Shielding You From The Penalties Of Drunk Driving

DUI charges, whether charged as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI) or operating under the influence (OUI), have consequences that begin immediately. You need to get help from The Mozingo Law Firm, LLC, quickly to ensure that all your rights are protected.

I am RW Mozingo II. I have more than 20 years of experience as an attorney. In addition to handling negotiations with the district attorney’s office, I am an experienced litigator who is not afraid to take your case before a judge or jury. I am licensed to practice in Kansas and Missouri.

What To Know About DUI Charges

DUI charges have a great impact on you, and every good defense should focus on all aspects. A charge of driving under the influence not only exposes you to criminal charges but may affect your freedom. There is also an administrative traffic offense hearing that may affect your ability to drive a car. These charges usually involve the suspected use of alcohol or drugs. These drugs may be illegal or prescribed. Therefore, a knowledgeable defense is imperative. These cases involve expert witnesses as well as challenges to the introduction of evidence. With a drug or driving under the influence charge, additional expert testimony must be addressed.

A Former Prosecutor With Police Training

Before becoming a criminal law attorney, I prosecuted drunk driving cases for over three years with the Johnson County District Attorney’s office. More than half of my 30 jury trials were DUI charges. I now bring this experience to your defense.

Additionally, I received training on DUI investigation from the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Attorney General’s office and the Johnson County Police Academy. This training and experience are now available to defend against charges of driving under the influence that you may be facing.

How A Johnson County DUI Case Moves From Arrest To Resolution

A DUI charge in Johnson County runs on two tracks at once: the criminal charge in court and a separate administrative action against your driver’s license. Having worked in the traffic section of the Johnson County District Attorney’s office, I know how prosecutors here handle these cases. The criminal side usually follows this order:

• Arrest and bond: You go home once you post bond, sometimes with conditions.
• Arraignment: You hear the formal charge and enter a plea at your first court date.
• Motions: I look for grounds to challenge the traffic stop, the breath or blood test and other evidence.
• Negotiations: Many cases move to talks with the prosecutor, while others head toward trial.

You have a short window, measured in days, to request an administrative hearing with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Missing it can mean a suspension before the court rules on your criminal case. Right away, gather your arrest paperwork, bond conditions, court notices and any ignition interlock information.

Can You Face A DUI In Kansas Without Drinking?

Yes. Kansas law bars driving when any drug leaves you unable to drive safely, including prescription medication, marijuana and other controlled substances. With no breath-test number, officers build these cases from driving behavior, field sobriety tests and a drug recognition evaluation.

A blood test may show a drug is present without showing you were impaired when you drove, and THC can stay detectable for days or weeks. An independent toxicologist can explain what a lab result does and does not prove. My time in the drug section of the district attorney’s office helps me test that evidence closely.

Kansas DUI Penalties For A First, Second Or Third Offense

Kansas DUI penalties climb with each conviction. A first offense can bring a short jail term or community service, fines and license restrictions that often include an ignition interlock. A second offense carries longer mandatory jail time and higher fines, and a third can be charged as a felony in some cases.

Penalties vary with the facts and your prior history, so as your lawyer, I give you a realistic picture rather than false hope. A conviction can raise insurance rates, threaten a job or professional license and limit travel to countries including Canada.

Seek DUI Defense Immediately – Free Consultations

You must act quickly and decisively in obtaining representation, as most of these matters are time-sensitive and will affect you greatly if not handled immediately. Call my office at 913-732-4903 or send me an email to schedule your completely free initial consultation.