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DWI/DUI

Facing DUI or DWI Charges?

First, don’t panic. If you’re facing Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges, don’t risk facing these serious charges without an experienced, knowledgeable attorney by your side. While there can be considerable consequences for DUI or DWI charges, there are several options available to help you.

Attorney Adam Woody has successfully handled thousands of alcohol offenses, earning him admission into the prestigious invitation-only group National College for DUI Defense. If you are facing DUI or DWI charges, contact our office immediately at 417.221.9816 for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights.

Adam has the specialized knowledge and training to assist in your case, including certification in the 24-hour DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Program—the same training and certification that police officers receive.

What You Need to Know

In Missouri, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above. If you are in a commercial vehicle that limit drops to .04, and if you are minor it drops to .02. When it comes to controlled substances such as marijuana or cocaine, Missouri law states that it is illegal to drive with any amount in your blood.

Definition of DWI and DUI in Missouri

Driving While Intoxicated – As defined in Missouri Statue 577.010: A person commits the crime of “driving while intoxicated” if he/she operates a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated or drugged condition, including prescription drugs.

Driving with Excessive Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) – As defined in Missouri Statue 577.012: A person commits the crime of “driving with excessive blood alcohol content” if such person operates a motor vehicle in this state with .08 of one percent or more by weight of alcohol in such person’s blood.

With a DWI or DUI conviction, you could be facing:

  • Jail time
  • $350 fine
  • Two years unsupervised probation
  • 40 hours of community service to be completed within six months
  • Complete SATOP within six months
  • Law Enforcement Recoupment Fee
  • Court Costs
  • Current or future employment problems

Field Sobriety Tests

Aside from blood alcohol tests, the most important evidence of impairment that police, prosecutors, judges, and juries rely on in DUI/DWI cases are the results of the field sobriety tests. Most of these tests are difficult for most anyone to pass, whether sober or impaired. The key to successful defense against possible false accusations by police or prosecutors is to know and understand the tests before you decide to comply with the officer’s request and take them.

There are three types of field sobriety tests police officers use to determine if you should be cited for Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence:

  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Eye Test:The officer is checking for “nystagmus” which is an involuntary jerking of the eye that can only be caused by alcohol and a few drugs.
  • Walk & Turn Test/Heel to Toe Test:The officer is checking for any physical impairment in a person’s balance and walking abilities that would have been caused by alcohol or drugs.
  • One Leg Stand:This is another physical test officers use to determine if someone has been drinking or is under the influence of any substance.

Myths About DUI/DWI

There are many myths that people believe when it comes to field sobriety tests. Here are a few statements that many people believe to be true when it comes to DUI or DWI cases, but in fact, are false.

  • FALSE: I have to comply if an officer pulls me over and tells me to take field sobriety tests
  • FALSE: I will lose my license if I don’t take a breathalyzer test after being arrested
  • FALSE: If I blow under .08% BAC, I can’t be arrested or prosecuted
  • FALSE: If I’m in my driveway, I can’t get a DWI

The most important consideration if you are facing a drunk driving charge or a driving under the influence charge is to quickly find a Springfield, Missouri lawyer who specializes in DUI/DWI cases. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I have a deep understanding of how Missouri law works when it comes to drunk driving cases. I have posted several DUI and DWI articles on my blog for you to learn more about the laws in Missouri.

Remember, getting arrested for DWI or DUI is serious. Contact the Law Office of Adam Woody, and let our knowledge of the law and years of experience work on your side.