DWI Defense Attorney in Platte County, Missouri
Practice Areas
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime that can result in varying but significant penalties depending on whether you have been charged for a first or repeat offense. However, being charged with a DWI does not necessarily mean you will be convicted, and building a strong defense can help you challenge the charges against you.
At Webb Legal Solutions, our attorney has experience providing tailored representation for those charged with DWI. Whether you're questioning the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of chemical test results, or law enforcement's adherence to procedure, we can help you build a strong defense.
Located in Platte City, Missouri, we serve clients throughout Platte County, Clay County, Nodaway County, and Buchanan County. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your defense options.
Missouri Laws Governing DWI
In Missouri, you can be charged with a DWI for operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The standard blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for adults over the age of 21. The BAC limit for commercial truck drivers is lower at 0.04%, and 0.02% for individuals under the age of 21, highlighting the state’s zero-tolerance policy for minors.
However, you could still be arrested and potentially convicted for DWI even if your BAC is below these limits if the attending officer notices signs of impairment or poor or erratic driving.
Additionally, Missouri follows an implied consent law, which means that by driving on Missouri roads, you automatically consent to chemical testing if law enforcement suspects you were driving under the influence. If you refuse a test, such as a breathalyzer test, your license will be suspended for one year. This is in addition to your criminal charge and will remain in effect even if you are not convicted.
The potential penalties for a DWI will depend on whether this is a first-time or repeat offense. A first offense is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, and a mandatory 90-day license suspension. If your BAC is above 0.15%, you will automatically face mandatory jail time.
A second offense is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2,000, up to one year in jail, and up to a five-year license revocation. Third or more offenses are charged as Class E felonies and can trigger fines of up to $10,000, prison time, and up to a 10-year license revocation.
If you have been charged with a DWI in Missouri, the consequences can significantly impact your ability to maintain employment, housing, your reputation, and your relationships. At Webb Legal Solutions, our attorney can help you build a strong defense to challenge the charges and stand up for your rights.
Facing a DWI Charge?
Our DWI Defense Services
At Webb Legal Solutions, we provide dedicated defense representation to those facing DWI charges. Whether this is your first or subsequent offense, the primary ways we can help you build a defense include the following:
Arraignment and bail hearing representation: We can represent you during court appearances to address the charges against you and advocate or lower bond, reduced penalties, or specific release conditions.
Evidence investigation: We can work with you to review the official police report and accompanying evidence, such as officer bodycam video and chemical test results to establish the strength or weakness of the prosecution’s case.
Challenging traffic stops: We can review the reasons that law enforcement initiated the traffic stop. If law enforcement lacked a clear reason to suspect impaired driving, we can file a motion to suppress any evidence obtained during the stop.
Challenging chemical test results: We can review the results of the chemical tests to determine whether they were administered correctly, whether they produced a false positive, and whether the chain of custody was maintained. If the test results were faulty, we can file a motion to suppress.
Challenging officer conduct: We can review whether the attending officer followed the required procedures, administered test correctly, and read your Miranda rights before initiating an arrest. If law enforcement failed to adhere to the proper procedures, we can file a motion to suppress.
Plea bargaining: We can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf to explore any options for reducing the DWI charge to a lesser offense in exchange for a guilty plea.
Courtroom representation: We offer dedicated courtroom representation to defend you during a trial and advocate for your rights and best interests.
Whether you are facing a first or subsequent DWI offense, our experienced Missouri criminal defense attorney can guide you through building a defense and pursuing strategies that could minimize the impact of a charge on your daily life.
How Our Firm Can Help
A DWI charge is often stressful, but taking a measured approach can help you explore your options to potentially reduce your charges and negotiate with the prosecution. At Webb Legal Solutions, we are dedicated to helping you advocate for your rights in court and exploring all available defense strategies to comprehensively challenge the charges you face.
Our attorney provides honest, transparent, and thoughtful criminal defense representation to help you understand your case and make informed decisions about how to proceed. Backed by over 18 years of courtroom experience, we have the skills and resources to help you build a strong defense.
Contact Our Experienced DWI Attorney in Platte County, Missouri
If you have been charged with a DWI in Missouri, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Webb Legal Solutions, our attorney, Jeremy Webb, can review the circumstances surrounding your arrest, explore whether you have options to challenge evidence and officer conduct, and negotiate with the prosecution to seek reduced charges (if applicable).
A DWI charge is not the same as a conviction, and you have the legal right to build a defense. Located in Platte City, Missouri, we represent clients throughout Platte County, Clay County, Nodaway County, and Buchanan County. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and explore your DWI defense options.