St. Louis DWI Attorneys
You Take Your Charges Seriously. Our DUI Lawyers Do Too.
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are criminal offenses that have garnered increasing and widespread attention in recent years. As part of the national crackdown on those who drive impaired, Missouri now enforces harsh and unforgiving DWI laws.
While these allegations are among the more prevalent criminal offenses, as they affect people from all walks of life, no one facing these charges should ever let themselves believe that a DWI is inconsequential, not important enough to warrant the help of an attorney, or anything other than a serious crime.
If you have been charged with drunk driving, it is vital to seek counsel from a St. Louis DWI attorney as soon as possible. A DWI is a serious criminal matter with severe legal and social implications. Our St. Louis DUI lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and help you build a strong defense. We will fight for you in court and strive to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case. We will fight for your rights and work to protect your future. Don't wait until it's too late! Contact our DWI attorney in St. Louis today to schedule a consultation.
Protecting Your Rights, Freedom & Future After a DUI Charged
If you or your loved one is facing legal recourse for a DWI or DUI charge, then trust in our firm's St. Louis DWI lawyers to provide you with the unrelenting representation you need to protect your future. Although you may feel as though there is little you can do, our firm's experience has allowed us to accumulate a number of defense options that we can apply to your specific situation.
Regardless of the facts involved, we always:
- Meticulously investigate each case
- Discuss all available options with prospective clients
- Commit our full efforts & resources to help you avoid potentially crippling consequences
Missouri DWI & DUI Penalties
Just as with most states throughout the country, defendants confronted with any type of DWI or DUI allegation face serious criminal penalties. Regardless of how you felt about your impairment at the time of your arrest, the laws are rigid, and anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 0.08% (0.04% for commercial vehicle drivers and 0.02% for underage drivers) will be subjected to life-changing repercussions.
Our firm has amassed extensive hands-on experience representing clients facing a variety of DWI allegations, including any of the following:
- Underage DUI
- Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID)
- First-time and multiple offense DWI
- Felony DWI
- DWI accidents
- DWI with child endangerment
- DWI resulting in injury or death
- Boating while intoxicated (BWI or BUI)
Although penalties will vary depending on the facts surrounding your case, your specific charge, and additional factors, such as your prior criminal record, the repercussions you face can have a substantial and long-term impact on your life. Generally, Missouri enforces the following DWI penalties:
First-Time Offense
In Missouri, a first DWI offense is considered a Class B misdemeanor, although
charges may be elevated should certain aggravating circumstances be involved.
Typically, a first offense is punishable by license suspensions, points
on your driving record, fines, possible jail sentences, and other consequences.
Multiple Offense
A second DWI conviction will subject you to a Class A misdemeanor and elevated
criminal consequences. Penalties include lengthy license suspensions or
revocations, fines, additional points added to your driving record, and
anywhere from two days to one year in jail.
A third DWI conviction is considered a felony offense. As such, criminal penalties are severe and can include up to 5 years in prison and a 10-year license revocation, with the opportunity to apply for a hardship license after 3 years. Each subsequent DWI conviction after the third offense will also be a felony that poses heightened penalties and increased terms of imprisonment.
Other DWI Allegations
There are a variety of circumstances that can elevate the penalties you
face. DWIs in which a child is present or in which an accident is involved
can pose heightened penalties. If a DWI or DUI results in the injury or
death of another, life-altering penalties should make working with proven
representation your first priority.
License Penalties
The state of Missouri has established some of the most severe DWI license
repercussions in the nation. All matters relating to the suspension or
revocation of your driver's license are handled during an administration
process that is separate from your criminal case. Additionally, you must
request an administrative hearing with the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR)
within 15 days of your arrest in order to have the opportunity to preserve your driving
privileges.
Short-Term & Long-Term Consequences
DWI allegations of any type also pose several social repercussions. Aside
from criminal penalties handed down by the court, a DWI on your criminal
record can warrant unfavorable setbacks and judgment. A DWI charge may
place people at risk of losing their jobs or finding transportation to
school or work. It can be seen by those who conduct
background checks, including prospective employers, landlords, and/or colleges. Higher auto
insurance payments and ignition interlock devices (IIDs) also pose ongoing
costs to convicted offenders and can severely threaten one's financial
future. Although penalties do vary, they certainly have the potential
to impact your personal well-being and future in profound ways.
Refusing a Breath or Blood Test
The State of Missouri has developed a law regarding the refusal of a chemical test (blood or breath). For those who have been charged with DWI, being aware of this law is vital to helping you protect your driving privileges.
Under Missouri law, chemical tests are mandatory. Anyone who refuses to take an alcohol or drug test during a DWI stop will have their driver's license suspended for one year. These one-year suspensions are strict, and there are generally no exceptions.
If you or your loved one refused a chemical test, it does not mean that you are guilty, and it certainly does not mean that your charges cannot be beaten. By allowing our legal team to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, we can work toward determining whether proper protocol was followed by law enforcement officers and toward challenging the prosecution's case.
How Our St. Louis DUI Attorneys Can Help
Regardless of the DWI or DUI allegation you face, you need to be certain that the attorneys you select have the skills, experience, and determination to successfully resolve your case. At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we know that clients demand personalized representation and skilled handling of all matters related to their case. As such, we provide comprehensive services that address both your criminal charges and DOR hearing to protect your license.
When preparing for both criminal and administrative proceedings, our St. Louis DWI lawyers work closely with you to collect all the facts, conduct investigations, and determine the most viable defense strategy. We challenge breath and blood evidence, the arresting protocol of law enforcement officers, and regularly enlist the assistance of expert witnesses or testimony when necessary. We do everything in our power to secure the positive resolution you need, and we draw from more than 30 years of experience and more than 10 years as former prosecutors to give you the strongest fighting chance.
Contact a St. Louis DWI Lawyer Today
As time allows our legal team to strengthen your case and because you only have 15 days to request a DOR hearing, acting fast and taking preemptive measures to find the help you need is vital to protecting your future. Allow our lawyers to provide you will a free case evaluation so that you can learn more about the specific charges you face and what our firm can do to help. We are here to answer your questions, alleviate your concerns, and provide you with the experienced representation you need. Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC today.
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