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First-Time DWI Attorney in
St. Charles, MO
Ready to Fight for Your Freedom & Driving Privileges
The first time many people first experience the Missouri criminal justice system is after a DWI arrest. Unfortunately, a conviction for a first DWI offense can lead to serious criminal penalties, such fines and other court-ordered fees, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time. In order to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom, an important step is hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer to defend you throughout the legal process.
If you have recently been arrested for a DWI in St. Charles or within the surrounding area, let Wayne T. Schoeneberg P.C. fight for the most favorable result in court. With more than four decades of experience, we have handled thousands of cases and guided our clients through the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Call (314) 708-1000 or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free case review.
First DWI Laws & Penalties in Missouri
In Missouri, a person can be arrested for a DWI for operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .08 percent—or .04 percent or higher for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders—or under the influence of any combination of alcohol and drugs.
A first DWI offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum jail sentence of six months and/or a fine of up to $1000. However, a judge can suspend the sentence and order a defendant to up to two years of probation and court-ordered substance abuse treatment.
However, if a driver’s BAC is at least .15 percent, then the minimum jail can be 48 hours. If a driver’s BAC is at least .2 percent, the minimum jail sentence can be five days.
In addition to the criminal charges, the State of Missouri will also issue an administrative suspension on a driver’s license for 90 days. After the first 30 days of the suspension, a driver may opt to install an ignition interlock device (IID) and obtain restricted driving privileges for the remaining 60 days.
Let Our Firm Help You Immediately!
Since a conviction can result in harsh penalties, it is imperative to have an experienced DWI defense lawyer on your side to fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We are ready to investigate your arrest, gather and assess evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and defend you in the courtroom.
Contact us today to discuss your case with our St. Charles legal team.