If arrested for drunk driving charges, it is important to contact an attorney immediately. Getting the right help is critical during this time.
People who live in and around St. Louis have often heard about the serious penalties that can accompany a conviction for a drunk driving offense or a charge of driving under the influence of drugs. Mothers Against Drunk Driving even notes that people who are arrested for a third DWI offense can face a felony conviction which only increases the potential severity of the consequences.
When a driver is questioned by an officer for suspicion of drunk driving, one thing that may be requested is the participation in a breath test. Drivers are legally allowed to refuse these tests but doing so has its own set of consequences in the form of a one-year driver’s license revocation according to the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
If a driver is cited for drunk driving, there can be both criminal and administrative laws that govern the situation. The criminal charges may be dismissed but some administrative penalties can still apply, highlighting the complexity of these situations for drivers.
Even people who are arrested for a first-ever offense of driving while intoxicated can lose the right to drive a vehicle for some period of time. The length of a suspension will vary based upon the number or existence of any previous convictions. The state’s Department of Revenue website outlines the suspension or loss of privileges as follows:
All drivers convicted of impaired driving offenses can have points added to their driving records. The number of points will vary. For example, a commercial driver convicted of a first offense will have two points added to a record.
If arrested for drunk driving charges, it is important to contact an attorney immediately. Getting the right help is critical during this time.
