David M. Lurie Criminal Defense Attorney
Call For A Free Consultation:
Kansas City: 816-221-5900 | Lee’s Summit: 816-525-1500
David M. Lurie Criminal Defense Attorney

Kansas City:
816-221-5900

Lee’s Summit:
816-525-1500

Experienced Criminal Defense Services Focused On Mitigation And Solutions

The Skilled Legal Help You Need When Facing Drunk Driving Charges

Several years ago, Missouri passed the most comprehensive revisions to the DUI/DWI laws, making the consequences of a conviction harsher. Such consequences of a first-time DUI/DWI, or any subsequent offense, can now greatly affect your driving privileges and your future. I believe that as your defense attorney, I can help you mitigate or minimize how this charge will affect you.

I truly believe that in every bad decision there is a chance to make a better one in the future. With 45 years of drunk driving defense experience, I can help change how the prosecution and judge will look at your case and any DUI/DWI charges, so that you are able to get on with your life. Mitigation, not litigation, will help you move on faster. Contact my law firm, David M. Lurie, to learn more about how I can help you as your DUI/DWI lawyer.

The Severe Consequences Of A DUI/DWI

Driving while intoxicated or driving while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics (DUI/DWI) are serious offenses that carry heavy penalties for repeat offenders. If you are charged as a prior, persistent, chronic or aggravated offender (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th offense or more), you need an experienced DUI/DWI defense lawyer. The terms above are the ones used in the Missouri statutes. The Kansas statutes refer to them as first, second, third, and fourth or subsequent convictions.

Even if this is your first DUI/DWI charge, and you are not a repeat offender, you still need an experienced DUI/DWI lawyer – one who deals with prior, persistent, chronic or aggravated offenders on a regular basis. Many attorneys can handle a first-time DUI/DWI offense, but there are fewer attorneys who are experienced in cases where people are facing charges for second and third offenses.

Many times, I have found that if even your first DUI/DWI isn’t handled by an attorney who deals with prior, persistent, chronic or aggravated offenders (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or more offenses) on a regular basis, it can really limit the number of options when you get another DUI/DWI charge down the road. Because of the successful lobbying of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other groups, penalties are much steeper than they used to be. Even first-timers are going to jail these days.

If you have previous arrests and are being charged as a prior, persistent, chronic or aggravated offender (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th offense or more), you face much stiffer penalties. Your previous record will be a factor, regardless of whether you had a prior offense “taken care of.” Even if the prior offense doesn’t appear on your official driving record, it will most likely appear in records available to law enforcement and the prosecution – leaving potential exposure to felony prosecution under the prior, persistent, chronic and aggravated offender statutes in Missouri. If you are a prior offender, it is necessary for you to get an experienced Lee’s Summit and Kansas City DUI/DWI defense attorney, like me.

How My Firm Can Help You

Because of my experience and full understanding of the underlying issues that may cause a person to become DUI/DWI prior, persistent, chronic or aggravated offender (depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc.), through the years I have developed an individualized plan for each of my clients, and use my team of experts to help mitigate the mandatory minimum jail times that can range from five days to two years – depending on how many subsequent DUI/DWI offenses you have had.

I have been very successful in keeping subsequent offenders out of jail in DUI/DWI cases and DUI/DWI-related charges, including:

  • Underage/minor DUI/DWI
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Careless and imprudent driving
  • Furnishing alcohol to a minor
  • Open container/bottle
  • Drug-related DUI/DWI

No matter what you are facing, chances are good that I can help.

FAQ On Drunk Driving Charges

I’m here to help you by getting you answers. It’s my duty and honor to clear things up for you before you make any decisions about your defense. Here are the answers to some of the questions my clients ask me the most.

Can I really get a DUI/DWI while in a parked car?

Unfortunately, yes. If you are parked with the engine running to stay warm, or even with the car off and the keys within your reach, you fit into what has been defined as “control of the vehicle” and are therefore operating one. Every case is, of course, different so it can’t hurt you to speak with a DUI/DWI defense attorney about your specific case.

Can a DUI/DWI be dismissed in Missouri?

Under Missouri law, many charges can be dismissed. In fact, any charge can be dismissed if I, as your DUI/DWI defense attorney, provide appropriate evidence. If I effectively challenge your field sobriety test or demonstrate how your testing wasn’t accurate in any way, that evidence can be invalidated. And without evidence, your charge cannot move forward. However, effectively doing that requires moving quickly and having a savvy understanding of police procedure.

Can any attorney help me with my DUI/DWI?

In short, not necessarily. DUI/DWI are very specific charges that require an in-depth understanding of local ordinances and drunk driving laws. Because I understand the negative and long-lasting implications of a drunk driving charge, I take your case seriously and give it the time and attention it deserves. Even if it is your first DUI/DWI or drunk driving charge, the way your traffic tickets are handled, as well as your administrative suspension or refusal hearing, has a long-lasting impact.

Working To Keep Your Driver’s License

There is also a second consequence that arises out of a DUI/DWI stop – it is the administrative suspension of your driving privileges. License suspension or revocation (because of a blood alcohol content level in excess of .08% or a refusal to take the test) can last from 30 days to one year – sometimes it is ten years or even permanent. The rules covering loss of license are complicated. If you have questions, please contact me or speak with another qualified attorney who handles DUI/DWI prior or persistent repeat offender cases.

If you refuse a breath test, the officer will immediately take your license and your license will be suspended for at least one year. This can be appealed, but in Kansas, you only have twelve days to file an appeal based on a refusal. In Missouri, you have thirty days.

Discuss Your Legal Needs During An Initial Consultation

Whether you have been charged with a first-time DUI/DWI or a repeat DUI/DWI, you need to act fast. Contact me, David M. Lurie, today at 816-221-5900. Help is here.