Topeka DUI Lawyers

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If you are charged with a DUI in Topeka or the surrounding area, you need to act fast to protect your freedom and your driving privileges. A conviction for driving under the influence can result in mandatory jail time, substantial fines, and the suspension and/or restriction of your driver’s license. Choosing the right attorney is important to achieve the best result and making sure your rights are protected. The Topeka DUI lawyers at Joseph, Hollander and Craft are ready to assist.

Track Record of Success In DUI Cases

JHC’s DUI defense attorneys have successfully defended DUI cases in municipal and state courts throughout Kansas. Our Topeka DUI attorneys assist clients in Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Franklin, Coffey, Osage, Lyon, Wabaunsee, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties with misdemeanor and felony DUI charges.

JHC’s Topeka DUI defense lawyers make a point to be up-to-date on the most recent changes in the law so that we can evaluate your case and present all viable defenses. Not only do we know the law, but we know the way the prosecution works. With former prosecutors as part of our DUI defense team, we have the knowledge and experience to evaluate cases from the other side’s perspective.

Skilled Topeka DUI Lawyers

When you hire one of our Topeka DUI defense attorneys, we evaluate your case from the initial stop to the final test result to ensure that no legal issue is unchallenged. We will make sure you understand the charges, the evidence the prosecution has against you, and all possible defenses. From there, we will help assist you in realizing the best path for your case.

When you hire one of JHC’s Topeka DUI defense lawyers, you are hiring an experienced, aggressive trial attorney. We understand how to make your case to a jury and how to present compelling and tangible evidence in your defense. When necessary, we engage highly regarded expert witnesses to testify on your behalf.

Topeka Negotiators When You Need It

Risk is inherent in any litigation, including DUI cases. JHC’s DUI lawyers in Topeka will offer candid advice about your options and help you evaluate the risks and benefits of taking your case to trial. If you decide trial is not the best option for you, our Topeka DUI lawyers will work to negotiate a favorable plea agreement. We know how the prosecution will evaluate your case and can position you to leverage the best possible outcome.

In lieu of a trial or a plea, you may be eligible for a diversion. A diversion is a contract between the defendant and the prosecution. By entering a diversion agreement, you may avoid a conviction altogether, as the agreement will require the prosecution to dismiss your charges once you successfully complete all assigned tasks and the diversion period expires. However, a diversion does require that you admit the prosecution can prove the charge against you, so it can result in a conviction if you fail to meet the requirements of the agreement. It is not the right choice for everyone, and not everyone is eligible. Our Topeka DUI lawyers can talk you through the diversion process, help you determine whether you are eligible, and assist you in deciding whether diversion will work for you.

Protecting Your Driving Privileges

Even if you avoid conviction for a DUI, your driving privileges may still be in jeopardy. JHC’s Topeka DUI defense attorneys understand that restriction can have nearly as significant an impact on your life as criminal penalties. We assist our DUI clients with administrative driver’s license proceedings—to include requesting formal hearings, formal hearing defense, and appealing suspensions and revocations.

In some cases, having a knowledgeable DUI lawyer at your administrative driver’s license suspension hearing can make the difference between losing your license and keeping it. At the hearing, an attorney can challenge whether the investigating officer had reasonable suspicion to believe you were operating your vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. A skilled DUI defense attorney will also know what issues to raise to preserve for appeal.

Related Offenses

Beyond DUI and OUI, we defend a broad range of related offenses, including open containers, leaving the scene of an accident, vehicular homicide, and involuntary manslaughter. We also handle cases involving minors and alcohol, such as minor in possession, minor in consumption, fake ID, furnishing alcohol to minors, and hosting minors.

Contact Our Experienced Topeka DUI Lawyers Today

If you have been arrested for a DUI, or any other alcohol-related offense, call our Topeka DUI lawyers today.

FAQs 

What breath (BrAC) or blood (BAC) test qualifies as a DUI?

In Kansas, a breath or blood test showing an alcohol content with a result at or above .08% will support a presumptive DUI charge. But you can be charged with DUI even when your breath or blood test result is below .08% or when your blood test indicates that you are operating your vehicle while under the influence of an illegal narcotic.

Will a DUI or OUI arrest affect my license?

If you are arrested for driving under the influence or operating under the influence, in most cases the arresting law enforcement officer will take your driver’s license and provide you with a Notice of Suspension / Temporary License, also known as a DC-27. Once you have been personally served with the Notice of Suspension, you have a period of 14 days to request an administrative hearing. If you fail to request the hearing within the 14 day period, your right to have a hearing will be waived, and your driving privileges will automatically be subject to the statutorily prescribed suspension and restriction time periods. Only by requesting and winning at a hearing can you maintain unimpaired driving privileges. If you lose at the license hearing, then your license will be suspended—even if you are never convicted of a DUI or OUI.

Do I have to get an ignition interlock device installed in my car?

If your license is suspended, you will almost certainly have to have an interlock device installed in your car.

Will I have to get an ignition interlock device installed in my work truck?

Possibly. Some drivers who are required to have an ignition interlock device installed on their personal vehicles are able to drive an employer’s vehicle for work purposes without an interlock, but it is extremely dependent on your unique situation.