Jefferson County, MO DUI Attorneys

Fighting for Clients in DUI Defense Cases and Protecting Driving Privileges

When you are arrested because you were driving while intoxicated and charged with a DUI, one of the most difficult things can be that the charge and its repercussions can stay with you for a very long time.

Not only does it go on your driving record, but it also affects everything from how much you pay for insurance premiums to getting employment. In fact, it’s not unusual for people with a DUI/DWI charge to lose their jobs.

You don’t want these charges to impact your life in the short-term or long-term any more than they have to. That is why you should do everything in your power to fight all DUI and DWI charges. Grafe & Batchelor are skilled at fighting DUI and DWI charges in Jefferson County, Missouri.

As experienced DUI defense lawyers in Festus, MO, we’ve handled cases involving DUI/DWI for years. Let us help you today. Call 636-220-5934 for a free consultation.

Are DUI and DWI Different in Missouri?

In Missouri, DUI and DWI are essentially the same thing, and most often, the terms can be used interchangeably. This is different from other states where DUIs are considered more serious than DWIs. DUI and DWI cover all forms of driving under the influence of any substance capable of impairing your driving.

According to Missouri state laws, if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) that’s at 0.08% or more, you will likely be charged with a DWI if you’re an adult over 21. Commercial drivers, on the other hand, are held to higher standards. They’re expected to keep their blood alcohol content below 0.04%. If their BAC is 0.04% or more, these drivers could have “points” added to their driving license, among other penalties. The problem with a BAC is that you may not even feel tipsy at those percentages. However, DWI leaves no room for doubt. Your BAC levels are either over the legal limit or not.

If you’re found guilty, you should know that these charges will go on your record and potentially affect you for the rest of your life. People who are charged with DUI or DWI in Festus, MO, often face significant social, financial, and legal problems in the present and future. That is why you must hire competent DUI and DWI lawyers in Festus, MO.

The law firm of Grafe & Batchelor can help fight these charges and protect your rights. We strive to help our clients get favorable outcomes in DUI and DWI cases in Jefferson County, MO. Call us today at (636) 220-5934 to schedule a free consultation.

What are the Penalties for DUI & DWI in Festus, MO?

If you’re charged with DUI or DWI offenses, the prosecution will often be looking to punish you to the fullest extent. What do these penalties look like in Jefferson County, MO?

For first-time offenders, a DWI in Jefferson County, MO, is considered a Class B misdemeanor charge. Penalties include a fine of up to $500, license suspension for up to 90 days, and/or a 6-month jail term.

Repeat offenders will likely spend at least 10 days in jail. People with just one previous incident could get a maximum of 10 days in jail. If this is your third time (meaning you’ve had two separate incidents in the past), you’ll likely get a minimum of 30 days of jail time.

If you’ve had more than three incidents, you’ll likely get a minimum of 60 days in jail, and a 24-month minimum if you’ve had more than four incidents. For second-time offenders, your license could be revoked for 12 months. If you have two DWI incidents within 5 years, you’ll often have your license suspended for 5 years. Three or more incidents of DWI draw a possible 10-year license suspension.

Please remember that the repercussions of a DUI charge in Missouri can mean more than legal action. Some of the worst aspects of a DUI conviction come after you’re out of jail and are trying to return to your everyday life. You could lose your job, professional licensing, custody rights, gun rights, and your driver’s license.

Take the simple step now of fighting your DWI charge with our Jefferson County DUI lawyers. We’ll advise you on the best next step and stand by your side as we protect your rights and freedoms.

What if I Refuse to Take Any Tests?

If you’re thinking that you can refuse to take any breathalyzer tests or other tests aimed at proving driving impairment, you could automatically subject yourself to Missouri’s Implied Consent law. This gives the government discretionary powers and rights to suspend your license for a year.

When you’re pulled over and asked to submit to a breath test, we recommend that you cooperate with the police officer. Keep in mind that one powerful strategy against a DUI conviction is to argue the accuracy of these tests. Most judges know breathalyzers are notoriously difficult to operate and often give false readings.

We’ll investigate the details of your case to determine whether arguing against the breath test is a valid strategy for you. We can also work with you to find other evidence proving you do not deserve maximum sentencing.

If you’re being arrested for DUI, please remain calm and cooperate. However, you should also demand to speak with a lawyer and call our criminal defense law firm immediately.

What Defense Strategies Can Work Against a DUI Charge in Missouri?

Our DUI defense lawyers have extensive experience fighting DWI convictions. Our trial attorneys include former prosecutors, meaning we know how the opposition works. This experience gives us insight into how to build a strong case on behalf of our clients. We’ll investigate your case closely to determine the right strategy for your criminal law matter.

Some examples of strategies we use in DUI cases include:

• Illegal traffic stop – Police officers are not permitted to stop a vehicle without reasonable cause. If you are the subject of an illegal traffic stop, you can use this fact to avoid a DUI conviction
• Inaccurate blood or breath test – Our experienced DWI attorneys have extensive experience fighting breath test results
• Mistaken identity – If you’ve been charged with drunk driving but were not driving the vehicle, you may get your charges lowered or dropped
• Acting under duress – If your drunk driving was the result of someone else’s threat to harm you, this can impact the results of your case

Our team of experienced driving under the influence attorneys will not rest until we uncover evidence that backs up your claim and helps you avoid a devastating DUI conviction. We can often get our clients’ charges lowered or even dismissed. With the many negative consequences of a conviction, you have no time to lose in hiring our team of trial attorneys to fight your charges.

Can Aggravating Factors Have an Impact on a Jefferson County DUI Case?

DUI charges are extremely serious criminal charges. However, in some instances, an individual can face elevated charges that go beyond a simple DUI. In these matters, it is critical to have legal representation from an experienced trial attorney like those at our law firm. A conviction can mean felony charges, including years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Our DWI attorneys will fight DWI charges aggressively, especially when they include aggravating factors.

Some factors that can increase the severity of your conviction include:

• High BAC – If your BAC was .15% or higher, you could face additional criminal charges
• Presence of a minor – If you were driving while intoxicated, and a minor under the age of 17 was in the car, this can lead to aggravated charges
• Causing an accident – If you caused an accident that resulted in serious injury or death, you could face further charges, including manslaughter

Being convicted of a DUI is scary enough. If you are facing charges associated with aggravating factors, please get in touch with our legal team immediately. We will treat you with respect and compassion as we help you navigate the legal process and achieve the most favorable results possible.

Should You Hire Our Jefferson County, MO DUI Attorneys?

When you are charged in Jefferson County, MO, the prosecutors are frequently overzealous in their pursuit of punishment. A good DWI lawyer in Festus, MO, can help you fight these charges and work to secure the best outcome in your case.

At Grafe & Batchelor, we have experience dealing with DWI cases in Jefferson County and the know-how to help you get the best outcomes possible. If you have been charged with DWI in Jefferson County, MO, please contact us.

Call us today at (636) 220-5934 to schedule a free consultation.