Felony DUI Attorney in Chesterfield, Missouri

A felony DUI (or DWI) occurs when an individual is charged with operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and their actions result in specific aggravating circumstances that elevate the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony.  

This escalation usually occurs when the DUI involves prior convictions, an accident causing injury or death, or if the driver has a particularly high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest.  

The legal fallout of a felony DUI can be severe, ranging from lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and extended license suspensions or revocations. Beyond the immediate legal penalties, a felony DUI can hurt your job prospects, family relationships, and social standing. 

If you're facing felony DUI charges, you should seek legal representation to protect your rights throughout the process. A knowledgeable DUI attorney can help you work toward a more favorable outcome by using strategic defenses or plea agreements that may be available to you. 

The consequences of a felony DUI are severe, ranging from hefty fines to imprisonment and long-term impacts on your personal and professional life. At Walker Law LLC, I strive to provide the best possible defense to protect the rights and freedom of people facing felony DUI charges.  

If you're facing felony DUI charges in Chesterfield, Missouri, Town and Country, Cottleville, St. Louis County, and Charles County, reach out to us for legal guidance and support.

Felony DUI Laws in Missouri 

In Missouri, a DUI is elevated to a felony under certain conditions: 

• Prior offenses: If you have multiple DUI convictions, subsequent charges can be classified as felonies. 

• Aggravating circumstances: Situations involving accidents that result in injury or death can elevate a DUI charge to a felony. 

• Children in the vehicle: Driving under the influence with minors in the car can also result in felony charges. 

• High BAC levels: A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher at the time of arrest can attract felony DUI charges due to the increased level of impairment. 

• Repeat offenders: Missouri has a "washout" period of five years. If a driver is convicted of a DUI during this period following a previous felony DUI conviction, the new charge can be classified as a felony. 

• Refusal to submit to testing: Refusal to take a breath or blood test when requested by law enforcement can result in additional penalties and may lead to felony DUI charges.

Penalties for Felony DUI in Missouri 

The penalties for a felony DUI in Missouri can be severe, including: 

• Fines: Substantial fines that increase with the number of prior offenses and the severity of the incident. 

• Imprisonment: Felony DUI convictions can result in extended jail time, ranging from several months to several years. 

• License revocation: The long-term or permanent revocation of your driver's license can significantly impact your freedom and livelihood. 

• Probation: Offenders may be placed on probation, which requires compliance with specific terms and conditions, such as regular drug testing and community service. 

• Treatment programs: Courts may mandate attendance in substance abuse treatment programs as a condition of probation or sentencing, aimed at addressing underlying issues related to alcohol or drug use. 

• Ignition interlock device: Offenders may be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. This device prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. 

How I Approach Felony DUI Cases 

At Walker Law LLC, I take a systematic and thorough approach to felony DUI cases: 

• Initial consultation: The process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your case. I will listen to your story, help you gather information, and outline potential defense strategies. 

• Case investigation: I investigate all aspects of the charges against you, including reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any available video evidence. 

• Strategic defense planning: Based on our findings, I develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your case. This may involve challenging the validity of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of sobriety tests, and scrutinizing the procedures followed by law enforcement. 

• Representation in court: I represent you vigorously in court, presenting evidence and arguments to defend your rights. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means reducing charges, securing a dismissal, or winning an acquittal. 

• Ongoing communication: Throughout the legal process, I will keep you informed and involved at every step. I strive to provide updates on developments, explain legal terms and proceedings, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.