Facing drunk driving charges for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is a serious crime that can have lasting effects on your life. In Missouri, these illegal acts are prosecuted extremely thoroughly, and the legal consequences can impact one’s life, finances, and future opportunities. At Martin & Birdsong, Attorneys at Law, our DUI attorneys understand the severity of these serious criminal charges and the potentially life-changing impact they bring. We aim to defend your rights and provide the guidance you need during this unnerving time.
Call our office today at 573-677-9616 for a consultation with a skilled DUI lawyer or BWI defense lawyer. We have offices in Lake of the Ozarks and Columbia, MO. We only serve Camden, Laclede, Cole, Morgan, Moniteau, and Miller counties for criminal law.
Driving While Intoxicated. This means a person has been caught drunk driving with too much alcohol in their blood system, usually over 0.08% for adults over the age of 21. This is above the legal limit, which means it is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. DWI also applies to people who are driving while impaired by other substances like over-the-counter drugs, prescription medicine, or illegal drugs that cause the driver to be too impaired to drive.
Boating While Intoxicated. It is similar to a DWI but applies to operating a boat. Although the person is on water, BWI charges are taken as seriously as DWI charges, with heavy consequences to keep everyone around the operator safe.
In Missouri law, as in most other states, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over the age of 21 is 0.08%, but different standards apply in some circumstances. For instance, commercial drivers are often given a lower BAC limit of 0.04% because of the added safety risks they pose when operating larger vehicles. Underage drivers face even stricter rules, with a BAC limit of 0.02% in Missouri to comply with the state’s “zero tolerance” policy. That means any alcohol above this level can lead to legal consequences. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a BAC of over 0.08% is considered illegal for boaters. Law enforcement can conduct sobriety tests on the water, even in open areas, to prevent accidents and promote safety for all.
The consequences of a BWI or DWI conviction are serious and can worsen depending on factors like how high your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) was, if it is a repeat DWI offense, or if someone was hurt. It can also result in having a criminal record. Here’s a look at typical penalties:
First DWI Offense:
Repeat DUI Offenses:
Being charged with DWI or BWI doesn’t always mean you will be found guilty or imprisoned. Knowledgeable DUI attorneys can thoroughly review your case and find ways to defend you. First, they may question whether the police had a rational reason to pull you over. If the police officer didn’t have a justifiable reason, the case could be dismissed. DWI lawyers can also check whether the BAC (blood alcohol content) test was performed accurately and the results are valid. Breathalyzer and blood tests can be flawed if the device isn’t operated correctly, if there is a health issue like acid reflux or diabetes that results in a positive test, or if the equipment fails to function correctly.
DUI lawyers will also examine field sobriety tests, which cannot always be relied upon because things like uneven ground, weather, or personal health can make you appear unsteady. Additionally, if the police didn’t follow proper protocol, like failing to read your Miranda Rights to you or detaining you for reasons not permitted, your DUI lawyer can use these errors in your defense. These strategies don’t guarantee success, but they can make a big difference in your case.
Handling a DWI or BWI charge on your own can be overwhelming and stressful. These cases are complicated, and you need someone who knows the local DUI laws, can examine the evidence closely, and will vigorously defend your rights. An experienced DWI attorney can explain the DWI charges you are facing, the potential results, and the best approach to handle your case. They can also try to alleviate some of the penalties you are facing, reduce any jail time, or even reduce some of the DWI charges. A DWI attorney can handle all the paperwork, court appearances, and negotiations from start to finish, which can give you some peace of mind.
At Martin & Birdsong, Attorneys at Law, we have a strong record of defending clients against BWI and DWI charges in the Lake of the Ozarks, Columbia, and mid-Missouri region, which includes Miller, Moniteau, Camden, Cole, Boone, Osage and Callaway counties. Our DUI lawyer team knows how serious these cases are, and we are dedicated to helping you protect your legal rights. One of our defining attributes is that we know each case is different, so we build our DUI defense to fit your specific needs.
Our criminal defense attorneys have deep knowledge of local laws and courtroom procedures makes it easier for us to handle even the most complicated cases. We also provide supportive legal representation and understand that facing any charge is stressful. We’ll keep you informed and supported at every step of your case. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact one of our criminal defense attorneys online or call us at 573-348-4500.
