Skilled Legal Representation for DUI Charges in St. Louis, MO
At Richard H. Sindel, Inc., we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality criminal defense attorneys that Missouri has to offer.
If you have been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may think that you have no choice but to plead guilty. Fortunately, the ramifications of a DWI charge are not automatic, and, in many instances, you do have options. It is important to have an attorney on your side to advocate for you and walk you through the legal and administrative processes. At Richard H. Sindel, Inc., our DWI lawyers have been able to find the fatal flaws in many cases that on initial examination may look hopeless.
At our St. Louis law firm, we help clients contest DWI charges. We also assist them with the administrative hearings required to recover their driver’s licenses after being arrested and charged with drunk driving. Our attorneys have many years of experience helping people fight DWI charges.
We know what is at stake, and we will utilize all of the skills and knowledge we have acquired during our decades of defending other clients to help ensure that you receive the best possible result in your case. We will also use cutting-edge technology and ground-breaking approaches to ensure the most complete and vigorous defense possible.
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Understanding DWI charges in Missouri
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving and are facing a DWI charge in Missouri, it is important to understand the legal definition of a DWI in your state and the potential penalties for being charged.
In Missouri, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is the same as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits for Adult Drivers in Missouri
Missouri law sets the BAC limit for drivers at 0.08%. If you are pulled over and your BAC is above this limit, you can be charged with a DWI. However, even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can still be charged with a DWI if the officer believes you are impaired or if you are under the legal drinking age.
Penalties for Missouri DWI Convictions
The penalties for a DWI conviction in Missouri depend on the circumstances of the offense and any aggravating factors. Depending on the severity and whether the DWI charge is your first, sentences can generally range from at least two days in jail to a maximum of seven years in prison.
The following table outlines the potential penalties for a first-time DWI conviction in Missouri:
| Offense | Jail Time | Fine | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | 30 days to 90 days |
For a second or subsequent DWI conviction, the penalties are more severe, including longer jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
DWI Defense Representation
If you are facing a DWI charge in Missouri, it is important to seek the representation of an experienced DWI defense attorney. A skilled attorney can help you understand your legal options, build a strong defense, and work to minimize the potential penalties.
When choosing a DWI attorney in Missouri, look for someone with extensive experience in DWI defense, a track record of success, and a commitment to providing personalized, attentive representation. With the right attorney on your side, you can fight your DWI charge and protect your rights and future.
Why Should I hire a Missouri DWI Lawyer?
If you have been charged with a DWI in Missouri, hiring an experienced DWI attorney can be critical to the outcome of your case. A Missouri DWI attorney can provide you with legal representation, guidance, and support throughout the entire legal process.
Our Missouri attorneys fight DUI charges in numerous ways, including:
- Challenging traffic stops
- Challenging the administration of field sobriety tests
- Challenging the accuracy of the breath testing machine
- Reviewing squad car or surveillance videos
- Reviewing client medical status for conditions that may affect test results
- Interviewing witnesses
- Investigating the arresting officer’s record
- Investigating road and weather conditions.
Additionally, some of the roles that a Missouri DWI attorney can play in your case:
Legal Representation and A Skilled Perspective
A Missouri DWI attorney can represent you in court and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf. They can review the evidence against you and determine if there are any weaknesses in the case that can be used to your advantage. They can also challenge the legality of any traffic stops, field sobriety tests, or chemical tests that were conducted during your arrest.
Guidance and Support
A Missouri DWI attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and options. They can answer any questions you have about the charges against you and explain the potential consequences of a conviction. They can also provide emotional support during what can be a stressful and overwhelming time.
Case Experience & Strategy
A Missouri DWI attorney can develop a case strategy that is tailored to your specific situation. They can analyze the facts of your case and determine the best course of action to take. They can also advise you on whether to accept a plea bargain or go to trial.
Minimizing Penalties of a DWI
A Missouri DWI attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face if you are convicted of a DWI. They can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you or seek alternative sentencing options, such as probation or community service.
Overall, a Missouri DWI attorney can provide you with the legal expertise and support you need to navigate the complex legal system and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
It is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced DWI attorney on your side throughout the entire court process. Your attorney can help you understand your rights and options, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you in court.
Missouri DWI Laws and Penalties
If you are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri, you could face serious consequences. Missouri’s DWI laws prohibit operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. The penalties for a DWI conviction in Missouri depend on a variety of factors, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, whether you have prior DWI convictions, and whether anyone was injured or killed as a result of your actions.
First Offense DWI Penalties
If you are convicted of a first offense DWI in Missouri, you could face the following penalties:
- Up to six months in jail
- A fine of up to $500
- A 90-day driver’s license suspension
- Completion of a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle
Second Offense DWI Penalties
If you are convicted of a second offense DWI in Missouri, you could face the following penalties:
- Up to one year in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- A one-year driver’s license revocation
- Completion of a SATOP
- Installation of an IID on your vehicle
Third Offense DWI Penalties
If you are convicted of a third offense DWI in Missouri, you could face the following penalties:
- Up to four years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
- A ten-year driver’s license revocation
- Completion of a SATOP
- Installation of an IID on your vehicle
Aggravated DWI Penalties
If your BAC level is .15 or higher, you could face aggravated DWI charges, which carry enhanced penalties. If you are convicted of an aggravated DWI in Missouri, you could face the following penalties:
- Up to one year in jail for a first offense
- Up to four years in prison for a second or subsequent offense
- A fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense
- A fine of up to $5,000 for a second or subsequent offense
- A driver’s license revocation of at least one year
- Completion of a SATOP
- Installation of an IID on your vehicle
It is important to note that these penalties are just the minimums and that a judge can impose harsher penalties if they deem it necessary. Additionally, the penalties for a DWI conviction in Missouri can have long-lasting effects on your life, including difficulty finding employment, increased insurance rates, and a damaged reputation. If you are facing DWI charges in Missouri, it is important to consult with an experienced DWI attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
How a DWI Affects Your Driving Record in Missouri
If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri, it can have serious consequences on your driving record. Here’s what you need to know:
Points System
In Missouri, the Department of Revenue uses a points system to track driving violations. DWI convictions result in eight points being added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension or revocation.
License Suspension
A first-time DWI conviction in Missouri can result in a 90-day license suspension. Subsequent convictions can lead to longer suspensions, up to one year for a second offense and up to 10 years for a third offense.
Ignition Interlock Devices
In some cases, drivers convicted of DWI may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. This device requires the driver to blow into a breathalyzer before starting the car. If the device detects alcohol, the car will not start. IIDs are typically required for repeat offenders or those with high blood alcohol levels.
Insurance Rates
A DWI conviction can also affect your car insurance rates. Insurance companies may view you as a high-risk driver and increase your premiums or even drop your coverage altogether. It’s important to shop around for insurance after a DWI conviction to find the best rates.
Frequently Asked Questions In Missouri DWI Cases
Do I need a lawyer for a DWI in Missouri?
If you have been charged with a DWI in Missouri, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced DWI attorney. A DWI charge can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal system, explain your rights, and work to minimize the impact of the charges against you as well as help you navigate the complex criminal justice system in Missouri.
Can a DWI be reduced in Missouri?
In some cases, a DWI charge can be reduced to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving or a traffic violation. However, this will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, as well as your criminal history. An experienced DWI attorney can review the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
What is the average cost of a DWI in Missouri?
The cost of a DWI in Missouri can vary widely, depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the charges, the length of the legal process, and the fees charged by your attorney. In general, you can expect to pay several thousand dollars in fines, legal fees, and other expenses associated with a DWI charge.
What happens when you get your first DWI in Missouri?
If you are convicted of a first-time DWI in Missouri, you may face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. The severity of the penalties will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, as well as your criminal history. It is important to seek the assistance of an experienced DWI attorney to help you navigate the legal system and minimize the impact of the charges against you.
Who is Richard Sindel?
Richard Sindel is an experienced DWI attorney based in St. Louis, Missouri. He was chosen as one of the “best lawyers in St. Louis” by the Wall Street Journal, has decades of experience in criminal defense law, and has successfully defended clients in a wide range of DWI cases. Richard is committed to providing his clients with the highest level of legal representation, and is dedicated to helping them achieve the best possible outcome for their case.
Contact a Missouri DWI Attorney
If you have been charged with drunk driving or driving while intoxicated in Missouri, it is important to seek the help of an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A Missouri DWI attorney can help you navigate the legal system and work to minimize any legal consequences as a result or your arrest.
Working with a Missouri DWI attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and work towards the best possible outcome for your case. By taking the time to find the right attorney, you can feel confident that you are in good hands and that your case is being handled with care and expertise.
We understand that finding what you consider the best dwi attorney near you for your case can be a trying process during a difficult time. Thanks to today’s technology, you may have found our law firm by searching for a term such as “dwi attorney near me”. Rest assured that you can turn to the experienced and skilled attorneys of Richard H. Sindel, Inc. for assistance.
To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our St. Louis, MI DWI lawyers, call 314-202-5859 contact us online. They will vigorously defend you or your family using intelligence, diligence and imagination.
