In any criminal case, a person’s background can play a role in the outcome of a trial. Perhaps no one knows this better than a Missouri man who was recently arrested and is now facing his seventh set of drunk driving charges.

As a result of these most recent charges and six prior convictions, the 52-year-old Chesterfield resident is charged with felony driving while intoxicated as a chronic offender charges in court. This repeat DWI charge may be an explanation as to why the man was held on $50,000 bail. As his court date approaches, he may work with a criminal defense attorney to determine the best legal options available.

The arresting officers suspected the man of DWI because his vehicle reportedly was straddling the road and shoulder as he drove. Just before being pulled over, the man swerved erratically. Police claim that they smelled alcohol and the man blew 0.215 percent on the Breathalyzer test, which is well over the legal limit.

Although the last time the man was convicted of DWI was in 2011, his prior convictions stretch back nearly 26 years. This pattern of behavior should be taken into account during sentencing, meaning that treatment may be the man’s best interest. Multiple drunk driving arrests may be indicative of alcohol dependence issues.

Facing felony DWI charges can feel daunting. However, it’s important to remember that impartiality is a critical component of the criminal law system. Not only is this man assumed innocent until proven otherwise, he also has rights that will help to ensure he is treated fairly at all points during this case.

Source: Chesterfield Patch, “Chesterfield Man Arrested on Seventh Drunk Driving Charge,” Frank Johnson, April 29, 2013

Being charged with drunk driving is something that should be taken seriously by all St. Louis residents. The consequences of a conviction aren’t limited to fines or potential jail time. Being found guilty on DWI charges will cause a person to temporarily lose his or her driver’s license in Missouri, even on a first offense.

According to state law, first-time DWI offenders automatically lose their license for a period of 30 days. Any subsequent drunk driving convictions often result in longer periods of license suspension or complete revocation of driving privileges. For many people, being unable to legally drive for any period of time can make it difficult to make it to and from work on a daily basis, which could have a significant financial impact.

Recently, a man from DePeres was pulled over and arrested on DWI charges. At the time of the arrest, the St. Louis County man had four previous drunk driving convictions and a pending DWI charge stemming from an arrest in early April. Because of this man’s record, what will happen to his driver’s license?

Although reports do not indicate whether this man has had his license revoked already, it may definitely be a consideration if he is found guilty of the pending DWI charges. Since the most recent arrest, the man was ordered by the court to wear an ankle monitor that checks his blood-alcohol content at all times.

Not only can a drunk driving conviction impact a person’s occupation in the short term, due to temporary license suspension, it can also harm career prospects in the future. Certain jobs require special driver’s license endorsements, which can be difficult or impossible to receive with a DWI on record. As such, building a strong defense can be an effective way to see that charges are resolved in the most positive way possible.

Source: Kirkwood Patch, “Des Peres Man Who Nearly Caused Collision Collects Fifth Impaired Driving Charge,” Joe Scott, April 23, 2013

• Our firm has experience helping Missouri residents sort through the details of drunk driving charges. To find out more, please see our St. Louis DWI page.

Not long ago, police in Creve Couer pulled over a 62-year-old man they suspected was driving under the influence of alcohol shortly after midnight. After determining that the man was over the legal limit, the officers arrested him on felony DWI charges. Under Missouri law, repeat offenders may be subject to a more serious felony charge, which threatens the accused person’s freedoms.

According to police records, the man in question has been found guilty of drunk driving on two previous occasions — in 1984 and 1998. In the ongoing case, however, law enforcement officials are taking the situation very seriously, as they have placed the man on $10,000 bail.

This case serves as a reminder of the permanency of drunk driving convictions. Even though the man faced DWI charges at least 15 or more years ago — on both counts — his record still contributed to the felony charges currently being pursued.

Although criminal charges of any magnitude are unwelcome issues to deal with, felony charges are especially serious. Those who have a felony on their record may face difficulty finding jobs or housing. Beyond that, those with felonies on their records often lose the privilege to vote and obtain firearms, even for hunting. These potential consequences of a felony DWI conviction are above and beyond the actual sentence handed down by the court, which could include jail time.

Those who are accused of drunk driving may feel as though the deck is stacked against them. However, by taking steps to ensure that basic rights are upheld at all stages of the criminal process, those facing trial for DWI can work to resolve the legal issues in a fair and consistent manner.

Source: Creve Coeur Patch, “Man Faces Felony DWI Charge in Creve Couer,” Joe Scott, March 16, 2013

• Our firm has worked with Missouri residents to handle difficult or complex drunk driving cases. To find our more, please visit our St. Louis felony DWI page.

Some common DWI issues have come up in a recent case in Ladue. Police say that a 25-year-old man from St. Louis was passed out in his car when officers approached his vehicle in a parking lot. He was allegedly behind the wheel, and the engine was running. The man was charged with persistent-offender DWI because, if he is convicted, it would be his third offense. He was previously convicted of drunk driving in 2012 and in 2008. As is usually the case with such charges, police said the man’s eyes were bloodshot; his speech was slurred; and his eyes were watery. He allegedly required assistance to stand and wasn’t able to do a field sobriety test. He is also said to have refused a breath test. Interestingly, even after police got a search warrant for a breath test, the results of the test weren’t released to a local news source. Usually, police are all too willing publicize the results of a breathalyzer. The young man was taken to St. Louis County jail, and his bond was set at $10,000. Under Missouri law, drivers give “implied consent” to a breath test. If you refuse a breath test, the arresting officer is obliged to tell you the possible repercussions. If you refuse anyway, then doing so can be used against you and you could lose your license. After you refuse, you are also afforded a period of 20 minutes to contact a lawyer and weigh your options. Generally, a first refusal will result in a license suspension of one year. Another important thing to keep in mind is that a driver can still be convicted of DWI, even if the vehicle is in park when police arrive. This may not be the case in every situation, though, and any Missouri resident facing a similar predicament would do well to speak with a DWI attorney who can clarify the available legal options. Source: Ladue-Frontenac Patch, “Third DWI Charge to Man Passed Out Behind Wheel at Schnucks,” Joe Scott, Feb. 7, 2013

Few things can be as intimidating as a repeat DWI charge. Allegations of drunk driving and potential sentencing in the face of a past conviction can carry extremely strict and lengthy prison time, monetary fines, and probation time. However, an arrest, charge, or even conviction of a repeat DWI does not have to mean years lost behind bars.

Last week a Des Peres man was sentenced to only four months in prison, despite pleading guilty of a felony charge and being listed as a chronic offender in St. Louis County for his fifth DWI offense since 1986. Friday, however, was his first day in prison.

The man, 47, received his fifth DWI after he collided with two cars attempting to leave a restaurant’s drive-through in December. Police responding to the accident found the man to have a .426 blood-alcohol content, over five times the legal limit for driving.

This, his second felony DWI charge ordinarily would have carried a minimum of five years in prison if convicted. In this case, a strong defense was able to secure a guilty plea to a lesser felony charge, bringing four months in prison in addition to drug treatment and extended probation. The sentence was claimed to be appropriate by defense and “will offer [him] the chance to get help with his drinking problem.”

In the St. Louis area, where those facing trial for DWI often win sentencing that limits or foregoes prison in favor of treatment programs and probation, even a repeat drunk driving offense can have its sentence softened. With the help of legal defense specializing in local DWI law, those facing charges can look forward to bright prospects and the chance to avoid serious charges and lengthy jail time.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Des Peres man gets four months in prison for fifth DWI,” Joel Currier, Nov. 4, 2012