Answered by Christopher Combs in DWI/DUI on September 25, 2024.

How Do You Beat a DWI/DUI Charge in Missouri? The ten-words-or-less-answer is, quite simply, “You hire the expert DWI/DUI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.” After all, they have more than 40 years of combined experience successfully defending clients in St. Louis and throughout Missouri against DWI/DUI charges.

Unfortunately though, reality is never that cut-and-dry simple. Beating a DWI/DUI charge in Missouri is a difficult task, requiring a multifaceted defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case. It’s vital to work with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing DWI/DUI charges of any kind.

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with one of our expert DWI/DUI defense lawyers.

Ways to Beat a DWI/DUI Charge in Missouri With the Expert Combs Waterkotte Defense Attorneys

Depending on the specifics of your case, the following are ways one of our skilled defense lawyers could approach defending your DWI/DUI charges:

Challenge the Traffic Stop

The Combs Waterkotte attorneys can start by questioning the actual traffic stop, as well as:

  • Probable Cause: Law enforcement must have a valid reason, probable cause, to stop your vehicle. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal activity, any evidence gathered after the stop might be inadmissible.
  • Pretextual Stops: Occasionally, stops are made under the guise of a minor traffic violation while the officer’s real intention is to investigate DWI/DUI. If this is proven, it can weaken the prosecutor’s case.

Question the Field Sobriety Tests

Three common field sobriety tests (FSTs) used in Missouri include the one-leg stand test, the walk-and-turn test, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. We challenge the very basis of these tests due to:

  • Improper Administration: FSTs must be administered according to standardized guidelines. If law enforcement deviated from these procedures, the test results are invalid.
  • Subjective Interpretation: The results of FSTs are subjective. Our experienced attorneys can argue that external factors – such as uneven pavement, poor lighting, medications, or the defendant’s physical condition – could have influenced the results.

Scrutinize the Breathalyzer or Blood Test

Breathalyzer tests are commonly used to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but they are not infallible. Issues that can arise with chemical tests:

  • Faulty Equipment: Breathalyzers and other routine testing devices must be properly calibrated and maintained. A malfunction or improper calibration can lead to inaccurate readings.
  • Contaminated Samples: In the case of blood tests, improper storage of the sample or a broken chain of custody can lead to contaminated and/or unreliable results.

Challenge the Officer’s Observations

Our lawyers can also help you beat a DWI/DUI charge by questioning law enforcement via:

  • Signs of Intoxication: Law enforcement often cites signs like bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol as evidence of intoxication. However, these apparent signs can have alternative explanations, like fatigue, allergies, anxiety, or nervousness.
  • Dashcam & Bodycam Footage: Reviewing footage from the officer’s dashcam or bodycam can offer evidence that contradicts law enforcement’s account of your behavior during the stop.

    • Negotiate a Plea Bargain

    The Combs Waterkotte defense lawyers will only negotiate with the prosecution if it’s in your best interest, such as:

    • Reduced Charges: On occasion, negotiating a plea bargain for a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, might be a viable option. This deal might minimize penalties and the long-term impact on your record.
    • First-Time Offenders: Missouri offers diversion programs as well as probation for first-time DWI/DUI offenders, which could result in reduced penalties or even dismissal of charges after successful completion.

    It’s crucial to work with an experienced Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI defense attorney who can thoroughly investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a strong defense. This is how you beat a DWI/DUI charge in Missouri.

    Give our expert lawyers a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free case review.

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