St. Charles DUI/DWI Lawyer

Your penalties in these cases will depend on various circumstances. These can include whether you have prior convictions, the level of your BAC, and other factors, such as if you were driving with a child in the car or caused an accident causing property damage, injury, or loss of life.

First-offense DWI/DUI is considered a Class B misdemeanor. It carries penalties of up to six months in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a license suspension of 30 days. This may be followed by 60 days of a restricted license for which you may have to install an ignition interlock device. You will also have demerit points added to your driving record and will likely see a hike in your auto insurance premiums. You may get a suspended jail sentence by being subject to probation with conditions, such as only a few days in jail, completion of an alcohol/drug abuse treatment program, and random alcohol/drug testing.

Second offense DWI can result in up to a year in jail, fines of up to $2,000, and a one-year license suspension. If your second offense occurs within five years of your first offense, you could lose your license for up to five years.

Third and subsequent DWI offenses result in even more severe penalties; they are charged as felonies. These carry up to four years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, and a 10-year revocation of your license.

It can be frightening to be arrested and accused of a crime, but just remember two things: 1) you have rights, and 2) you are innocent until proven guilty. Just because you have been accused of DWI does not mean that there’s nothing you can do. When you retain the law firm of James E. Carmichael, Attorney at Law, you can feel confident that you will have a proven, highly respected expert advocating for you. Attorney Carmichael can provide you with the sound legal advice you need to get through your case and pursue the best possible outcome.