Founded in 2006, Kirkpatrick & Goldsborough, PLLC, is committed to providing the highest-quality legal representation to individuals throughout Vermont. As a midsized firm, we provide access to five highly experienced lawyers while maintaining the feel of a community firm. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in litigation in state and federal courts, and we have successfully argued cases before the Vermont Supreme Court and various U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. This team is dedicated to being the top Vermont DUI Attorneys. Together, we offer a full range of legal services to meet our clients’ goals.
We believe that superior representation begins with understanding our clients’ concerns and addressing their questions about the legal system. Ours is a professional firm, driven by the idea that by providing a welcoming environment for our clients to explain their needs, we can work together to devise a winning legal strategy. Whether our clients have been arrested and charged with a crime, are beginning the divorce process or believe they have a personal injury or tort claim, we allow the client to tell us the story and see how we can help. We understand that many clients approach the law with trepidation; when our clients are experiencing difficulty and turn to us, we provide assurance that the legal system can work in their favor. Once we have ascertained our clients’ legal needs, we develop the representation strategy most likely to achieve their goals.
Burlington DUI Lawyers
A DUI charge has complex implications for people charged with the crime. It is important for individuals to have an experienced attorney knowledgeable in the nuances of the law and who has the willingness to aggressively defend against an unjust outcome. The choice of lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of a drunk driving charge. Under Vermont DUI laws (found at Title 23, Sections 1201-1216), the legal blood alcohol limit (blood alcohol concentration, or BAC) is .08.
However, you can still be charged with DUI even if your BAC was below this limit if your driving ability was nevertheless impaired by any combination of alcohol and drugs. Other complexities of Vermont’s DUI laws include: An implied consent law regarding a law enforcement officer’s request for a breath or blood sample. If you refuse, you will lose your driver’s license for six months on a first offense. On a second offense, you will lose your license for 18 months and you could be charged with a criminal refusal. A first-time offense carries a potential penalty of up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $750.
However, even if you win your criminal DUI case, you may nevertheless lose your license for 90 days under Vermont’s implied consent law, if a first offense, or for 18 months if a second offense. It is a felony under Vermont law if you are convicted of a third DUI. You will lose your license for life if you are convicted of a third DUI. The law allows reinstatement of a driver’s license under very narrow circumstances and only after three years of license suspension and absolute sobriety. Vermont has begun to allow drivers convicted of DUI and under license suspension to drive upon meeting certain suspension criteria and paying for an “interlock” device that prevents a car from starting if the device detects alcohol in the driver. Contact Kirkpatrick & Goldsborough For Skilled DUI Defense It is not practical to list all the nuances of Vermont’s DUI law in one website.
Every DUI case has its own set of facts and legal issues. The practice of DUI law requires precise analysis, legal and practical advice, advocacy, and cost consciousness. Call 802-448-2518 or send an email to speak with Burlington DUI attorneys Richard Goldsborough if you are facing a DUI charge. We are prepared to advocate on your behalf for a positive outcome.