DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Missoula, Montana

Being arrested for DUI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is important that anyone facing a DUI charge in Montana understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an assertive and experienced DUI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - A first time DUI offender in Montana faces mandatory jail time of 24 consecutive hours in jail, up to a maximum of 6 months.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 6 months, with no provision for a restricted probationary license. Once a person refuses to submit to the chemical test requested, the officer will immediately seize the person's driver's license and forward it to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The officer will also issue the driver a temporary driving permit, which becomes effective 12 hours after issuance, and remains valid for 5 days following issuance. The driver is also given written notice of the license suspension, along with notice of a right to a hearing. A driver who wishes to invoke his or her right to a hearing must do so within 30 days after notice is given by the officer.
• Monetary Fines - In Missoula, Montana, minimum mandatory fines for a first time DUI are $300.00, up to a maximum of $1000.00.
• Montana Driving Privileges and DUI - In Missoula, Montana, a first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of Montana driving privileges for 6 months.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation and any treatment program required by the evaluating agency is required for reinstatement of Montana driving privileges. The cost of any such treatment and program is the responsibility of the DUI offender.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent Montana DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.

Subsequent DUI Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Because of the complexity of DUI laws in Colorado, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why an assertive and experienced criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Colorado DUI defense lawyer for a professional and free consultation.

DUI Costs

Costs for DUI go beyond what you pay in fines. Here is a conservative breakdown for a first DUI offense:

• Fines/Penalties
• DUI - DWI Treatment Program
• Tow/Impound Fee
• Auto Insurance Increase
• DMV Reissue Fee
• Restitution Fund

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.