First Charge DWI in Jefferson County, MO

Defending Clients from Drunk Driving Charges

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime in Missouri, so you should hire a skilled criminal defense attorney to work on your defense case immediately after your arrest. After all, you could face jail time and driver’s license suspension if convicted, even if it’s your first time being accused of drunk driving. Fortunately, a criminal charge doesn’t have to lead to a conviction, as you can hire an attorney to defend you in court and get you the best possible outcome.

When you hire Grafe & Batchelor, P.C. Attorneys at Law, you’ll have legal support from an experienced team that truly cares about getting you the desired results for your case. We’ve won DWI cases for countless clients throughout Jefferson County, so we’ll work hard to clear your name and protect your driving privileges. Contact our law firm for a free consultation to learn how we can defend you from the criminal charges you’re facing.

How Does Missouri Law Define a DWI Charge?

According to Missouri law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition from drugs or alcohol. You may be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) if the police observe signs of impairment while you’re behind the wheel, or if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is higher than the legal limit.

In Missouri, the legal limit for adults age 21 and up is 0.08%, meaning you violate the law if your blood alcohol content is at this level or higher. If you’re a commercial driver, though, the permissible blood alcohol level is lower, at 0.04%. Additionally, if you’re under 21, your blood alcohol content cannot be at or above 0.02%.

If you were pulled over for suspected drunk driving and a test revealed your blood alcohol content was above the legal limit, you will face DWI charges. In most cases, this is a Class B misdemeanor, which could lead to jail time and loss of driving privileges if your case ends in a DWI conviction. This is why you should talk to a lawyer about your criminal defense options for a chance to avoid serious penalties for a first DUI charge. Call our law office for legal representation from a dedicated attorney.

What Are the Penalties for a First-Offense DWI in Missouri?

A first-offense DWI is usually a misdemeanor, which is less severe than a felony. Still, it can cause long-term consequences for you and your family.

For example, a first-time DUI in Missouri may be punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and court fees. You can also expect your driver’s license to be suspended for 30 days. Once you can drive again, you’ll face restrictions on your license for 60 days. This means your driving privileges will be greatly reduced for three months after a first DUI conviction.

You could face up to six months in jail for a first DUI. In many cases, though, judges may suspend jail time. The exception is if your BAC is much higher than 0.08%. For example, if it’s 0.15% to 0.20%, you must serve at least 48 hours in jail. If it’s higher, your minimum time could be five days or even longer if the case is more serious, such as being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Being arrested for driving in an intoxicated condition due to drugs or alcohol can be a frightening experience, especially once you realize you’re facing penalties that include license suspension and jail. If you’re concerned about these consequences, call our law firm for guidance as you deal with the criminal justice system.

What Are the Possible Outcomes of First-Time DUI Charges in Jefferson County?

In general, the worst outcome of a drunk driving case is that it ends in a DUI conviction and the judge hands down the harshest penalties. This could result in fines of $1,000, jail time, and a loss of driving privileges for months. However, your case doesn’t have to end this way.

When you choose to fight your DUI charges in court with help from a skilled attorney rather than simply pleading guilty, you give yourself a chance at the most favorable outcome possible. This is because trusted legal professionals have years of experience protecting clients in court, so they’re aware of numerous effective defense angles to use in even the most complex DWI cases.

As soon as you establish an attorney-client relationship with our firm, we’ll begin crafting an aggressive defense that seeks to protect you from the harshest consequences. Depending on the details of your DWI case, we’ll try to get your charges dropped or reduced to lesser offenses, such as reckless driving. We can also determine if you’re eligible for a diversion program as a first-time offender, which can result in your DUI charges being dismissed once you complete community service, alcohol treatment, or other specified requirements. Our team can inform you about the specific outcome we’ll fight for in your DUI case, so please call today to learn more.

How Can an Attorney Help You Fight a First Charge DWI in Jefferson County, MO?

At Grafe & Batchelor, P.C., Attorneys at Law, we understand how confusing legal issues often are, particularly when you’ve never been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony before. That’s why we’re committed to handling all the legal details for clients facing charges for driving while intoxicated.

The penalties for a DUI can change your life and affect your whole family, so let us protect you from the potential consequences of a first DUI conviction in this state. Call (636) 220-5934 today to get criminal defense help for your first-offense DWI charge.