Barnhart, MO DUI Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed. The consequences of being convicted of DUI are severe and can last a lifetime. Your driving record, employment prospects, insurance rates, and personal freedom may all be impacted by this life-changing experience.

Our Barnhart DUI lawyers have familiarity handling DUI cases similar to yours, and will work with you to get your charges lowered or dropped. The sooner you hire a DUI lawyer, the better your chances will be! You should act quickly to prevent your driver’s license from being suspended (your license could be suspended for six months if 15 days have passed after taking the breathalyzer test, and you could lose your license for a year within 30 days if you declined the test).

Time is running out, so take action immediately. For a free consultation with our experienced Barnhart DUI lawyers, contact us today. Our goal is to protect your driving privileges, your finances, and your freedom, and minimize any negative impact on your personal and professional life.

DUI Conviction Consequences 

Missouri’s DUI and DWI penalties differ depending on the degree of intoxication and previous offense. Here is a quick summary of Missouri’s penalties for first through third offenses:

1. Misdemeanor to felony
2. License suspension from 30 days to 10 years
3. Fines from $500–$5,000
4. Possible six-month-to-four-year incarceration
5. SATOP (Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program) completion
6. IID (Ignition Interlock Device) installation may be optional or required.

Punishments may be more severe in situations where there are aggravating circumstances, such as high blood alcohol content, causing serious injury or death, or operating a vehicle while in possession of a suspended or revoked license.

Call our Barnhart DUI lawyers right away if you are charged with DUI or DWI in Missouri. We will defend your rights!

Common Defenses Against DUI Charges

We personalize our defense strategy based on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are some typical defenses that we may employ, depending on the circumstances:

• A traffic stop may be appealable if the officer pulled over your car without a valid reason.
• Unreliable Field Sobriety Tests: Walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests are subjective and dependent on a variety of conditions.
• Faulty Breathalyzer or Blood Test: Both measure blood alcohol. However, these tests may be erroneous. Equipment dependability and calibration testing may be difficult.
• Medical conditions or medications can cause impairment. Showing that a medical condition or medicine affected your field sobriety test or breathalyzer results may be a defense.
• Miranda Rights: Any statements you make during the arrest may be ruled inadmissible in court.

Our Barnhart DUI Lawyers at MRLS Will Go The Extra Mile For You!

At Michael Reid Legal Solutions, we know that a DUI arrest can be stressful for you, especially if it is your first time. But as DUI defense lawyers with more than 25 years of experience, we’ve seen almost everything. We are able to navigate the system and procedures with ease because of our vast experience dealing with so many DUI cases. Additionally, we have a working relationship with the local prosecutors and courts, which puts us in a better position to handle any difficulties related to your case and project the possible outcome.

You can be confident that we will fiercely defend you and do everything in our power to secure the best possible outcome for you. Your first call is free, so call us as soon as you can so we can discuss the details of your case and start putting together a strong defense for you!

Missouri DUI Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m pulled over for suspected DUI?

Stay calm, pull over safely, and cooperate with the officer. You are not required to answer incriminating questions, but refusing a field sobriety or chemical test may result in license suspension under Missouri’s implied consent law. If arrested, request an attorney and avoid discussing your case until you have legal counsel.

Will a DUI show up on my criminal record?

Yes, a DUI will appear on your criminal record in Missouri. Most DUIs are misdemeanors, but repeat offenses or severe circumstances can result in felony charges. A DUI will also show up on background checks, which can affect employment and housing opportunities unless it is expunged.

How long does a DUI stay on my record?

In Missouri, a DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years. On your criminal record, it is permanent unless you qualify for expungement, which is allowed after 10 years for a first offense with no subsequent alcohol-related charges. Insurance impacts typically last 3-5 years.