Premier Kansas City DUI Lawyers

Facing a DUI Charge in Kansas City

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) arrest in Kansas City can be one of the most stressful events you will face. Request your Driver’s License Hearing within 10 business days in Kansas or 15 calendar days in Missouri to avoid automatic suspension of your driving privileges. Then contact an experienced DUI lawyer in Kansas City for representation.

Understanding the Law and Your Rights – Our DUI Lawyers are Ready to Defend You

In Missouri and Kansas, a DUI charge involves operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08% if you are 21 or older, or any BAC above 0.02% if you are under 21. Impairment need not stem solely from alcohol; prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances all qualify. Law enforcement officers may use field sobriety tests, breath or blood tests, and observations of driving behavior to establish impairment. Drivers also have constitutional protections under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, including the right against unreasonable search and seizure and the right to remain silent. Law enforcement must read your Miranda rights before any custodial interrogation; failure to do so can lead to suppression of statements. Law enforcement may also request a preliminary breath test (PBT) roadside; refusing a PBT carries no formal penalty but can influence an officer’s decision to arrest.

Range of DUI Charges

Our DUI attorneys defend a broad spectrum of DUI-related allegations in Kansas City. We handle first-time offenses, repeat charges that bring steeper fines and longer suspensions, accident-related DUIs involving property damage or injury, drug-impaired cases, driving while suspended or revoked, felony DUI charges when serious injury or death occurs (or multiple prior convictions apply) and hit-and-run DUIs for leaving the scene without providing assistance.

Our experienced team of Kansas City DUI attorneys is equipped to handle various types of DUI cases and provide strong legal representation, including but not limited to:

DUI Involving an Accident: This refers to a DUI offense where the driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The severity of the accident and any resulting injuries or property damage can impact the potential penalties and consequences.

DUI Involving Drugs: This involves driving under the influence of drugs, including illegal substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter medications that impair a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Driving While Suspended: This charge applies when an individual drives a vehicle while their driver’s license is already suspended or revoked. If a DUI offense is committed while driving with a suspended or revoked license, it can lead to enhanced penalties.

Felony DUI: In certain circumstances, a DUI offense can be charged as a felony. Factors that may elevate a DUI to a felony include multiple prior DUI convictions, serious bodily injury or death caused by the DUI offense, or other aggravating factors. Felony DUI charges carry severe penalties, including potential imprisonment.

First Time DUI: A first-time DUI offense refers to a person’s initial DUI charge without any prior convictions for DUI. While penalties for a first-time DUI may be less severe compared to repeat offenses, they can still result in license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and other consequences.

Multiple DUI: This refers to a DUI offense committed by an individual who has previous DUI convictions on their record. Repeat DUI offenses typically carry more severe penalties than first-time offenses and may lead to longer license suspensions, increased fines, mandatory treatment programs, and possible incarceration.

Leaving the Scene: Leaving the scene of an accident, especially when a DUI is involved, can result in additional charges and consequences. If a driver leaves the scene without providing necessary information or assistance after a DUI-related accident, they may face charges for hit and run or other related offenses.

Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) in Kansas City

Operating a boat with a BAC over 0.08% is treated like a road DUI. BWI offenses carry fines, possible jail time, boating license suspension and mandatory safety courses. Accidents on water that cause injury or damage can lead to felony BWI charges. We extend our DUI expertise to defend BWI cases and protect your maritime privileges.

Immediate Steps to Take When Facing DUI or DWI Charges in Kansas City

• Secure legal representation immediately to ensure all deadlines are met.

• Request your administrative hearing within 10 business days in Kansas or 15 calendar days in Missouri.

• Collect incident details, including police reports, witness statements, photos, videos and officer notes.

• Document your account of events—dates, times, observations—and share your notes with your attorney.

Potential Court Penalties and Consequences of a DUI Conviction

• Fines and court costs that rise with BAC levels and prior convictions.

• License suspension or revocation for periods ranging from months to years.

• Ignition interlock device requirements, with installation and maintenance fees.

• Probation and mandatory programs such as alcohol education or community service.

• Jail time, even for first offenses in high-BAC or repeat cases.

• Higher insurance premiums and a lasting mark on your driving record.
  Beyond these legal penalties, a DUI can affect employment, professional licenses and housing opportunities.

Kansas City DUI Suspension Hearings

These hearings focus solely on whether officers followed statutory procedures, such as proper implied-consent warnings and machine calibration checks. We investigate breath-test equipment logs, identify missing paperwork and challenge procedural errors. A successful challenge can postpone or prevent suspension, keeping you on the road while your criminal case proceeds.

Am I Eligible For a Restricted License or Hardship License in Kansas City?

If suspension is unavoidable, you may qualify for a restricted (hardship) license to drive during certain hours for essential needs like work, school or medical appointments. Conditions often include completion of alcohol-education programs and installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). We prepare your application, gather supporting documents and advocate for the broadest possible driving privileges under state rules.

Courtroom Process and Defense Strategies for a DUI in Kansas City

After arraignment, we may file pretrial motions to suppress evidence from an unlawful stop, challenge field sobriety procedures, or dispute the scientific reliability of breath- or blood-test results. At trial, the prosecution must prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt. We prepare expert testimony on testing conditions, cross-examine arresting officers to expose inconsistencies, and develop alternate explanations for behavior observed during your stop.

DUI Diversion Programs and Expungement in Kansas City

First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs that replace prosecution with supervised education, counseling and community service. Successful completion leads to a charge dismissal. Afterwards, you may seek to expunge your record, sealing or erasing the DUI—improving background-check outcomes and reducing insurance costs.

What If I Refuse an Alcohol or Drug Test?

Under implied-consent laws, refusing a breath or blood test triggers an automatic license revocation—often for one year—even before criminal proceedings begin. We can challenge revocations based on procedural missteps, such as failure to properly advise you of consequences or mishandling refusal paperwork, while defending the DUI charge using field test and observational evidence.

Demerit Points and Insurance Impact

A DUI adds demerit points to your driver’s record under both the Kansas and Missouri systems, which can trigger additional suspensions. Insurance companies track these violations, often increasing premiums or cancelling coverage. Our attorneys advise on contesting points and negotiating with insurers for more favorable terms.

Civil Liability and Related Lawsuits

If your DUI causes an accident, injured parties can sue you in civil court for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While your auto insurance may cover some claims, personal assets are at risk if damages exceed policy limits. We coordinate with civil defense counsel to manage lawsuits alongside your criminal defense.

Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief

Unfavorable outcomes at your administrative hearing can be appealed to circuit court; criminal convictions may be challenged via post-conviction relief motions or direct appeals on grounds such as legal error or new evidence. We handle briefing deadlines, record preparation, and appellate advocacy to protect your rights at every level.

What Can You Expect From Our Kansas City DUI Lawyers?

Our Kansas City DUI attorneys focus exclusively on DUI, DWI and BWI defense in Kansas and Missouri. We combine deep local knowledge with extensive courtroom experience, from administrative hearings through trial and appeals. You’ll receive clear communication, honest guidance, and a customized strategy designed to safeguard your driving privileges and your future.

Attorney Dan Kennedy is a former Department of Revenue hearing officer and DWI license suspension enforcer, and he understands how this process works and what is necessary to protect the interests of his clients.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Spradlin Kennedy

At our firm, personalized service is a commitment we make to each and every client. We understand the impact that a DUI charge can have on your life, and we are dedicated to providing the support, guidance, and aggressive representation you need during this challenging time.

Reach out to the accomplished team of criminal defense attorneys at Spradlin Kennedy without delay. Our experienced legal professionals are here to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the choices at your disposal.

Facing DWI charges can be a daunting experience, but our primary objective is to diminish the potential negative consequences of these charges. Contact our firm here or at 816-384-0180 to schedule a free consultation and discover how our personalized legal representation can make a difference in your DUI case.

DUI Defense Frequently Asked Questions