Grand Forks ND DUI Lawyers

According to North Dakota DUI law, it is a crime for someone to drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for intoxication for the typical adult driver is a blood alcohol level of .08%. However, a law enforcement officer can initiate an arrest for driving under the influence in North Dakota based on a perception of impairment, not just a BAC reading.

The consequences for being found guilty of DUI in Grand Forks County can be severe, and you should seek professional guidance as quickly as possible. Because ND DUI is a criminal offense, you need an experienced and qualified attorney who has an extensive knowledge of drunk driving defense.

Grand Forks DUI ND Lawyers Larivee & Light practice only criminal law. Their legal experience, understanding of the court system, positive relationships with area prosecutors and judges and knowledge of North Dakota DUI law will help you get the best possible result from your case.

Grand Forks County DUI Attorneys Larivee & Light will review your case for free. Once they understand the specifics of your case, they will be able to talk about your legal options, potential penalties and their fee. There is no obligation, so call (701) 780-9663 or fill out the consultation request form to the left.

North Dakota has an implied consent statute which establishes that a motorist issued a driver's license in the state must submit to a breath, blood or urine test when requested by a law enforcement officer. If you submit to a test and register a BAC above the legal threshold or if you refuse to take a test during an arrest for drunk driving in North Dakota, the officer will seize your driver's license and issue you a temporary permit.

This action initiates a civil case with an administrative hearing that will seek to suspend your license. This is a separate case from the criminal DUI resolved in the courts, and you could lose your driving privileges before your first court date. For a first offense the suspension period is 91 days. Two DUI convictions within five years would result in loss of license for one year. A third offense would lead to a two-year suspension.

You have several options regarding the civil case. One is to ignore the hearing and if the hearing officer determines your BAC was above the legal limit, your license would be automatically suspended. Note that the criminal DUI charges could be dropped and you will not get your license back until the end of the suspension period. Another option is to waive the administrative hearing and plead guilty to a criminal charge of driving under the influence in Grand Forks County. Your license would be suspended for the duration described above.

The third option is to request a presence at the administrative hearing with the Department of Transportation and fight to keep your driver's license. You must, however, request such a hearing within 10 days of being served notice of your license suspension.

Grand Forks DUI Attorneys Larivee & Light can help schedule a hearing on your behalf and represent you during the proceedings. They have experience with the nature of the testimony and evidence that will be presented, and they could help save your driving privileges.

Time is very short, so contact Larivee & Light for immediate help with your license.

A conviction for driving under the influence in ND can lead to court costs and fines, loss of license, a mandatory alcohol evaluation and required SR-22 high risk auto insurance.

The degree of the penalties increases if you had a blood alcohol content of .18% or higher, or have prior convictions DUI. A second and any subsequent offense could also lead to jail sentence. A fifth drunk driving offense is filed as a felony.

A conviction for DUI in North Dakota would mean having a criminal arrest record, which could limit your employment opportunities and keep you from opening a credit account. Canada is more strictly enforcing its policy of denying entry to those with a criminal record, even for misdemeanor DUI.

Protect your future and contact Grand Forks County North Dakota DUI Lawyers Larivee & Light now.

Grand Forks ND DUI Lawyers Larivee & Light offer a free initial consultation to determine how best to approach your specific case. They will then explain the costs for legal representation, which is usually a flat fee.

For your convenience, various payment options are available, including major credit cards, cash and checks. In most situations, an affordable pay plan can also be developed.

Trying to defend your self without a deep understanding of DUI law and experience with the court system could result in greater penalties. Contact Grand Forks County DUI Attorneys Larivee & Light now to learn about your rights and your legal options.

Grand Forks DUI Lawyer Steven M. Light was raised in Fargo. He graduated with honors from the University of North Dakota and earned a juris doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law. Steve Light had the privilege of clerking for North Dakota's most celebrated criminal defense attorney, Alan Larivee, which later led to the creation of the Larivee & Light Law Firm.

Steve Light uses a combination of legal expertise, excellent litigation skills, an aggressive defense style and creative strategies to earn acquittals, favorable outcomes and successful appeals for clients accused of driving under the influence in Grand Forks.

Attorney Steve Light is admitted to the North Dakota State Bar and the Minnesota State Bar, and is permitted to practice law in all state courts, the North Dakota Federal Court and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the North Dakota Trial Lawyers of America and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Time is very important for the successful defense of a North Dakota DUI case. Contact Grand Forks ND DUI Lawyers Larivee & Light for immediate help by filling out the form to the left or calling (701) 780-9663.