We’ve all been to parties or someplace where the drinks were flowing and everyone was having a good time. The aftereffects of a few drinks can have long, lasting impacts, both financially and legally. One DWI can cause problems with your employer and potentially cost you your job.
How Much Can You Drink?
Based on a 150 lb. male drinker, it is estimated that 2 drinks for the first hour and a drink each hour thereafter can keep the drinker within the legal limit. Please keep in mind that alcohol reacts differently in each person and if you are in doubt, do not drive drunk. Call a taxi cab or find another ride home.
In Missouri a driver is presumed to be drunk if his or her Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is equal or greater than .08.
What To Do If You Get Caught
If you make the decision to drive drunk and are stopped by the police there are a few things you should know.
- You have Miranda Rights – Use them! You do have the right to remain silent! Stay silent! People think they can talk there way out of a DWI. They are wrong. It is the police officer’s job to arrest you and obtain evidence to use against you at trial.
- Police Departments have a set of questions that are designed to extract information that will be used against you later. Even the simplest questions should not be answered. Your name, birth date and basic identifying information should be all that is given.
- If you are arrested you will be asked to take a breathalyzer test or to submit to a blood or urine test. The law says that you have 20 minutes to contact a DUI Lawyer before having to take the breathalyzer test or giving a blood or urine sample. Use every minute of this allotted time! It is important that you speak with a skilled DWI attorney so you know and understand your rights.
- Hire a good DWI lawyer fast! Don’t wait. A DWI arrest sets a very specific process into motion and you only have a limited number of days to protect your driving privileges.
- The court process is the same for a majority of people charged with a DWI
- The first court date is an arraignment:
This where you pleading guilty or not guilty. - Then comes the investigation:
We collect the facts of the case and review the evidence against you. - After all the investigation is complete we will help you weigh your options:
Do you want to make DWI deal?
Do you want to take your case to trial?
- The first court date is an arraignment:
If You Have Already Been Caught, Do This
The decision to take your case to trial or to accept a plea bargain is a decision only you can make. However, we are experienced DWI lawyers in St. Charles, St. Louis, Warren and Lincoln Counties, Missouri. We can help you make an informed decision.
Please Do Not Drive Drunk
If you drink and drive, BE CAREFUL! Your safety and well-being is important. However, we realize, things happen and some people do drive drunk and subsequently get arrested for DWI. If you get caught drinking and driving, hire a good DWI lawyer who is experienced and knows the law.
The lawyers at Niedner, Bodeux, Carmichael, Huff, Lenox and Pashos, L.L.P., in St. Charles County Missouri, are experienced DWI attorneys. If you have received a DWI, please call our office at 1.888.572.2192 or 636.949.9300 and make an appointment so we may address the specific facts of your case. If you prefer, you may email us at JCarmichael@niednerlaw.com or SSimpson@niednerlaw.com.