Arrested for Drunk Driving in Nebraska?
The DUI laws in Nebraska are tougher than ever, with possible jail time and lengthy license revocation, plus fines, higher insurance and a misdemeanor or felony record. But you are not convicted yet. You have rights and real defenses.
If you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, you should not answer questions or agree to perform roadside "tests." These can only harm you and never help you. Assert your right to remain silent and demand to talk to your attorney.
Call immediately at 888-713-2390, day or night, for a free consultation.
Experienced Nebraska Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
Lincoln DUI attorney Doug Kerns has defended clients of all ages and all walks of life throughout Lancaster County, southeast Nebraska and statewide. He has handled every scenario and knows the potential penalties for a conviction:
- First-time DUI/DWI — Loss of license for 60 days to one year
- Second offense — Mandatory jail and license revocation at least one year
- Refusal of breath test — Automatic loss of license for one year
- Third or fourth DUI — Substantial jail, revocation for two to 15 years
- Under 21 DUI — Revocation of provisional operator's permit for BAC of .02 (any alcohol)
- Commercial drivers — Suspension of CDL license at BAC of .04
- Driving while license revoked — Possible jail and increased revocation period
Blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or greater increases the penalties drastically, even for a first drunk driving offense. For example, it kicks a third DUI up to a felony crime. The state of Nebraska requires expensive SR-22 auto insurance after any DUI conviction, and may require an ignition interlock on your car after a second offense.
Fighting a DUI or Negotiating a Favorable Deal
Nebraska law allows county prosecutors to plea bargain DUI cases. Sometimes this is the best recourse, if your felony charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor or your DUI can be negotiated down to negligent or reckless driving.
But our first goal is to avoid a conviction entirely. Mr. Kerns questions the probable cause for your traffic stop. If police had no reasonable grounds to pull you over, your Breathalyzer reading, field sobriety tests and all other evidence can be suppressed. If we can't get charges dropped or favorably reduced, we are prepared to fight for you at trial.
These defenses and negotiations require the skill and knowledge of an attorney who routinely handles drunk driving cases. Doug Kerns has practiced almost solely in criminal defense since 2004.
License Suspension and DMV Hearings
Your driver's license status is handled separately from the criminal charges. In the administrative DMV hearing, we can argue that you were not operating your vehicle or under the influence. Our goal is to keep your license intact or secure a provisional license so that you can still drive to work or school.
Don't Represent Yourself on a DUI! Call for a Free, Confidential Consultation
Attorney Douglas Kerns is of counsel to the Law Offices of Glen D. Witte and operates out of the same office in Lincoln. Visit his website to contact him about aggressive, effective DUI defense.
