DWI/DUI Attorney in St. Louis, Missouri

Have you been charged with DWI/DUI in Missouri for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs? While Missouri takes drunk driving cases very seriously, you still have a chance to fight for your rights and future.   

When facing DWI charges, it can feel like the entire justice system is against you. The DWI/DUI attorney at Bretz Legal, LLC, can act as your advocate to make sure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Also, Attorney Anthony Bretz can help you understand your legal options and provide guidance on how to proceed.  

DWI/DUI expert Attorney Anthony Bretz in St. Louis, Missouri, handles drunk driving cases throughout the state of Missouri, including Jefferson County, Franklin County, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County.   

DWI Charges in Missouri  

Under Missouri law, you can face DWI charges for operating a motor vehicle:  

• With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher; or  

• In an intoxicated condition when under the influence of alcohol or drugs or a combination of alcohol/drugs.   

However, the BAC threshold is different for certain drivers. The BAC of .04% is considered “excessive” for individuals driving commercial vehicles. In addition, motorists under the age of 21 are prohibited from operating a vehicle if their BAC is at least .02%. The number of beverages that can put an individual over the legal limit for BAC varies from one person to another and depends on a variety of factors.   

It is not uncommon for motorists in Missouri to face DWI charges even when they were not seen driving the vehicle. Missouri’s DWI law prohibits operating a motor vehicle and being in “actual physical control” of the vehicle while impaired. In other words, if the driver has the apparent ability to operate a vehicle, they are considered in actual physical control. 

DWI/DUI Tests and Your Rights  

When a driver is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the police are likely to ask the driver to take a field sobriety test. However, the problem with field sobriety tests is that they are known to be inaccurate and unreliable. Fortunately, Missouri law allows motorists to refuse a field sobriety test. While this could result in an arrest, your driver’s license will not be automatically suspended for refusing to take the test.  

The same cannot be said about refusing chemical tests in Missouri. The state adopted “implied consent” laws, which means all motorists are legally required to submit to chemical testing (breath, blood, urine, and saliva). Refusal can lead to a revocation of your driver’s license for a year and also mandatory installation of the ignition interlock device for six months.   

Possible Penalties for DWI in Missouri 

Possible penalties for DWI vary depending on two main factors: the number of DWI offenses on the offender’s record and the severity of the offense. Jail time depends on the individual charge, which is partially based on the driver's driving record and whether they have any prior DWI convictions or pleas of guilty. Typically, those convicted of DWI are also required to pay hefty fines and face license suspension and may be required to drive with an ignition interlock device.    

In certain cases, the court can suspend the jail sentence and impose probationary conditions instead. Those conditions can range from substance abuse treatment to random testing. Drivers whose license is suspended after a DWI conviction may be eligible to apply for a hardship license.   

The penalties associated with a DWI conviction in Missouri can have a significant impact on your life. Attorney Anthony Bretz can help you minimize these penalties by negotiating a plea bargain, reducing your charges, or securing a not-guilty verdict. Additionally, as a DWI attorney, he can help you explore alternative sentencing options if applicable.   

Do You Need a DWI/DUI Attorney? 

The DWI/DUI defense attorney at Bretz Legal, LLC, has the knowledge and experience necessary to assess the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Attorney Anthony Bretz understands the intricacies of Missouri’s DWI laws and can help you navigate the legal system. Additionally, he has been practicing in front of local judges and with prosecutors in St. Louis, Missouri, for over 14 years which could be helpful when negotiating a plea bargain or a reduced sentence.  

A DWI conviction can have severe consequences beyond criminal penalties. It can impact your personal life, your job prospects, and even your ability to obtain credit. Attorney Anthony Bretz will be dedicated to protecting your reputation by minimizing the impact a conviction has on your life. He can work with you to develop a strong defense strategy that focuses on minimizing the impact of a conviction on your life and future or dismissing the charges altogether.