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A DWI is a serious offense, with consequences that could dramatically influence several areas of your life. As overwhelming as this situation may be, understanding the process and the penalties you may face will help you decide whether to hire a defense attorney and what your next steps should be. Below are a few facts everyone accused of a DWI in Missouri should know.

What Happens When You’ve Been Charged With a DWI?

Understanding Legal Limits

defense attorneyLike most other states, any driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired in Missouri. However, in some situations, drivers with blood alcohol concentrations below the legal limits may also be charged with a crime. For instance, commercial drivers are held to a much lower threshold of 0.04%, while underage drivers are subject to a zero-tolerance policy. Having traces of controlled substances or even properly prescribed prescription drugs in your system may also lead to DWI charges.

The Penalties for a DWI

The legal consequences of a DWI depend on several factors, including your BAC, whether there were children in the vehicle, and other aggravating factors. For instance, drivers with a previous DWI violation may be charged with a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Also, you will likely face a driver’s license suspension of up to one year, even for a first offense.

Hiring a Defense Attorney

While police and prosecutors make a conviction seem inevitable, a defense attorney can provide valuable services to those accused of this serious crime. They will ensure that your rights are respected throughout the process, challenge any evidence that was improperly collected, and help identify all your legal options.


 

With offices in Ava and Ozark, MO, The Law Office of Christopher J. Swatosh provides aggressive representation to defendants throughout the region. As a former prosecutor, their defense attorney brings unique insight and a thorough understanding of the system, which they’ll use to fight for your rights. Visit their website to learn more about their criminal law services, and follow their Facebook for additional tips and insights. To schedule a consultation at their Ava location, call (417) 683-2987, or dial (417) 582-5297 to reach their offices in Ozark.

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