Getting arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is a frightening experience for the average person. More so than most crimes, the average DUI defendant does not have a criminal record and has likely never violated the law before, unless you count traffic violations. Consequently, most DUI defendants must navigate an unfamiliar judicial system while also worrying about the outcome of their case – and outcome that could have serious negative ramifications. Every DUI arrest involved a unique set of facts and circumstances which is why you should consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney for answers to

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If you were recently arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Nebraska, you will need to make several important decisions over the course of your case. One of the most important of those decisions is whether or not to enter into a guilty plea agreement with the State of Nebraska. Given the highly personal and unique nature of any DUI prosecution, you should always consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney before making the decision to accept a plea agreement. In the meantime, an Omaha DUI attorney at Petersen Law Office discusses some important factors you may

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Through the combined efforts of governmental agencies and private advocacy groups over the last several decades, the public has been inundated with warnings about the dangers of drinking and driving. Also as a result of those efforts, states have strengthened their driving under the influence (DUI) laws, including lowering the “legal limit” to 0.08.  In fact, the “legal limit” has become the focus of both DUI enforcement efforts and the public’s perception of the crime of driving under the influence. Can you be convicted of DUI, however, even if you passed your breath test? An Omaha DUI lawyer at Petersen

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Are you facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in Omaha, Nebraska? If so, you are certainly concerned about the outcome of your case. At the same time, you may be wavering on the issue of hiring an attorney to represent you. Well-meaning friends and family members are probably giving you conflicting advice with some insisting an attorney is a waste of money while others argue that you would be a fool to show up in court with an attorney. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make; however, before you make it, consider the following five reasons why you

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Thanks to a concerted effort over the last several decades in the United States, awareness has certainly been raised about the dangers associated with drunk driving. Among the most serious of those dangers is the increased risk of causing a collision if you are driving under the influence (DUI). To deter motorists from driving while under the influence, states have also increased the penalties for violating DUI laws. For example, if you caused a fatal DUI crash in Nebraska you could be facing a lengthy term of imprisonment if convicted. Fatal DUI Crash Facts and Figures It isn’t difficult to

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Finding yourself under arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) is usually a frightening experience in today’s day and age. Gone are the days when a defendant could expect nothing more than a stern lecture and a fine for a DUI conviction. Now, even a first-time offender could spend time in jail, have his/her driving privileges revoked for a significant period of time, and spend months under the court’s supervision. If you already have a previous conviction for DUI, the penalties can be even more severe. What if that conviction is from another state though? Will a DUI conviction from

Continue Reading Will a DUI Conviction in Another State Count Against Me in Nebraska If I Get Arrested for DUI?

In a DUI trial, the State typically relies on the testimony of several witnesses in order to make its case against the defendant. Those witnesses may be law enforcement officers, experts, or uninvolved bystanders. Whether the trial is a trial by judge or jury, the testimony given by a witness can irrevocably impact the outcome of the case. What happens though, if a witness lies on the stand? A Nebraska DUI defense attorney explains both the potential legal consequences and the likely real-world consequences of a witness who lies. Understanding Perjury If you have ever watched a crime drama on

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Nebraska law prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08 percent. When a motorist is arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) he/she is usually asked to perform a chemical breath test upon arrival at the jail. Critics and defense attorneys have long questioned the reliability of breath test results – and with good reason, as shown by questions about the certification process for Nebraska’s breath test machines.  Nebraska DUI defense attorney Tom Petersen explains why defense attorneys are challenging breath test machine results in Nebraska. Nebraska’s Implied Consent Law When you are arrested

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Over the past several decades, advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have waged a campaign to raise awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving – and that campaign has been extremely successful. States across the nation have strengthened their driving under the influence (DUI) laws and increased penalties for violating those laws. In addition, the “legal limit” has been dropped from 0.10 or higher to 0.08 percent in the states.  Motorists are more worried than ever about getting arrested for drunk driving, leading many of them to ask the question “How do I know if I’m

Continue Reading How Do I Know If I’m Over the Legal Limit?