Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. defends people arrested for DWI or DUI in St. Louis and surrounding Missouri counties, including cases involving traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath tests, blood tests, refusals, license suspension, and felony DWI exposure.
A drunk driving arrest in Missouri is more than just a court date. Most cases start with a traffic stop and can affect both your criminal record and your ability to drive. Missouri law refers to these cases as DWI, even though many people still use the term DUI. Your case’s outcome will likely depend on details like why the stop happened and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the chemical testing process.
Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. has over 50 years of combined experience in DWI defense in St. Louis and the surrounding counties, including work as a former prosecutor and a former military attorney. Our lawyers are ready to jump in and protect your rights as you go through the criminal and administrative license process.
If you were arrested for DWI in St. Louis or anywhere in the surrounding area, contact us to discuss your case with our St. Louis drunk driving defense attorneys today.
Because of Missouri’s driving while intoxicated – sentencing restrictions, what begins as a traffic stop can turn into criminal charges and multiple court-related deadlines in two separate courts. In most cases, you’ll be taken to a jail or processing facility right after the arrest. That usually includes booking. Depending on the circumstances, release may happen the same day with a court date set, or it may involve conditions like bond or supervision. From there, your case typically divides into two separate processes:
These two systems operate independently, even though they come from the same arrest. On the criminal side, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were operating a vehicle while intoxicated or impaired. That proof usually comes from several types of evidence, including:
Missouri law also includes drug-related impairment under the same statute, even when alcohol is not the primary issue in the case. Our firm also handles drug crimes defense.
Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. reviews St. Louis DWI cases with a focus on how the stop was handled and whether the evidence supports the charges as written. Our attorneys can also step in for license-related proceedings. This helps our lawyers address issues early in the process, including driver’s license reinstatement after DWI.
A strong DWI defense starts with whether the stop was lawful, whether the testing was reliable, whether officers followed required procedures, and whether the state can prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt.
Not every DWI arrest leads to a conviction. Many cases depend on whether law enforcement followed the law themselves. Even when prosecutors believe they have strong evidence, that evidence still needs to be enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. looks for weaknesses, procedural mistakes, and Constitutional issues that may affect the prosecution’s evidence. Because no two cases are exactly alike, your defense could involve tackling more than one issue.
A DWI investigation generally begins with a traffic stop. Before stopping a vehicle, an officer must have reasonable suspicion that a traffic violation occurred or that criminal activity may have happened. Common issues include:
If a stop violated your Constitutional protections, the court may suppress any evidence the officers collect afterward.
Field sobriety tests are far from perfect. These tests depend on an officer’s interpretation and can be affected by plenty of things unrelated to alcohol consumption. For example, test performance may be influenced by:
Poor performance on a field sobriety test doesn’t automatically mean you were driving while impaired. Our lawyers consider how the tests were administered and whether outside factors may have affected the results.
Chemical testing can be a significant part of a DWI case, but test results can be compromised. Our attorneys challenge breath and blood evidence when there are issues, including:
Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. reviews maintenance records, testing protocols, and laboratory documentation to identify potential problems with the prosecution’s evidence—including during high BAC DWI defense.
While many first-time offenses are misdemeanors, repeat convictions can lead to significantly harsher consequences and, in some situations, felony charges.
A first-offense DWI is typically a misdemeanor. Even without a prior record, however, that can carry penalties that affect your daily life long after the case ends, including:
Many people assume a first offense will automatically result in minimal penalties, but every case is different. Our attorneys look for all opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s claims and pursue the best possible outcome.
Missouri increases penalties for drivers with prior intoxication-related traffic offenses through an enhancement system. Depending on their record, prosecutors may classify a defendant as a:
As prior convictions accumulate, the potential penalties are more severe. Repeat-offense cases can involve longer jail or prison exposure and stricter probation conditions, among other collateral consequences. Our lawyers will look at any prior convictions and enhancements to determine whether the prosecution can legally support their claims.
Certain repeat DWI offenses may be charged as felonies. When a case reaches the felony level, the potential consequences may include lengthy incarceration and extended supervision requirements.
A felony conviction can also create challenges for your employment opportunities and other aspects of daily life. Because the stakes are so high, it’s especially important to hire an experienced lawyer to protect your rights and record.
One of the most confusing parts of a Missouri DWI case is that your driver’s license can be affected even before your criminal case is resolved. That’s because the court case and the administrative license process are separate cases.
The license case can move faster than the criminal case, so early action may be needed to protect driving privileges or address reinstatement requirements.
While prosecutors pursue criminal charges in court, the Missouri Department of Revenue may begin its own review. Administrative alcohol actions are governed by Missouri law and can result in a suspension or revocation, even if your criminal case is dismissed.
The consequences often depend on the circumstances surrounding the arrest. For example:
Fortunately, losing your driving privileges isn’t always the end of the story. Depending on your record and the specific facts of your case, you may qualify for restricted driving privileges or other forms of relief that allow you to continue driving under certain conditions. Reinstatement options may also become available after applicable suspension or revocation periods have been satisfied.
What you do after a DWI arrest can affect how your case develops. The most important thing you can do is call an experienced St. Louis DWI lawyer.
Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. represents clients throughout St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Warren, and Lincoln Counties. Our attorneys understand the local courts, procedures, and challenges that often come up in Missouri DWI cases. By getting involved early, Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. can begin evaluating the evidence to protect your rights and build a strong defense—just look at our DWI case results.
If you were arrested for DWI in St. Louis or a surrounding Missouri county, contact Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. today to discuss your case.
