DWI Attorneys in Franklin County, Missouri
All drivers have a duty to safely operate their vehicles while on the road and operating a vehicle while impaired can put other drivers and pedestrians at risk. If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), it doesn’t mean you will necessarily be convicted. Instead, there are ways you can build a defense against a DWI charge with assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
At Briegel Whiteley Moon, our attorneys are skilled in handling DWI cases and helping our clients build robust defenses to potentially challenge the circumstances of the traffic stop, field sobriety and chemical test results, and law enforcement conduct throughout the initial stop and arrest.
Located in Union, Missouri, we serve clients throughout Franklin County and the surrounding areas, including Crawford County, Phelps County, Gasconade County, St. Louis County, and Osage County. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover your options for building a strong criminal defense.
Impacts of a DWI Charge
According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, law enforcement may stop you for a suspected DWI if they have probable cause that you were driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit. This limit is set at 0.08% for adults over the age of 21 and 0.02% for minors (under 21 years of age).
In Missouri, a first-offense DWI charge is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor and can result in fines of up to $500, a potential 30-day to 90-day suspension of your driver’s license, and up to six months in jail. However, you may be able to avoid jail time for a first offense by completing court-ordered probation.
A second DWI charge is typically classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and you will often face steeper disciplinary consequences. Your driver’s license will typically be revoked for one year, regardless of how long it has been since your last charge. If you received a second DWI within five years of your first charge, your driver’s license will typically be revoked for five years. You may also face fines of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.
For third or more offenses, you will likely be charged with a Class D or Class C felony. This can result in a 10-year license suspension, fines of up to $10,000, and up to 10 years in jail.
In some cases, you may also receive administrative penalties. For example, if you refuse a breath test during a traffic stop, your license will automatically be revoked for one year. Additionally, the court may order you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle to meet the terms of your probation or to deter future offenses from repeat DWI offenders. If you have been charged with a DWI, contact our firm today.
Charged With a DWI?
Our Services for DWI Defense
At Briegel Whiteley Moon, our experienced criminal defense attorneys have years of combined experience handling DWI cases in Missouri. Whether you are facing a first-offense misdemeanor or a repeated-offense felony, we offer dedicated representation to help you build a defense and stand up for your rights:
Driver license hearings: If your license has been revoked due to a DWI charge, we can represent you at DMV administrative hearings to negotiate reduced penalties, where possible, and explore avenues to get your license reinstated.
Comprehensive evidence reviews: Our attorneys will review your traffic stop and arrest to identify potential evidence to build a defense, whether it’s challenging the results of a chemical test, the officer’s behavior, or the probable cause for the traffic stop itself.
Plea bargaining: Where possible, we can negotiate with the prosecution and the courts to negotiate reduced penalties and alternative sentencing, especially for first-offense charges.
Trial defense: If we are unsuccessful with plea bargains or negotiations, our attorneys will help you build a strong defense and represent you in court during hearings and jury trials.
If you are facing a DWI charge, we can help you build a robust defense based on strong evidence to challenge the charges. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
How Our Firm Can Help
At Briegel Whiteley Moon, our attorneys provide aggressive legal representation to build strong defenses in DWI cases. Our attorneys have conducted over 40 jury trials in Franklin County, Missouri, and the surrounding counties, and we are committed to advocating for your rights and best interests from the initial consultation through the final courtroom appearance.
Our firm also follows a flat-fee billing model. We believe that criminal defense services should be accessible and affordable, and we strive to provide transparent insight into what our services cost and what you can expect from our team.
Contact Our Experienced Missouri DWI Attorneys Today
Driving while intoxicated, whether by drugs or alcohol, is a serious infraction that can put other lives at risk. If you have been charged with a DWI, whether a first-offense misdemeanor or a repeat-offense felony, working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can greatly influence your options for pursuing plea deals, reduced sentencing, and gathering critical evidence that could call the prosecution’s evidence into question.
At Briegel Whiteley Moon, our attorneys Daniel Briegel, Kevin Whiteley, and Will Moon are experienced in handling DWI cases and advocating for your legal rights. Located in Union, Missouri, we serve clients throughout Franklin County and the surrounding areas, including Crawford County, Phelps County, Gasconade County, St. Louis County, and Osage County. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.