St. Louis Felony DWI Lawyer

Trusted Legal Defense for Serious DWI Charges

If you’ve been charged with a felony DWI in St. Louis, you’re likely facing serious legal consequences that can have a lasting impact on your life, career, and freedom. At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we understand what’s at stake. Our experienced St. Louis felony DWI lawyers are committed to providing aggressive and strategic defense for those accused of felony-level drunk driving offenses throughout the greater St. Louis area.

Call (314) 334-3807 or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation and start building your defense.

What is a Felony DWI?

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri becomes a felony when certain aggravating circumstances are present. While most first and second DWI offenses are misdemeanors, a DWI can be charged as a felony under Missouri law in cases involving repeat offenses, injuries, death, or other serious factors.

A felony DWI is not just a more serious classification—it carries the possibility of extended prison time, heavy fines, license revocation, and long-term damage to your record and reputation. Missouri categorizes felony DWIs into various "persistent," "aggravated," and "chronic" offender statuses, each carrying heightened penalties.

Understanding whether your DWI qualifies as a felony—and what level—is critical to building your defense. That’s where an experienced St. Louis felony DWI attorney from The Hammer Law Firm, LLC comes in.

Common Types of Felony DWI in Missouri

There are several ways a DWI can rise to the level of a felony in Missouri. Below are the most common types:

Third or Subsequent DWI Offense

If you have two or more prior DWI or related alcohol/drug driving offenses, your next DWI will likely be charged as a felony. Missouri law labels repeat offenders as:

• Persistent Offender (third offense) – Class E felony
• Aggravated Offender (fourth offense) – Class D felony
• Chronic Offender (fifth offense) – Class C felony
• Habitual Offender (five+ prior intoxication-related traffic offenses) – Class B felony

DWI Causing Injury or Death

If a person is injured or killed as a result of drunk driving, the DWI becomes a felony under different classifications:

• DWI Resulting in Physical Injury – Class D felony
• DWI Resulting in Serious Physical Injury – Class C felony
• DWI Resulting in Death – Class B or Class A felony depending on circumstances

DWI with a Minor in the Vehicle

Driving while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 17 can elevate the charge to a felony, especially if the child is injured.

DWI While Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

If your license was already suspended due to a prior DWI and you're caught driving intoxicated again, you may face felony charges.

Penalties for Felony DWI

Felony DWI penalties in Missouri are far more severe than misdemeanor cases. Below is a general breakdown by felony level:

Class E Felony (Persistent Offender):

• Up to 4 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• License revocation for 5 years

Class D Felony (Aggravated Offender):

• Up to 7 years in prison
• Extended probation terms
• 10-year license denial

Class C Felony (Chronic Offender or Injury DWI):

• 3–10 years in prison
• 10-year license revocation
• Mandatory alcohol treatment

Class B Felony (Habitual Offender or DWI Causing Death):

• 5–15 years in prison
• Permanent license revocation
• Possible denial of probation or parole

Class A Felony (Multiple Deaths or Extreme Negligence):

• 10–30 years or life imprisonment
• No probation eligibility

Additional penalties can include mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, substance abuse evaluation, community service, and more.

The severity of these punishments highlights why securing qualified legal representation is essential. At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, our St. Louis felony DWI lawyers fight to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible and protect your future.

Felony DWI FAQs

Can a felony DWI be reduced to a misdemeanor in Missouri?

It’s possible in some cases, particularly if there are flaws in the prosecution’s evidence or if the offense is on the borderline between classifications. An experienced defense attorney may negotiate a plea to a lesser offense, depending on the circumstances.

Will I lose my driver’s license after a felony DWI in Missouri?

Yes, felony DWI convictions typically result in long-term license revocation—often five or ten years. In some cases, you may be eligible for a limited driving privilege after a waiting period.

Is jail time mandatory for a felony DWI conviction?

For higher-level felony DWI charges—such as those involving injury, death, or multiple prior offenses—prison time is often mandatory. However, with the right defense strategy, alternative sentencing options like probation, treatment programs, or reduced charges may be possible.

Can I get a felony DWI expunged in Missouri?

Felony DWIs are generally not eligible for expungement in Missouri. Once convicted, it remains on your criminal record for life, impacting employment, housing, and other opportunities.

What if I refused a breath or blood test?

Refusing a chemical test can result in an automatic one-year license revocation under Missouri’s implied consent law. It can also be used against you in court. However, refusals don’t always mean a conviction—legal defenses are available.

Why Choose Our St. Louis Felony DWI Attorneys?

Felony DWI charges can derail your life. You need a legal team that knows Missouri DWI laws, understands the local court system in St. Louis, and has a proven track record of fighting serious criminal charges.

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we provide:

• Aggressive representation tailored to your case
• Meticulous examination of police reports and chemical test results
• Defense against constitutional violations or improper procedures
• Guidance through every step of the criminal justice process

Whether you’re facing your third DWI or have been involved in an alcohol-related accident, we are here to defend your rights and protect your future.

Contact The Hammer Law Firm, LLC at (314) 334-3807 to secure personalized, comprehensive defense for your felony DUI charge in St. Louis.