What to Consider Before Pleading Guilty to a DWI in St. Louis County

There is a lot to consider before deciding to plead guilty to a DWI in St. Louis County.

People tend to make better decisions when they have better information. This is especially true when you are dealing with a criminal charge.

Whether or not you take the prosecutor's deal or set the case for a DWI jury trial is one of the biggest decisions you could face. Before pleading guilty to a St. Louis County DWI charge, you should understand how your choice impacts your future.

Speak with an attorney before taking any plea deal. Contact St. Louis County DWI Attorney Anthony Bretz for a free case evaluation.

Should You Plead Guilty to a St. Louis DWI?

When you're arrested with your first DWI, your mind is racing. You wonder how bad will this be? Will I lose my job? When will I get my license back?

Before deciding whether to plead guilty to a DWI, understand the consequences for a first‑time offense.

If you were recently arrested for a DWI in St. Louis County, the consequences can be more serious than you think.

A first Missouri DWI is a Class B Misdemeanor and can result in up to 6 months in jail, up to a $1000.00 fine, or both. That's the maximum possible sentence under the law.

In addition to the criminal case, you're also at risk of losing your driver's license for 90 days (if you blew) or for 1 year (if you refused to blow).

Do You Need to Hire a DWI Attorney?

When facing jail time, having an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer on your side is a must.

You could save money and represent yourself. The prosecutor may even offer you a plea deal involving two years of probation with an SIS. After your probation, you'll be able to walk away without a conviction on your record.

Before you are able to finish your probation you could have to complete up to 80 hours of Community Service, pay probation fees, pay for the Community Service supervision, attend and complete a Victim Impact Panel (VIP) presentation by MADD, and participate and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP). All of which have their owns fees you'll have to pay.

If you never get another DWI in your life, then that's not such a bad outcome. But repeat DWI offenses carry more severe consequences. Therefore, you should be aware of the impact taking the prosecutor's deal can have on future DWI charges.

CONSEQUENCES ESCALATE FOR REPEAT DWI OFFENDERS

Your potential outcome for a repeat DWI depends on how you handled your first DWI. A second DWI has a potential sentence of up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2000.00 fine.

If this is your third DWI in Missouri, then you're facing a Class E Felony charge as a Persistent Offender. That carries a potential prison term of up to 4 years, a fine of $10,000.00 or both. However, to be eligible for probation you could first have to serve 30 days in jail.

The choice you make for your first DWI will determine whether you will face enhanced charges in a second or third DWI. Entering a plea of guilty or losing at trial will both result in a finding of guilt. And the prosecutor can use a prior finding of guilt to charge you as a repeat offender. Penalties increase quickly for anyone facing a repeat St. Louis DWI.

This is why it's important to keep your future options in mind when deciding what to do.

Having an Experienced DWI Defense Attorney on Your Side Matters

Having a St. Louis County DWI lawyer like Anthony S. Bretz in your corner can minimize your risks. He'll explain to you your options and the various consequences. He will point out the weak points in the prosecutor's case, incluindg: challenging the initial Stop, the administration of the Field Sobriety Tests, the Blood test results, get evidence thrown out for constitutional violations, and set you up for reduced charges or possibly dismissal.

Remember, rolling over now and taking the quick and easy deal only sets you up for a worse outcome later.

Before you make a decision, talk to a St. Louis DWI attorney who can evaluate your case. Contact Anthony S. Bretz today for a free consultation. Get someone in your corner who knows the law and will fight for your rights.