Practice Areas

Our DUI Attorneys Are on Your Side

Have you recently been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol? Without an effective DUI lawyer by your side, you may be looking at severe fines, losing your driver’s license or even prison time.
Request Your Free Consultation

image description

Why Choose the McConnell Law Firm

Led by our founder Jonathan W. McConnell, our team of some of the best DUI lawyers in Wichita will ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

  • Our team will walk you through the process of both the administrative and criminal proceedings.
  • We may be able to cut down on the amount of time you spend at court proceedings or even attend on your behalf so you do not miss school or work.
  • Your DUI lawyer may be able to win an acquittal or dismissal, or they may be able to negotiate a diversion and help to protect your driving privileges.
  • We may be able to reduce the impact on your driving record, improve the chance of keeping your auto insurance and even positively impact the long-term costs of your insurance.

Even if a DUI conviction is inevitable, having one of our DUI lawyers by your side will ensure you are treated fairly each step of the way!

DUI Lawyers Wichita

What to Expect

Criminal Defense Attorneys Wichita
Free Introductory Phone Call

One of our receptionists or legal assistants will gather information about your case, which will usually take no more than 30 minutes. If your case is within our practice areas, they will schedule a free office or telephone conference with one of our DUI lawyers. Even if your case is not within our practice areas, we will still do our best to help you with a referral!

Criminal Defense Attorneys Wichita
Homework

During or following the first phone call, we will likely request some additional information. This will be your “homework” to gather, which will help us when it comes time to research the situation and specific laws that pertain to the case.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Wichita
Free First Appointment

At the first appointment (preferably in person, but can be over the phone), you will meet with a DUI lawyer for approximately one hour. During this appointment, you will be presented with an analysis of the situation, recommendations for next steps and a list of anything further that we might need.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Wichita
The Process Begins

We will enter into a contract with you and you will make your first payment or pay a retainer fee. Once these steps are completed, we will officially begin the process of serving as your legal team. We will keep you informed at each step of the way.

DUI Frequently Asked Questions

At the McConnell Law Firm, we understand the confusion you are likely experiencing when faced with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges. Our team has years of experience defending cases like yours and wants to ensure you obtain the answers you deserve to make the best possible decision about your case. We encourage you to browse our DUI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below or contact us today to discuss the specifics of your case!

  • Can I refuse a breathalyzer?

    While officers may request that you perform a series of field sobriety tests after being stopped, you can actually refuse testing of any kind. The only thing you are required to do in the state of Kansas is to stop, follow all lawful orders such as turning off your vehicle and stepping outside if instructed, and provide law enforcement with your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Other than that, you are not required to do anything else, including speaking to the officer any further.

    Additionally, you are not required to undergo a breathalyzer test and may politely decline by simply responding with “no.” Should you submit to testing and fail, you can be charged with a DUI and face the consequences attached to the charge, which is why our DUI attorneys in Wichita recommend remaining silent and contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

  • What is blood-alcohol concentration (BAC)?

    Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) helps measure the ratio of ethanol in your blood and refers to the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. This measurement can indicate one’s level of sobriety and is often used in court as evidence of one’s drunk driving charge. In Kansas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher, after which a driver will be rendered unable to safely operate a vehicle.

  • What is the penalty for a DUI in Kansas?

    According to Kansas statute, all Kansas drivers convicted of a DUI face license suspension; however, the duration of the suspension for a first offense increases to one year if the offender’s BAC is 0.15 or higher. Once the license suspension has been served, the offender is restricted to driving only with an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year and may face a $200 reinstatement fee. During the license suspension period, the driver may apply for a restricted license.

    Further offenses for a BAC of .15 or higher carry penalties as follows:

    Second Offense

    • License suspension for one year
    • Restricted driving with an IID for two years
    • $400 reinstatement fee
    • 48 hours in custody followed by 120 hours of house arrest (can be served in any order, non-consecutively)

     

    Third Offense

    • License suspension for one year
    • Restricted driving with an IID for three years
    • $600 reinstatement fee
    • 30-day mandatory minimum time in custody

     

    Fourth Offense

    • License suspension for one year
    • Restricted driving with an IID for four years
    • $800 reinstatement fee
  • How long does a DUI stay on your record?

    While convictions for minor offenses will remain on a defendant’s driving record for three years, DUI convictions and diversions will stay on a driving record for the driver’s lifetime. However, the driver may be able to have a conviction expunged after a set amount of time has passed. While the conviction may remain visible on certain government records or background checks, you can reduce the possibility of future employers or organizations learning about your conviction by partnering with an experienced DUI attorney who can help guide you through the expungement process. A driver’s eligibility for expungement is listed as follows:

    • First DUI offenses occurring on or after 1982 are eligible for expungement after five years have elapsed.
    • Subsequent DUI offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2014, but prior to July 1, 2015, are eligible to be considered for expungement if seven years have elapsed.
    • Subsequent DUI offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2014, and on or after July 1, 2015, to present are eligible to be considered for expungement if 10 years have elapsed.
  • Is a DUI a felony or a misdemeanor?

    While it is possible to be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor DUI charge, a standard first offense will almost always result in a misdemeanor unless the DUI offender kills or seriously injures another party. In this case, the driver will likely face felony charges. Additionally, if the driver has previous DUI charges, they may be more likely to be charged with a felony DUI. In the state of Kansas, a third-time offender must have no prior DUI charges within the previous 10 years to receive a misdemeanor conviction; otherwise, it will likely result in a felony.

  • Should I get an attorney if I have been charged with a DUI?

    Although you are not required to hire an attorney following a DUI charge, it is advisable to retain a DUI lawyer to help protect your rights. An experienced DUI attorney in Wichita may be able to successfully negotiate the dismissal of your charge or negotiate a reckless driving charge rather than a DUI. Even if you think a DUI conviction is inevitable, having a trusted DUI attorney by your side will be to your benefit and can potentially save you from a conviction.

Already Convicted?

We Can Help With an Appeal

The McConnell Law Firm often assists clients who have decided to appeal a conviction previously received. We will fight tirelessly to win your appeal!

Learn More
DUI Lawyers

Industry Credentials

Jonathan W. McConnell and his team have become well-known for their expert knowledge and unmatched tenacity. They have been rated highly by the public and their peers on many prestigious legal directories and professional organizations.

Newsroom

Jonathan William McConnell, Premier DUI Attorney, Advanced Level Training on Winning DUI – Drug Cases

Jonathan William McConnell recently received advanced level training, from the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, on ...

Read More
Jonathan William McConnell, Premier DUI Attorney, Advanced Level Training on Winning DUI Cases Using Finger Dexterity

Jonathan William McConnell recently received advanced level training, from the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, on ...

Read More