Drunk Driving Accident Defense in Jefferson County

Standing Up for Clients Facing Criminal Charges

If you’ve been charged with causing a car accident while under the influence of alcohol, your punishment could be severe. This is especially the case if the drunk driving accident caused catastrophic injuries or death to other drivers or their passengers. Considering a conviction for a drunk driving crash could lead to prison time and fines, it’s a good idea to pursue legal representation from a skilled Jefferson County DUI accident lawyer who can defend you in court.

When you get legal assistance from Grafe & Batchelor, P.C., Attorneys at Law, you’ll speak with criminal defense lawyers who have successfully fought a wide range of charges for clients. We understand the importance of getting the best possible outcome for your criminal case, so you can trust us to give your legal matter the time and attention it deserves. Call our law firm to schedule a free legal consultation with experienced lawyers.

What Happens After a Drunk Driving Accident in Missouri?

If you’re involved in a car accident and the police believe you were driving under the influence of alcohol, they will likely perform a blood or breath test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If the results show that you’re intoxicated, you’ll be arrested and charged with a DUI, which will lead to criminal penalties if you’re convicted.

In addition, if you caused a car accident that resulted in catastrophic injuries or death for one or more people, you could face further charges. Some examples include aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, both of which are felonies. An experienced car accident lawyer serving clients in Jefferson County can argue your case for you to reduce the charges and penalties when possible.

The consequences of drunk driving accidents don’t stop at criminal charges, as they often lead to civil claims for financial compensation. This means any injured individuals or family members of victims killed in the car accident can bring wrongful death or personal injury claims against you. In most cases, your insurance company will pay these car accident claims, but you could be personally liable if you don’t have car insurance or if your coverage is lower than the victims’ damages.

After all, most car accident victims who suffer catastrophic injuries can recover compensation for numerous losses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. Similarly, family members of victims killed by drunk drivers can file wrongful death insurance claims to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages.

So, if you’re accused of causing a drunk driving accident in Jefferson County, be prepared to not only face criminal penalties, but also personal injury claims requesting money from you or your insurance company. If you’re concerned about these consequences, call our law firm for a free consultation with trusted lawyers.

What Penalties Can You Expect After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Your punishment will depend on the specific charges against you. In general, if you’re convicted of causing a car accident while driving under the influence, you’ll likely end up with prison time since causing injuries or death to someone while drunk driving is a felony.

This is in contrast to a straightforward DUI charge, which is a misdemeanor for the first two offenses. In particular, a first-offense DUI in Missouri can result in up to 6 months in jail, a 30-day driver’s license suspension, 60 days of restricted driving privileges, and fines of up to $1,000. If your blood alcohol concentration is much higher than 0.08 percent, your penalties will increase. For example, if it’s 0.15 percent, you’ll likely be required to spend at least 48 hours in jail, while a BAC of 0.20 percent or more could result in a minimum of 5 days in jail.

Such penalties are for the crime of drunk driving, not for causing a motor vehicle accident while impaired. Causing a drunk driving accident that results in injury to someone is a Class E felony in Missouri, which can be punished by up to $10,000 in fines and up to 4 years in prison.

If your drunk driving accident caused serious injuries to someone, such as burns or broken bones, you’ll be charged with a Class D felony. The penalties for this crime can include fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 7 years.

A drunk driver accused of killing someone in a car crash faces a Class C felony. This can result in fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for 3 to 10 years, and driver’s license revocation. If the victim who was killed was a police officer, firefighter, or emergency responder, the crime becomes a Class B felony. This can result in a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years, fines, and license revocation.

If you’ve been accused of any of these charges, you should protect yourself by hiring an attorney to represent you in court. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required not only to serve prison time but also to compensate the injured individuals for the expenses incurred due to the accident. In addition, judges sometimes order negligent drivers to pay punitive damages to injured victims. Our legal team will ensure you’re prepared for all potential outcomes, so call our office to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident attorney.

What Are Some Defenses to Drunk Driving Accident Charges in Missouri?

The penalties for drunk drivers can be life-changing, but they’re not unavoidable. A skilled lawyer serving Jefferson County clients can argue on your behalf to get your charge dismissed or reduced, helping you avoid the harshest penalties.

They can do so by using the most appropriate defense strategy for your case. The right one for you depends on your specific charge and the evidence the prosecution has. Some of the most common ways to defend allegedly drunk drivers from drunk driving accident charges include:

• Insufficient evidence that you caused the crash, since vehicle defects, poor road design, or driver errors by the other driver could have caused it
• Lack of probable cause for a DUI arrest, as the police must have a solid reason to believe you were intoxicated at the time of the crash
• Problems with the blood or breath test results, as testing equipment might have been improperly calibrated, or your blood sample may have been improperly stored at the lab
• Lack of evidence that you were the driver when the crash occurred
• The presence of medical conditions that can mimic impairment or affect blood and breath tests, such as acid reflux, diabetes, head injuries, or shock
• Violations of your rights by police, such as an illegal search and seizure or failure to read your Miranda rights

An experienced accident attorney will review the police reports, photos, witness statements, and other evidence involved in your case to determine an effective defense approach. We’re committed to seeking justice for clients accused of being drunk drivers, so call our law firm for legal help.

Are You Ready to Seek Drunk Driving Accident Defense Services in Jefferson County?

Being labeled as a drunk driver who caused a serious crash can have severe consequences for you, as you could owe compensation to the victims and have to spend years in prison. That’s why our lawyers are dedicated to helping you avoid a conviction when possible. 

When you hire an attorney from our law firm, you’ll work with a team that will fight for justice on your behalf. If you’re ready to learn more about how we can resolve your legal issues, call Grafe & Batchelor, P.C., Attorneys at Law at (636) 220-5934 for a free consultation.