The drunk driving statutes are based on a specific level of alcohol concentration in a person’s bloodstream. However, these tests are not nearly as accurate or indicative as the government would have you believe. If blood alcohol content, or BAC, is the crux of the prosecution’s case, you need an attorney like Travis Noble Jr. who knows how to cast doubt on this evidence.
Travis Noble, P.C., handles drunk driving defense cases throughout Missouri. Our renowned St. Louis illegal blood alcohol content attorney has represented clients nationwide.
Call (314) 721-6614 to explore your possible defenses, whether you are facing a first-offense or a felony DWI.
The law firm of Travis Noble, P.C., handles DWI defense in the St. Louis metro area and throughout Missouri. For a free consultation, call (314) 721-6614.
At a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or greater, the law presumes that you are too intoxicated to safely drive a motor vehicle. This is known as a per se DWI — no other proof is required for conviction other than a breath test, blood test or urine test that shows an illegal BAC level.
The BAC reading on the portable breath testing (PBT) device used is not admissible in court. The PBT merely verifies that a person has been drinking and supports probable cause to make an arrest. Once in custody, you must submit to an official breath test. Refusal of a breath test results in automatic license suspension for one year, and the act of refusal can be used against you in court.
If the Breathalyzer registers less than .08, you are not necessarily off the hook. (A) You can still be charged with DWI if there is other evidence of intoxication such as squad car video of erratic driving or “failing” the field sobriety tests. (B) The officer may suspect that you are under the influence of drugs, in which case you may be compelled to provide a blood and/or urine sample to be tested for controlled substances.
Criminal defense trial attorney Travis Noble has won cases by challenging blood alcohol content. If your BAC hovers near the .08 level (or other threshold), there is reasonable doubt in the margin of error. If your BAC is well over the legal limit, there are legitimate defenses regarding the Breathalyzer device and how it was administered. If your BAC is under .08, we will attack the other evidence of impairment.
Your BAC results are not the end of the story. You should always contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a drunk driving arrest. Call Travis Noble, P.C., at (314) 721-6614 or email us to arrange a free consultation with our St. Louis illegal blood alcohol content lawyer.
