Most people who get pulled over and arrested on suspicion of DWI did not plan for it to happen. Yes, they had a couple of drinks at the bar or during dinner, but they did not feel drunk. Now they are facing serious legal problems.
With Missouri’s blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit set at .08, it is easier than you think to commit drinking and driving. Depending on your size, just one beer or glass of wine could put you over the legal limit to drive.
How alcohol affects people differently
For example, it takes the average 180 lb. person four drinks to get to a BAC of .083. After three drinks, that person’s BAC would be around .063, still well below the limit. But for a 120 lb. person, three drinks would raise their BAC to .094. So if you go to a bar or party and have four beers over three or four hours, you might not feel too impaired to drive safely. But as far as the law is concerned, you are committing DWI the moment you turn on your engine and start driving.
Legal options for dealing with DWI accusations
The only fool-proof way to avoid DWI charges is not to drive after drinking alcohol. However, if you are facing a DWI charge, there may be options for minimizing its effects on your life. For example, a DWI charge will automatically result in your driver’s license getting suspended. But you might qualify for a hardship license, which would let you drive to commute to work, take your children to school, and other necessary transportation.
Besides your driving privileges, drinking and driving charges can lead to a jail or prison sentence, depending on your prior record and the severity of the charges against you. To know what your possible next moves are, consult a criminal defense attorney, especially one who is known for handling DWI defense.
