If you’ve been wrongly accused of a DUI, contact Jonathan W. McConnell, a criminal defense attorney in Wichita, KS. Jonathan W. McConnell is an excellent trial attorney with experience fighting DUI charges and is prepared to defend you in a jury or bench trial for the best possible resolution to your case.
Why do I need a criminal defense attorney for a DUI?
You can be charged with a DUI in Kansas if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or above, regardless of whether your driving was impaired. The state considers first and second DUIs misdemeanors. Having a third or more DUI within a certain period of time is a felony offense. All DUIs can cause your driving privileges to be suspended. Kansas is considered the sixth strictest state in the country when it comes to DUIs but now has a ten-year lookback period. This is more lenient than its previous “lifetime look back.” Also, as of February 2016, it is no longer a crime to refuse to take an Intoxilyzer 9000 breath test.
Any level of DUI can cause you to lose your job, your security license, and professional license such as a nursing or teaching license, as well as face financial penalties. A DUI charge can also affect other legal cases, such as a child custody or divorce case. It’s important to talk to a seasoned criminal defense attorney such as Jonathan W. McConnell to determine your strategy and what you should do next.
How can I fight a DUI?
The way you fight a DUI depends on the circumstances of your case. If you believe you’ve been wrongly accused by someone biased against you, Jonathan W. McConnell will seek to show the depth of that bias and why that person has a problem with you.
Jonathan W. McConnell will also review the police report and video(s) for your case and determine the circumstances under which you performed a field sobriety test, drove a vehicle, were stopped by law enforcement officers, and had interaction with law enforcement officers.
Your medical history, job history, status as a parent, and position in the community may all be positive factors that suggest that you were wrongly accused.
Is a diversion program an option?
If you’re a first-time offender and did not cause an injury or death, you may be eligible to enter a diversion program. This involves completing an alcohol and drug education and/or treatment program, paying a fine, possibly completing community service, and not using drugs and alcohol for a specified period. Typically, a diversion program takes a year. After you complete the program, the DUI charge is dismissed but can still be used as a prior offense should you get another DUI.
Is it a good idea to enter a rehab program?
If you believe you have a drug or alcohol problem, you should start an inpatient or outpatient rehab program as soon as possible. If you do not enter a formal rehab program, it’s a good idea to start attending AA or NA meetings. No matter how your case turns out, entering a rehab program will not make you look guilty. In many cases, the court will look favorably at any positive and proactive remedial measures.
Why should I choose McConnell Law Firm?
Jonathan W. McConnell has defended numerous clients against baseless accusations of DUI and has the ability to assess a case and determine your potential to win at trial. He is familiar with expert witnesses like lab technicians and law enforcement officers and is highly regarded as one of the most skilled criminal defense attorneys in Wichita. Think of contacting him today if you are facing a DUI charge.
