suspended license often times wind up resorting to relying heavily on family members to drive them around and this grows old very fast. Because your license is so important, I will do everything within my power to help you avoid a driver's license suspension.
DUI convictions rely heavily on the evidence that is collected from blood tests, breath alcohol tests and field sobriety tests. It's important to note that neither these tests nor the people who administered them are foolproof and this is good news for you! Over the course of my career, a number of my DUI cases were successfully challenged when I questioned the reliability of breath tests and other evidence collected at the scene or down at the police station. It's a common misconception that once you're arrested for DUI, it's all over and you have to accept your punishment. Anyone arrested for DUI has the right to a strong defense, just like in any other criminal matter! There is no reason why your case should be any different.
It's important to note that after you are arrested for DUI in Kansas, you have just 14 calendar days from the date of your arrest to schedule an administrative hearing (a DMV Hearing) with the Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles; this is where we challenge your driver's license suspension. Under K.S.A. 8-1013, on a first occurrence you face a 30 day license suspension followed by the installation of an ignition interlock device for a period ranging from 6 to 12 months.
DUI penalties for a first time DUI involve fines ranging between $750 and $1250, up to 100 hours of community service, a minimum of 48 hours in jail (up to 6 months) and a 30 day driver's license suspension. For drivers with a BAC above 0.15% or higher, they face a 12 month driver's license suspension and following reinstatement, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
Under "aggravating" circumstances, a driver stands to face enhanced administrative and criminal penalties. Aggravating circumstances would include having a child in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, multiple DUI offenses, driving on a suspended or revoked license, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.15%, causing property damage, leaving the scene of an accident, or causing bodily injury (DUI with injury) or death to another person as a result of the drunk driving as in vehicular manslaughter.
Whether you are facing driver's license suspension because of too many traffic tickets, an underage DUI, or a felony DUI, I am extremely familiar with Kansas DUI laws, the local courts and Judges, as well as the administrative staff at the local DMVs. I find that my long-standing relationships with these important decision making bodies comes in handy when it comes to negotiating reduced charges and penalties on behalf of my DUI clients.
In addition to being a skilled negotiator, I always conduct an in-depth search of any potential errors made by law enforcement or other staff during the collection of critical evidence. At times breath tests can be questioned, as well as whether or not the police officer had probable cause to pulls someone over in the first place.
In addition to DUI defense as it pertains to alcohol-related arrests, my criminal defense services also include DUI & drugs, as well as domestic violence, domestic battery, and harassment. My practice areas also include violation of protection orders and violation of stalking orders.
With over 30 years in the field of criminal defense, I am more than qualified to assist you in driver's license restoration and other aspects of criminal defense. Your future, your reputation and your family are important to me and I will handle your case with tireless dedication, all the while doing everything within my power to minimize the consequences that you are presently up against.
Contact me today at my firm, Neighbors Law Office for the legal support you need here and now.