DUI Criminal Defense Attorney - Great Falls, Montana

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Great Falls?

Under Montana law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates a criminal action against you. This action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and can result in jail time, the loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing such a charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of an assertive and experienced DUI lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options.

If you have been charged with DUI, it is a major offense that can have serious consequences, 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 important you seek the legal advice of a competent and professional DUI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In Great Falls, Montana, a first time DUI offender faces imprisonment of 24 consecutive hours in jail, or 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 Great Falls, 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 Great Falls, Montana, a first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Montana 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 driving privileges in Montana. The cost of any such treatment and program is the responsibility of the DUI or DWI offender.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) 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 a competent and professional criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Colorado DUI or DWI lawyer for a professional and free consultation.

Montana DUI Cost

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

• DUI or DWI Treatment Program
• Car Insurance Increase
• Tow and Impound Fee
• Fines/Penalties
• Montana DMV Reissue Fee

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.