Driving While Intoxicated

A DWI arrest in Missouri triggers two separate cases: a criminal charge in court and a civil administrative action against your driver’s license. Many people don’t realize that the clock starts running immediately. There are strict and very short deadlines to request a hearing and file the proper pleadings to challenge a suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. Missing those deadlines can mean losing your license automatically—regardless of what ultimately happens in the criminal case.

Beyond deadlines, DWI cases often involve complex legal and scientific issues, including the legality of the stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing procedures, and constitutional protections. There may be both factual and procedural defenses available, but identifying and properly raising them requires careful review of reports, video, testing records, and statutory requirements.