Many people find it difficult to tell when they’ve had too many drinks to drive. If you drive under the influence in Nebraska, you could receive a DUI.
If you’ve been pulled over and received a DUI in Nebraska, you may worry about the consequences.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I got a DUI–now what?” Will it impact your ability to drive or find a job?
These are valid concerns. To protect your future, you should call a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you get a DUI.
If you’re ready to talk to an attorney, Petersen Criminal Defense Law offers experienced DUI defense. Perhaps you would like more information on DUIs before calling a law office. In that case, keep reading for answers to these questions.
After reading all about DUIs, you may be ready to speak to a lawyer. Attorney Tom Petersen can tell you what to do when you get a DUI in Nebraska.
What Are the Different DUI Offenses in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, it is illegal to drive a vehicle (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196):
- While under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
- When you have a concentration of .08 grams per 100 mL or more blood alcohol content (BAC), or
- When you have a concentration of .08 grams or more of alcohol per 210 liters of your breath.
Some people have lower BAC limits. For instance, active commercial drivers or underage drivers can receive a DUI even with a BAC below 0.08.
Under Nebraska DUI law, you can be found to be under the influence of alcohol any time your drinking impacts your ability to drive cautiously to “any appreciable degree.” In other words, it is possible to get a DUI conviction even if you have ingested a small amount of alcohol.
Breath, blood, or urine test results are not necessary to convict you for a DUI. In Nebraska, you can receive a DUI conviction if the following criteria are met:
- A law enforcement officer observes intoxicated behavior or
- You perform poorly on field sobriety tests.
Of course, a police officer’s judgment on issues of sobriety can be biased. That’s why you need an excellent criminal defense attorney to help defeat your DUI charge.
How Can a DUI Defense Attorney Help?
If you face a DUI charge, you need to contact an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney right away. If you’re thinking, “Got a DUI–now what?” an experienced attorney can tell you exactly what to do and what not to do. Attorney Tom Petersen has helped thousands of clients who face criminal charges.
Here are some of the advantages Tom brings to your DUI case:
- Cross-examines the police with their own training manuals, forcing them to admit that DUIs aren’t that simple to identify;
- Shows the court factors that can influence a failed field sobriety test;
- Proves the inaccurate results of breathalyzer tests;
- Presents fact-based evidence to judges and juries to educate them on the potential for DUI mistakes;
- Brings skill and experienced legal judgment to protect you against serious criminal charges; and
- Listens to you without judging or lecturing.
Tom has been helping clients who face similar charges for 15 years. Call Tom for a free consultation where he’ll review your case and let you know if he can assist you.
How Does a DUI Affect Employment and Auto Insurance?
A DUI conviction becomes a part of your criminal record, and employers often conduct criminal background checks before hiring an employee. The employer may view you as a safety risk because of the DUI and refuse to hire you.
When your insurance company finds out about your DUI, expect your rates to increase. Your insurance company will view you as a safety risk. Your insurance company may refuse to pay for auto accident damage if you were involved in an accident while under the influence.
Knowing what to do when you get a DUI can minimize the harmful impact on your employment and auto insurance rates.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Multiple DUI Offenses?
DUIs can bring severe penalties that take your freedom and your ability to drive. To limit penalties, it’s important to consult an attorney about how to defend against a DUI charge.
Penalties for a Nebraska DUI conviction can include the following:
- Imprisonment,
- Fines,
- License suspension or revocation,
- Probation, and
- Community service.
The penalties you face for a DUI depend on several factors.
Previous Convictions
Penalties increase if you have a previous Nebraska DUI.
Blood Alcohol Content Level
If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, it could elevate your charge to an aggravated DUI, which increases potential penalties.
Death or Injuries
If you caused a death or serious injury while driving under the influence, you will likely face a more serious charge.
Age of Defendant
If you are younger than 21, you may be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below the .08 standard for those of legal drinking age.
Driver’s License Status
If you did not have a valid driver’s license when you received a DUI, you may face additional charges.
Most first-time DUI offenders receive a fine and probation for their offense. Your license is usually also suspended, though you may be able to get an occupational or hardship license to drive to work or school. Factors such as having an open container or having a child in the car may increase your sentence.
Even if you received probation for your first DUI offense, it will stay on your record. So if you get a second DUI offense, the first offense will cause your penalties for the second offense to increase. Multiple previous DUI convictions may elevate your DUI to a felony offense.
Contact a DUI Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing a DUI charge, you need legal help immediately. Your freedom is at stake. A DUI can impact almost every area of your life, from your family to your job. Since so much is on the line, you need expert criminal defense representation.
Tom Petersen has defended people charged with DUI in Nebraska for years. He can help you preserve your freedom and your reputation. Call Tom for a free consultation. He’ll review your case and let you know if he can help. If Tom takes your case, he’ll review the arrest record, investigate the charges, and put together a strong defense to help get your penalties reduced or dismissed.
Attorney Petersen was invited to join the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (NAFDD) organization in 2013. NAFDD vets thousands of lawyers and only chooses those who have achieved stellar results in DUI defense cases. Attorney Petersen was named one of the Top 50 defense attorneys in Nebraska out of more than 5,000.
Loading...