Lenexa DUI Attorney
Are You Facing DUI Charges?
If you were recently arrested for DUI in Lenexa or the surrounding areas, then you have a lot to be concerned about. Even a first time DUI conviction would mean hefty monetary fines, jail time, driver's license suspension, skyrocketing auto insurance premiums and a permanent mark on your criminal record. Between the increased auto insurance rates and the criminal record by themselves, a DUI can change the course of your life permanently.
- Many employers will not hire anyone with a criminal record, regardless of what they were convicted for and for this reason alone, it's important to retain the services of a highly qualified Lenexa DUI lawyer from my firm, Neighbors Law Office.
My name is Steve Neighbors and I have been working in the field of DUI law for over 30 years. I am not only licensed to practice law in Kansas, but I am also licensed to practice in Missouri and Arkansas.
- The field of DUI law is highly specialized, specifically because DUI cases hinge on valuable evidence produced by the following:
- Blood tests
- Breath alcohol tests
- Field sobriety tests
For the past 30 years I have focused my career on challenging the reliability of breath tests as well as all other evidence collection techniques performed by our law enforcement. From a legal perspective, I can say with confidence that there are effective ways to turn a DUI case around in favor of the alleged drunk driver.
DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Lenexa
The DUI arrest process begins with the DUI stop. Law enforcement cannot simply park outside of a bar and wait for people to drive away, or pull people over on a gut feeling. In order for the police to pull you over they must have probable cause beforehand. Common examples of probable cause, or sufficient reason to legally pull you over would be where you were weaving in and out of the lane, driving without your headlights on, driving too slowly for conditions, or somehow violating another traffic law.
If someone called 911 suspecting you were drunk driving, that would be sufficient enough as well. Once the police pull you over they will ask you if you've been drinking. Based on your response and any other obvious signs of impairment the officer will ask you to perform a series of field sobriety tests.
The evidence collected from these tests is intended to give the police officer probable cause to make a DUI arrest. You are not legally required to perform these tests and there is no punishment for a "polite" refusal; however, under the Implied Consent Law, you face an automatic license suspension if you refuse to submit to a chemical test in the form of a blood test, or a breath alcohol test. Even if you aren't under the influence of alcohol, if the police ask you to take a breath or blood test, you should always do so.
Commonly Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 913-648-3360 today!
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Because it is illegal, under Kansas law, to plea bargain a DUI charge, the plea options, in a Kansas DUI matter, are usually limited to the following:
- Take the matter to Trial
- Consider diversion (if the person is eligible for diversion)
- Consider a plea of guilty, or no contest, to the DUI charge (if no better option is available) with negotiated plea minimums and, possible, dismissal of non-DUI charges that may be accompanying the DUI charge
A 4th alternative may be having the DUI charge dismissed IF the defense can show the prosecution that there is insufficient evidence to support a conviction to the charge - however, only an experienced attorney can understand the complexities of a DUI case, and conduct the relevant discovery (reports, lab results, video/audio recordings, and witness statements) needed to show the prosecution the true weaknesses to their prosecution case. I believe that every client deserves to have the best result possible under the circumstances of their case. I educate my clients on the relevant law regarding their factual circumstances so that my client can make the best decision possible regarding the outcome of their case.
- To receive clear cut answers to your questions on DUI charges, contact an Overland Park DUI lawyer from my firm.
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My name is Steve Neighbors, and I've successfully practiced law for 30 years. I have purposefully narrowed the scope of my practice to concentrate on DUI defense and in my experience, it is only through aggressive, and thorough, defense work, in opposition to the prosecution of DUI charges, that my client will obtain the best outcome possible. Your freedoms and rights are at stake; and, with a knowledgeable attorney working for you, there are many times when your charges can either be reduced, or dismissed (for insufficient evidence to convict) - which could result in the penalties you face being diminished.
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That depends upon the exact DUI offense you have been charged with, the severity of the crime and your prior DUI history. Commonly, DUI offenses are penalized by fines, community service, driver's license suspension, a jail sentence and possible impoundment of your vehicle. In addition, you will have to attend an alcohol awareness program. In some cases, an ignition interlock device will be installed in your car.
For more serious charges such as multiple DUI, felony DUI or vehicular manslaughter the penalties increase substantially.
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Steve, Thanks for all your help and advice last year! This year, I promise to be good. If not, I will be in contact with you!
“Steve, Thanks for all your help and advice last year! This year, I promise to be good. If not, I will be in contact with you!”- Rene O. -
If ever anyone comes to me needing a referral, I would give them your name instantly with rave reviews. Again, thank you for everything!
“If ever anyone comes to me needing a referral, I would give them your name instantly with rave reviews. Again, thank you for everything!”- B.R. -
His prices are fair but more importantly, he gets the job done and keeps me in the loop.
“His prices are fair but more importantly, he gets the job done and keeps me in the loop.”- A.C.
