Most states define the criminal offense of drunk driving as driving under the influence, or DUI. However, many states, including Missouri, refer to this offense as driving while intoxicated, or DWI. To keep the penalties as low as possible, to have charges reduced or to avoid conviction altogether, the driver benefits from hiring a DWI Lawyer in Hillsboro MO for legal representation.
The Broad Definition of DWI
DWI may address a broader range of activity, including more than driving under the influence of alcohol. For instance, a driver might be charged with DWI after taking a legally prescribed sedative that led to erratic behavior behind the wheel. The same is true of over-the-counter cold medication that causes drowsiness.
Why Drivers Are Stopped
Most of the time, drivers are stopped for suspicion of DUI because they did something relatively unusual but not collision-related. For instance, police might stop a driver who weaves across the center line a few times, or who stops at a flashing yellow light at night and waits there for several seconds. Signaling left and turning right is another example of behavior that may indicate intoxication.
BAC Implications
The cases in which the client has the best chances for a favorable outcome are those in which the blood alcohol content (BAC) was not extraordinarily high, and in which no accident was caused. Judges or prosecuting attorneys may be more willing to be a bit more lenient about a borderline illegal BAC, especially if the driver did not cause any property damage or injuries. It’s also helpful when the person never had any DWI charges or convictions before.
Plea Bargains
Prosecuting attorneys sometimes agree to a plea bargain proposed by a DWI Lawyer in Hillsboro MO. The court system tends to be overloaded with cases, and plea bargains help reduce that load. Usually, a hearing is still necessary because a judge must approve the agreement, but there is no trial. The standard result of a plea deal in a DWI case is for the charge to be reduced to reckless driving. People who need legal representation because of a DWI charge may contact an organization such as Wegmann Law Firm. Like us on Facebook.
