Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Belgium

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blomme.legal
Ghent, Belgium

Founded in 1965
7 people in their team
English
Blomme.legal is a Ghent based law firm with more than 50 years of experience in the areas it treats. The firm was founded in 1965 by Piet Blomme, and since 1995 has been led and expanded by August Blomme. Since September 2021 the office has been led by Bart Verhoeven (managing partner) and August...
Advocatenkantoor Versyp
De Panne, Belgium

Founded in 1987
4 people in their team
English
Advocatenkantoor Versyp is a well established Belgian law firm based in De Panne with a notable cross border footprint through its France practice. Led by Meester Philippe Versyp, the firm traces its practice back to 1987, reflecting more than three decades of experience across Belgian and French...
Alta Advocaten (Hechtel-Eksel)
Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium

Founded in 2024
English
Alta Advocaten, located in Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium, offers comprehensive legal services across various domains, including contract law, corporate law, liability law, labor law, family law, criminal law, and specialized areas such as association law, sports law, and intellectual property law. The...
Legalstay
Hasselt, Belgium

English
Legalstay, led by Wim Thiry, offers over 25 years of specialized experience in immigration law. The firm provides accurate, up-to-date, and reliable legal advice to individuals, public authorities, organizations, and businesses, ensuring clients receive expert guidance tailored to their specific...
Brussels, Belgium

English
GMadvocaten, led by attorney and mediator Georges Michiels, offers comprehensive legal services with a focus on family law, including divorce proceedings, as well as commercial and residential lease disputes, criminal and traffic law, commercial and corporate law, mediation, and liability disputes...
PARTNERS IN LAW
Bruges, Belgium

Founded in 1985
English
Partners in Law, established in 1985 by Mr. Patrick Bernard Martens in Brugge, has grown into a prominent law firm with a team of nine attorneys and two administrative staff members. The firm specializes in various legal domains, including personal and family law, criminal law, and labor law,...
Brussels, Belgium

English
ConSenso-Advocaten is a distinguished law firm offering comprehensive legal advisory services across various practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property rights, estate planning, criminal law, and mediation. The firm serves a diverse clientele encompassing real estate,...

6 people in their team
English
Cabinet d'avocats Xharde Gilissen Xharde is a Belgian law firm with offices in Seraing and Liège that concentrates on civil liability, family law, insurance law, criminal law and related litigation. The firm operates through distinct practice poles covering civil and liability matters, tenancy and...

2 people in their team
English
Avocat DE SAMBLANX Marc-Junior is a Belgian lawyer admitted to the Bar of Liège-Huy who provides representation across the Kingdom of Belgium in criminal, family, civil, youth and traffic law. He holds a Master in Law with a specialized mobility track with distinction from the University of Liège...
Brakel, Belgium

Founded in 2019
English
Advocaat Karo De Jonge, established in 2019, offers specialized legal services across multiple domains, including criminal law, family law, insurance law, real estate law, and social security law. With offices in Brakel, Geraardsbergen, and Ninove, the firm is well-positioned to serve clients...
AS SEEN ON

About DUI & DWI Law in Belgium

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are serious offenses in Belgium, where the legal system is structured to prevent and penalize impaired driving. Belgium enforces strict laws to mitigate the risks associated with drinking and driving. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.5 g/L for general drivers and 0.2 g/L for novice drivers and professional drivers. Enhanced penalties exist for higher BAC levels and repeat offenders. These laws aim to ensure road safety for all users by discouraging impaired driving through deterrence and education.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

If you face accusations of DUI or DWI, legal assistance becomes crucial due to the complex nature of these charges. Here are some situations where you may require a lawyer:

  • You have been charged with a DUI/DWI and are unfamiliar with legal proceedings.
  • The charges involve repeated offenses, leading to more severe penalties.
  • The incident resulted in accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
  • You face additional charges like reckless driving or resisting arrest.
  • Your professional license or job security is at risk due to the charges.

A lawyer will help navigate court proceedings, negotiate plea deals, or challenge evidence where applicable.

Local Laws Overview

Belgium's legal framework for DUI & DWI includes stringent measures to curb impaired driving. Here are key aspects of these laws:

  • The legal BAC limit is 0.5 g/L, reduced to 0.2 g/L for newly licensed and professional drivers.
  • Penalties for a first offense with BAC between 0.5 g/L and 0.8 g/L include fines and driving bans.
  • A BAC of 0.8 g/L or more involves heavier fines, longer driving bans, and potential imprisonment.
  • Refusal to undergo a breathalyzer test may result in immediate suspensions and harsher penalties.
  • Repeat offenders face exponentially increasing punishments, including mandatory assessments, alcohol treatment, and longer bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal BAC limit in Belgium?

The legal BAC limit is 0.5 g/L. For novice and professional drivers, it is 0.2 g/L.

What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test?

Refusal to take a breathalyzer test can lead to immediate license suspension, fines, and possibly stronger penalties if convicted.

Can I request a blood test instead of a breathalyzer?

Yes, if there are doubts about breathalyzer results, authorities may allow a blood test for more accurate BAC measurement.

What are the penalties for a first-time DUI offense?

For BAC between 0.5 g/L and 0.8 g/L, penalties include fines up to €1,200 and driving suspensions ranging from 3 hours to 8 days.

Will a DUI affect my criminal record in Belgium?

A DUI conviction becomes part of your criminal record, potentially affecting employment opportunities and future legal procedures.

How does a DUI impact my insurance?

A DUI conviction typically results in higher insurance premiums and difficulty in securing future insurance coverage.

Can foreign drivers face deportation due to DUI?

While a DUI alone may not prompt deportation, severe cases involving additional offenses could influence immigration decisions.

Is there an option for reducing a DUI charge?

Lawyers might negotiate reduced charges or plea deals, especially if it's a first offense with no aggravating factors.

What rights do I have if stopped for suspected DUI?

You have the right to remain silent and request legal counsel. It's important to cooperate with legal testing procedures as refusal carries more penalties.

Can I drive in other EU countries after a Belgian DUI?

A license suspension in Belgium typically prevents driving in other EU countries during the suspension period.

Additional Resources

For further assistance, consider these resources:

  • Federal Public Service Justice: Provides comprehensive information on legal proceedings and penalties.
  • VIAS Institute: A leading organization promoting road safety measures in Belgium.
  • Federale Politie: Access to traffic enforcement policies and procedures on impaired driving.
  • Legal clinics or pro-bono services: Offer affordable legal assistance for DUI & DWI cases.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with a DUI or DWI case in Belgium, consider the following steps:

  • Contact a specialized DUI/DWI lawyer to discuss your case.
  • Gather any evidence related to the charge, such as police reports and witness testimonies.
  • Attend all court hearings and comply with legal requirements, as advised by your lawyer.
  • Follow any mandates or rehabilitation programs prescribed as part of your legal proceedings.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Belgium through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including DUI & DWI, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.