Can a DWI/DUI Be Reduced in Missouri? Yes, it is possible to have a DWI/DUI charge reduced in Missouri. Obviously, having the expertise of a skilled DWI/DUI defense lawyer from Combs Waterkotte by your side helps. If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI, call them now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, no-strings-attached case review.
Common Ways to Reduce a DWI/DUI Charge
While reducing a DWI/DUI charge isn’t guaranteed, it is possible with the right legal strategy and representation. Some of the Combs Waterkotte strategies include:
Plea Bargaining:
- Negotiating with the Prosecutor: Your defense attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor to have the DWI/DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense, like reckless driving or “wet reckless” – which is a plea deal where a DWI/DUI gets reduced to reckless driving involving alcohol.
- Avoiding a Conviction: A reduced charge may help you avoid a DWI/DUI conviction, leading to diminished penalties, like lower fines, shorter probation, or even avoiding a mandatory license suspension.
Disputing the Evidence:
- Lack of Probable Cause: If law enforcement lacked probable cause to pull you over or administer a field sobriety test or breathalyzer, blood, or urine test, your attorney might argue that the evidence should be suppressed, which could lead to your charges being reduced or dismissed.
- Faulty Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: Your lawyer may argue that the breathalyzer or blood test results were inaccurate because of faulty equipment, improper calibration, or mishandling of the sample.
Providing an Alternative Explanation:
If your attorney can show that a medical condition, a legally prescribed medication, or some other circumstance affected the results of the field sobriety or chemical tests, it may be possible to reduce the charge. Some of those include:
- Hypoglycemia or Diabetes
- Peripheral neuropathy
- You suffer from anxiety
- You’ve had a significant injury that affects your balance
- You didn’t understand the instructions
- You are naturally uncoordinated
- Poor footwear
- Poor weather conditions
- Prescription medications
Presenting Mitigating Factors:
If you have no prior DWIs or criminal history, a clean driving record, or other mitigating factors, your lawyer may present these to the prosecutor or judge to argue for a reduced charge.
First-Time Offender Programs:
In some cases, first-time offenders might be eligible to participate in an alcohol education or treatment program. Successfully completing the program could lead to your charge being reduced or even an entire dismissal of your case.
Call the expert DWI/DUI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a confidential case review.
