DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

According to statistics from Alcohol.org, in 2017, there were an estimated 18,386 DUI arrests in Missouri. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is considered a serious offense in the state of Missouri. A defendant convicted of DUI could be facing severe punishment, including substantial fines, a lengthy prison sentence, license suspension or revocation, and other life-altering consequences.

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI offense, it is crucial that you retain a highly-skilled and aggressive Missouri criminal defense attorney to outline your defense strategy. At the Doskocil Law Firm, I'm committed to offering experienced legal services and strong representation to clients facing drunk driving charges. As your legal counsel, I can fight vigorously to protect your rights, provide the reliable legal representation you need, and strategize an effective defense in pursuit of a favorable outcome in your case.

At the Doskocil Law Firm, I am proud to serve clients throughout St. Louis, Missouri, and the surrounding communities.

DUI IN MISSOURI

In the state of Missouri, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is sometimes referred to as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or Driving with Excessive Blood Alcohol Content. 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."

DUI TESTS AND YOUR RIGHTS

When a law enforcement officer pulls you over due to suspicion of drunk driving, you may be required to submit to a chemical test or field sobriety test. Under Missouri's "implied consent" law, you have to consent to such testing once you have decided to drive on state roadways. You are, however, still entitled to refuse to submit to the test.

It is important to understand that if you refuse to submit to a chemical, blood, breath, or field sobriety test, your driver's license will be automatically revoked for one year. To restore your driving privileges, you'll need to complete a substance abuse traffic offender program and pay a reinstatement fee of $45.

POSSIBLE PENALTIES

In Missouri, drunk driving charges carry different criminal penalties based on the number of prior convictions and the BAC level. If convicted of DUI in Missouri, possible penalties include:

FIRST OFFENSE

• Charge: Class B misdemeanor

• Jail Time: Up to six months in the county jail, with a minimum of 48 hours for BAC of 0.15-0.20%, or five days for BAC in excess of 0.20%.

• Fine: Up to $500

• License Suspension: 30-day license suspension, followed by a 60-day restricted license

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): A possible condition of the restricted license

SECOND OFFENSE

• Charge: Class A misdemeanor

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

• Probation: A mandatory minimum 10-day imprisonment before you're eligible for probation

• Fine: Up to $1,000

• Community Service: At least 30 days of community service

• License Suspension: Five-year license revocation

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Six months minimum

THIRD OFFENSE

• Charge: Class D felony

• Jail Time: Up to four years in prison or one year in the county jail

• Probation: A mandatory minimum 30-day imprisonment before you're eligible for probation

• Fine: Up to $5,000

• Community Service: At least 60 days of community service

• License Suspension: 10-year license revocation

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Six months minimum

FOURTH OFFENSE

• Charge: Class C felony

• Jail Time: Up to seven years in prison or one year in the county jail

• Probation: A mandatory minimum 60-day imprisonment before you're eligible for probation

• Fine: Up to $5,000

• License Suspension: 10-year license revocation

FIFTH OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE

• Charge: Class B felony

• Jail Time: between five and 15 years in prison

• Probation: A mandatory minimum two-year imprisonment before you're eligible for probation

• Fine: Up to $5,000

• License Suspension: 10-year license revocation

WORK WITH A SKILLED ATTORNEY

Defending your DUI charges without detailed guidance or representation can increase your risk of being convicted and suffering the maximum punishment. If convicted, you could be facing huge fines, a lengthy prison sentence, license suspension, and other devastating social ramifications. Therefore, when facing drunk driving charges, it is imperative that you retain an aggressive Missouri criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights and determine your best defense.

At The Doskocil Law Firm, I have devoted my career to providing reliable representation in DUI cases and defending individuals facing drunk driving allegations. As an experienced Missouri DUI defense attorney, I will review every aspect of your situation, carry out a comprehensive investigation, and outline an effective defense strategy that can maximize your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome in your case.

Using my extensive experience, I will help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight aggressively to protect your rights and your driving privileges.