Lee's Summit DUI/DWI Lawyer

Independence Drunk Driving Defense Attorney Protecting Your Rights After a DWI Arrest

Missouri's drunk driving laws have changed. As of August 2010, the consequences have become much more serious. With each DWI arrest, you may face more and more consequences. These include jail or prison, fines, a suspended driver's license and increased insurance costs.

If you have been arrested, it is critical to contact an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible — a professional who can help you develop a successful defense strategy that reduces potential consequences. At the Law Offices of Gerald W. Furnell, LLC, we use years of experience to help our clients reduce consequences and achieve the best possible result in DUI/DWI cases.

Attorney Gerald Wayne Furnell is a former assistant prosecuting attorney for the city of Kansas City, Missouri, and he is a former prosecutor and municipal judge in East Lynne, Missouri, as well as an experienced criminal defense lawyer. He uses this broad experience to protect our clients' rights.

As a former prosecutor, Mr. Furnell examines every aspect of your case to determine the strengths and weaknesses from a prosecutor's perspective. Did the police officer have a reasonable, articulable suspicion to stop your vehicle? Was there probable cause for the arrest? Was the Breathalyzer administered correctly? Were field sobriety tests performed appropriately? We use this information to build a strong and effective criminal defense for you in your drunk driving case.

Protecting You From Driver's License Suspension

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you are probably facing the loss of your driver's license. Having your driver's license revoked can happen administratively by the Missouri Department of Revenue or by being convicted of DWI.

At the Law Offices of Gerald W. Furnell, LLC, we fight for our clients on two fronts: We protect their interests in administrative matters and in criminal matters. At our law firm near Kansas City, attorney Gerald Wayne Furnell represents clients in administrative hearings as well as in negotiations with prosecutors and in criminal trials.

It is critical to act quickly after a drunk driving arrest. You only have 15 days to schedule an administrative hearing to challenge your license suspension. If you fail to do so, you waive your right to the hearing and your license will be suspended or revoked for at least 90 days.

As an experienced legal team, we can keep you driving while your administrative hearing is pending. Our law firm can help make arrangements for you to get a permit to drive. We also focus on minimizing a client's suspension to not more than 30 days by helping our clients obtain limited driving privileges or hardship licenses that keep them driving to work, school and necessary errands.

We can also answer any questions you may have:

• How will a drunk driving conviction affect my record? In Missouri, it is generally possible to expunge a DUI conviction from your criminal record after 10 years if you have not had a repeat conviction. Of course, the best way to keep your record clear is to avoid a conviction in the first place by working with an experienced and effective criminal defense lawyer.
• Can I keep my license? After a drunk driving arrest, it is possible to protect your driver's license, but you must act quickly. You have only 15 days to request an administrative hearing. If you fail to do so, Missouri law says that your license will be suspended.
• How will an arrest affect my job? It's possible that your drunk driving arrest will affect your job — especially if you have a CDL or drive for a living in another capacity. At the Law Offices of Gerald W. Furnell, LLC, we do everything possible to protect your rights and your job. This includes having charges amended or, in some cases, even dismissed, or having you found not guilty at trial.

Contact a Lee's Summit DUI/DWI Attorney

If you have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is critical to speak with an attorney as quickly as possible. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced lawyer, contact the Law Offices of Gerald W. Furnell, LLC, at 816-554-3311.