First Time DUI Charges in Overland Park

Overland Park DUI Defense Attorney

Were you stopped, subjected to Field Sobriety Test and then arrested? A first arrest for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be a very unsettling experience. The first thing you need to know if this has happened to you is that you have very little time in which to take action. If you want to keep your record clean and avoid automatic suspension of your driver's license, it is crucial that you speak with an Overland Park criminal defense attorney immediately about your arrest. Even a first time offender faces suspension of driving privileges, jail time, and other severe penalties.

First Time DUI Penalties

Kansas laws (K. S. A. 8-1567) regarding DUI involve harsh penalties. It is against the law to drive with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .08 or higher or to drive while under the influence of a drug. A first offense is typically a misdemeanor charge. The possible sentences include minimum 48 hours to 6 months imprisonment or 100 hours of public service, fines between $750 and $1,000 as well as an alcohol and drug education or treatment program. A drunk driving conviction on your record can have an adverse effect on your life for many years. For an underage person it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .02 or higher. Fighting this charge could be your only hope of avoiding these and other negative consequences. A DUI defense lawyer at our firm has the knowledge, skill and drive that you need to represent you in the administrative hearing and in your criminal case.

If your license is suspended you may apply for a restricted license after a certain period of time which would allow you to drive to work or school and under some other circumstances. Our legal team understands how stressful this situation can be and how vital it is to avoid the serious consequences of a conviction. Your case will be given the priority that it deserves. A skilled criminal defense lawyer at our firm is committed to fighting for a successful outcome.

How Can Gigstad Law Office LLC Help?

Attorney Robert C. Gigstad is certified in field sobriety testing. He completed the same training in the NHTSA field sobriety testing and DUI Detection that law enforcement officers complete. He knows how the tests are supposed to be administered, so when reviewing a cruiser video or cross-examining an officer, he knows if the officer made mistakes in administering the tests. When officers make mistakes in administering field sobriety tests, the results of the tests may be excluded from trial and may also be excluded from the judge's determination of whether the arrest was justified. An officer’s mistakes on field sobriety tests are also used at trial to counter the officer’s testimony that the tests prove a client was driving under the influence.

If you have been charged with a first time DUI, contact an Overland Park DUI defense attorney at Gigstad Law Office, LLC who is ready to fight for you.