Potential Penalties For A Drunk Driving Conviction

Those who are found driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol on a Kansas road may face many different penalties, ranging from a fine to time in jail. It is also possible that a driver who is convicted of impaired driving will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on his or her vehicle. Such a device won’t allow a car to start if it a driver has a blood alcohol level of .02 or higher.

A judge could also require that driver to go to traffic school or other driver education courses. Failure to comply with an order to complete an education or rehabilitation program may result in a longer license suspension. It may also result in additional sanctions handed down by that judge. A license could be revoked completely if an individual has been convicted of drunk driving in the past.

It is also possible that a misdemeanor charge will automatically be upgraded to a felony if an individual has a previous drunk driving conviction. Certain facts in a case could warrant a person facing harsher penalties even if he or she has no prior record. For instance, this could be the case if a person had a blood alcohol content of more than .20 or if a child was in the car.

Those who are charged with operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol are entitled to an attorney. An attorney might be able to get evidence suppressed or cast doubt upon it at trial. This may result in a case being dismissed or a plea deal being reached in the matter. A plea may allow a person to avoid jail time, a license suspension or other significant penalties related to the charge.