DWI DEFENSE ATTORNEY
IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

According to statistics from Alcohol.org, 18,386 alcohol-impairment arrests were made by law enforcement in Missouri in 2017. In the state of Missouri, driving while intoxicated is considered a serious offense. If convicted of DWI, the offender could face serious punishment, including massive fines, a lengthy prison sentence, license suspension or revocation, and other social ramifications.

If you're facing DWI charges, hiring a skilled Missouri criminal defense attorney is imperative to help build your defense strategy. At The Law Office of Gregory N. Smith, I'm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to individuals facing drunk driving allegations. As your attorney, I can investigate the details of your case, fight aggressively to protect your rights, and determine an effective defense strategy to maximize your chances of obtaining the best available outcome for your situation.

At The Law Office of Gregory N. Smith, I proudly represent clients throughout St. Louis, Missouri, and surrounding communities, including St. Charles, Jefferson County, and East St. Louis.

DWI Charges in Missouri

In the state of Missouri, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is the legal term that is often used for drunk driving. According to Missouri Revised Statute 577.010, "a person commits the offense of "driving while intoxicated" if the person operates a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition."

Additionally, a motorist may face DWI charges for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or more (0.02% or more for commercial drivers). However, you don't necessarily have to be driving to be charged.

Sobriety Tests and Your Legal Rights

If law enforcement decides to pull you over under suspicion of drunk driving, you may be asked to submit to a field sobriety test or chemical test. According to Missouri's "implied consent" law, any licensed motorist has given their legal consent to such testing. While you're still within your rights to refuse to submit to the test, there will be consequences.

• Not submitting to a chemical, breath, blood, or field sobriety test can get your driver's license automatically revoked for a year

• Restoring your driving privileges requires completing a substance abuse traffic offender program

• You must pay a reinstatement fee of $45 to restore your suspended license

Possible Penalties

The consequences of driving while intoxicated in Missouri are severe, but the seriousness of your punishment will depend on your number of prior DWI convictions, blood alcohol level, and other surrounding circumstances. If convicted, the possible penalties include:

First Offense

• Charge: Class B misdemeanor

• Fines: A maximum fine of $500

• Jail Time: Up to six months in the county jail. A minimum of 48 hours for BAC of 0.15% to 0.20%, or five days for BAC more than 0.20%

• License Suspension: 30 days

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): IID will be installed as a condition of a restricted license

Second Offense

• Charge: Class A misdemeanor

• Fines: A maximum fine of $1,000

• Jail Time: Up to one year in the county jail

• Probation: You may be eligible for probation after spending a mandatory minimum of 10 days imprisonment.

• License Suspension: One year

• Community Service: At least 30 days of community service

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Six-month minimum

Third Offense

• Charge: Class D felony

• Fines: A maximum fine of $5,000

• Jail Time: Up to four years in prison

• Probation: At least 30 days in prison before you're eligible for probation

• License Suspension: Five years

• Community Service: At least 60 days of community service

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Six-month minimum

Fourth Offense

• Charge: Aggravated offender or Class C felony

• Fines: A maximum fine of $5,000

• Jail Time: Up to seven years in prison

• Probation: A mandatory minimum of 60 days imprisonment before you're eligible for probation

• License Suspension: 10 years

• Community Service: At least 60 days of community service

Choose an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

When facing DWI charges, trying to defend yourself without proper guidance or experienced representation can expose you to the possibility of receiving the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence, substantial fines, license suspension, and other devastating ramifications. Retaining an experienced Missouri criminal defense attorney is paramount to help protect your rights and driving privileges.

At The Law Office of Gregory N. Smith, I have the resources and experience to represent clients in their DWI cases. As your legal counsel, I can review every last detail of your unique situation, conduct a detailed investigation, and dispute the allegations against you. Using my extensive knowledge, I will help you navigate the Missouri criminal justice system and fight aggressively on your behalf to protect your rights and maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.