Jefferson County, MO DUI Attorneys 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, 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 anymore than they have to. That is why you should do everything in your power to fight all DUI and DWI charges. Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law are skilled at fighting DUI and DWI charges in Jefferson County, Missouri.

As experienced criminal defense lawyers in Festus, MO, we’ve handled cases involving DUI/DWI for years. Let us help you today. Call 636-933-9151 for a free consultation.

What is DUI and DWI– How are they Different in Missouri?

In Missouri, DUI and DWI are essentially the same thing, and most often, the terms that can be used interchangeably. This is different from other states where DUIs are considered as 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 penilites.

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 onto your record and will 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 on (636) 933-9151 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 time.

Repeat offenders will likely spend at least 10 days in jail. For people with just one previous incident, they could get a maximum of 10 days in jail sentence. 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 3 incidents, you’ll likely get a minimum of 60 days in jail, and a 24-month minimum if you’ve had more than 4 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 draws a possible 10-year license suspension.

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.

Get Legal Representation and Help

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 you the best outcome in your case.

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

Call us today at (636) 933-9151 to schedule a free consultation.