DUI Lawyer Douglas County
Have you been charged with a Criminal Complaint, or Driving Under the Influence ( DUI ) in Douglas County District Court in Lawrence Kansas? Once you have posted bond you will receive a citation or criminal complaint with the first court date on the front. Catch your breath, get your car out of the tow lot if necessary. Weigh your options, and then talk to an experienced Douglas County DUI Lawyer. Get informed; Take action to protect your rights and your future.
How Do I Request a DUI Drivers License Hearing in Douglas County?
Your first court appearance may be a month or so away but the clock starts running immediately on your right to contest the possible administrative suspension of your Kansas Driving Privileges. In Kansas you have ten business days or fourteen calendar days (whichever is later) from the date of a chemical test failure or test refusal to request a Drivers License Hearing. The Arresting Officer should have served you with a DC-27 (Pink Form) . The DC-27 serves as a 'Temporary License' and is valid for thirty (30) days. The date of service is the date listed on this form.
Be sure to read the fine print on the DC-27. An Administrative Driver License Hearing request must be made in writing ; failure to make a timely request will result in the denial of your request for a Drivers License Hearing and almost certainly the automatic suspension or revocation of your Kansas Driving Privileges. When you retain the Law Offices of Charles R. Green one of the first steps we take is to request the Drivers License Administrative Hearing on your behalf. This preserves your right to an in-person hearing where the Officer's actions and any constitutional issues or procedural violations can be reviewed; it also allows importantly allows you to keep driving in Kansas during the process , (provided your license is not otherwise suspended or restricted).
Why is My DUI Case Filed in Douglas County District Court?
The Douglas County District Court adjudicates cases filed by State Agencies, which include tickets issued by the Kansas State Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, and Park Rangers. These offenses can include Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol and/ or Drugs, Possession of Marijuana or other Controlled Substances, as well as Speeding Tickets and other Traffic Violations. A first-time DUI is typically a Class B Misdemeanor, the same as if it was issued by a municipal officer. State Court does not necessarily mean the charge is more serious, however, District Court proceedings are generally more formal than proceedings in Lawrence Municipal Court, and the procedure can be intimidating.
Felony DUI Charge Process in Douglas County
Felony DUI cases (Third or subsequent) are prosecuted at the State level in Douglas County District Court. These cases can originate in a municipal court in Douglas County, i.e. Lawrence , but then are dismissed at the municipal level and referred to District Court for potential filing as a Felony DUI. Kansas currently has a 'Limited Lifetime Look-back' to July 1, 2001 to determine whether a prior DUI conviction or DUI Diversion can be used to enhance a current charge to a Felony DUI. In addition, Prior DUI Convictions from other States including Missouri and Colorado may be used in calculating whether Felony DUI charges may be filed.
Douglas County District Court Information
Douglas County is has a population of about 99,962, making it the most populous county in Kansas. The county seat is Lawrence, Kansas. Lawrence, Kansas was the site of contention and fighting between 'Jayhawker' abolitionists and pro-slavery advocates during the period known as 'Bleeding Kansas' . In 1863 during the Civil War, Confederate guerrillas known as 'Quantrill's Raiders' , fought around the area of Lawrence and in Lawrence.
Douglas County District Court is located at 111 E. 11th St., Lawrence , Kansas, 66044. The District Court Judges have original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, including divorce and domestic relations, damage suits, probate and administration of estates, guardianships, conservatorships, care of the mentally ill, juvenile matters, and small claims.
Douglas County Resources
Douglas County Courthouse
111 E. 11th St.
Lawrence, Ks., 66044
Phone: 785.832.5256
Douglas County Court Resources: https://www.dgcoks.gov/district-court
