The first minutes after a DUI traffic stop are important for drivers. An officer may make a person feel as if they have no choice but to tell them everything and comply with every request. However, drivers have rights, and it’s important to protect them. In Kansas, officers take an aggressive approach to drunk driving, but a Defense Attorney can be the client’s advocate. Below are a few facts drivers can use to their advantage if they’re facing DUI charges.
It’s Legal to Refuse Field Sobriety Tests
During a DUI stop, an officer does everything possible to gather evidence of a driver’s impairment. They may ask questions, and if the driver refuses to answer, the stop doesn’t end there. An officer may ask the driver to perform a field sobriety test, and the driver can legally decline to do so. Refusing to take a field sobriety test can work to a client’s advantage. It may get them arrested, but it gives them a chance to challenge the DUI charge.
There are Consequences to Refusal of Chemical Tests
Kansas is an implied consent state. This simply means that if a person is asked to take a blood, breath, or urine test as part of a DUI traffic stop, they must comply in exchange for their driving privileges. If the client refuses, their license is suspended, and the officer may ask for a warrant that forces compliance. When a person’s license is suspended, they must ask for an administrative hearing or lose their driver’s license for up to a year.
Strong Penalties Come With Convictions, Even for Those Under 21
If a motorist is under 21, they are under strict laws on the presence of drugs or alcohol in their system. Someone under 21 who is stopped for suspected DUI faces a long license suspension and other penalties that can affect them for a long time. They may be unable to hold certain jobs, and they’ll have to pay thousands in additional insurance costs.
Don’t Take Charges Lightly, Hire an Experienced Attorney
DUI charges shouldn’t be taken lightly, as they can have lasting effects. To arrange a consultation and discuss the case with a Defense Attorney, call the office or visit Addairthurston.com.
