Kansas and Missouri DUI and DWI Defense Lawyer

Are you accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Attorney Chris Scott will use his years of experience prosecuting and litigating DUI cases to navigate you through the criminal and civil process of being charged with DUI or DWI.

Whether charged with misdemeanor or felony DUI/DWI or involuntary manslaughter, Chris will thoroughly examine your case to make sure all available evidence is obtained, determine whether law enforcement legally stopped your vehicle and made a proper arrest, determine whether proper protocol was followed during field sobriety testing and breathalyzer, blood draw, or urine testing, and any other issue involving your rights and liberties during a DUI/DWI investigation.

Chris will educate you on potential defenses, available remedies, and ultimately fight for you at trial if necessary.

If you have been accused of DUI/DWI in Kansas or Missouri, hire a lawyer with experience handling hundreds of DUI cases.

What should I do if I am charged with a DUI/DWI?

First things first, contact your attorney. A DUI or DWI can involve criminal, civil, and administrative penalties. For example, in Missouri you have 15 days to request a hearing to appeal the administrative revocation of your license.  In Kansas, the request for an administrative hearing must be done within 14 days.  Even if the underlying criminal charges are reduced or charges are declined, you can still lose your driver’s license. 

By contacting your attorney as soon as possible, you give yourself the best chance to fight any charges.  Additionally, and most importantly, contacting your attorney immediately allows you to relay the events as they are fresh in your mind, which allows your attorney to craft the best strategy and goals for your case.   

What is Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)?

In Kansas it is called a DUI and in Missouri it is called a DWI or driving with excessive blood alcohol content (BAC).  While both terms are often used to mean the same thing, each state has its own set of unique laws and requirements. The full text of the Kansas DUI Statute can be found at kslegislature.org.  The State of Missouri has a wealth of information about DWIs, the laws, the processes, and more on their website at dor.mo.gov.

These issues can involve criminal, civil an administrative penalties. For criminal charges you are dealing with laws, codes, statutes, etc. being violated and facing potential monetary fine, jail/prison time, or both.  Civil penalties are typically brought if your alleged actions resulted in damage to another person or their property, and can result in monetary penalities. Administrative charges refer to the state’s ability to suspend or revoke your driver’s license. Each of these systems has their unique process and deadlines.

The amount of information and deadlines you need to understand, connect, and navigate can be overwhelming, and is why it is important to have an experienced attorney guide you through the process.  In high school you probably had a counselor help ensure you met all of the requirements to graduate.  Attorneys are also known as Counselors, and I am here to help you meet all of the requirements of the law, and to successfully navigate the legal system.

What happens if I just admit guilt and accept the charges?

You may be tempted to go this route if it is a first offense, or you don’t think you can afford an attorney.  This is not recommended.  While the law is the same for everyone, the facts of your case are unique.  The recommended sentence might be too severe when weighed against the facts of your unique situation.  If you do not have an advocate for you in court, you might receive disproportionate consequences for your actions.

What are my next steps if I want to fight the charges?

Contact your attorney to ensure your next steps align with the law and the court processes. If you need an attorney, please contact me anytime 24/7/365 for a free consultation by calling (913) 706-2547 or by filling out the contact form at the bottom of this page to schedule a meeting.  As a former prosecutor and an experienced attorney, I will be able to guide you through the process and help you seek the best possible outcome for your situation.