St. Charles 
Criminal Defense Attorney

In Missouri, a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher faces a “per se” DWI conviction without any other evidence. Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences, including hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Standard DWI charges differ from per se charges in that they can be filed even if a driver’s BAC is under 0.08 percent if a police officer believes a driver is intoxicated.

Additionally, traffic violations may seem minor, but they can have lasting effects on your driving record and insurance rates. These violations can also complicate matters in a DWI case, potentially increasing the severity of the penalties faced by the driver. Understanding the nuances of both DWI charges and traffic violations is crucial to protecting your legal rights and minimizing the impact on your life.

Missouri drivers can face consequences under both criminal law and administrative law. It is important to understand the difference between the two:

• Criminal — Criminal courts have the power to add points to your license and impose fines or jail time. Possible grounds for challenging DWI or BAC charges include faulty breathalyzer equipment or lack of probable cause.
• Administrative — Even if it cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you were intoxicated while driving, you can face administrative penalties such as having your license revoked or suspended. If you are given a Notice of Suspension or Revocation of Your Driving Privilege, you have 15 days to request an administrative hearing. If your driving privileges were revoked, I can help you file the documents for license reinstatement.

Enlisting a knowledgeable Criminal justice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and available defenses.

I handle a wide range of additional nonviolent and violent criminal cases, including those involving:

• Drugs — In Missouri, it is a misdemeanor to possess 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids. Possession of any other controlled substance is a felony. I fight possession, distribution and other drug charges. One possible legal defense is showing that an officer did not have probable cause.
• Assault — Whether assault is tried as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the defendant’s intentions, criminal record and use of weapons. I will investigate the circumstances of your charge and present a clear depiction of your actions. If you fought back against an aggressor, I can make a self-defense argument.
• Weapons — I handle felony and misdemeanor charges related to the ownership, possession and use of firearms.

Having an experienced and attentive criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference. If you need to speak with a qualified lawyer, I urge you to call my office.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled Missouri criminal defense lawyer

To schedule a free initial consultation with my St. Charles, Missouri criminal defense firm, call Bert Fulk, Attorney at Law at 636-336-0749 or contact me online.

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