St. Louis Felony DWI Lawyer

Helping Clients Navigate Felony DWI Cases in Missouri

Muhlenkamp & Bernsen, Attorneys at Law, is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of felony DWI charges in St. Louis, Missouri. Our accomplished legal team understands the gravity of your situation and is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation tailored to your specific needs. With extensive knowledge of Missouri laws and a wealth of experience in handling DWI cases, our St. Louis felony DWI attorneys are prepared to defend your rights and interests vigorously. We are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome on your behalf, ensuring you receive the fair and just treatment you deserve.

Are you facing a felony DWI charge in Missouri? Call Muhlenkamp & Bernsen, Attorneys at Law today at (314) 347-3313 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our felony DWI attorney in St. Louis!

When is a DWI a Felony in Missouri?

In Missouri, a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offense can be elevated to a felony under specific circumstances. Generally, a DWI is considered a felony in Missouri when certain aggravating factors are present. These factors include:

• Prior convictions: If an individual has been previously convicted of multiple DWI offenses, subsequent DWI charges can be elevated to felony status.
• Persistent offender: A person with a history of repeated DWI convictions may be deemed a "persistent offender" under Missouri law, resulting in felony charges for subsequent offenses.
• Serious physical injury or death: If a DWI incident involves causing serious physical injury or death to another person, it can lead to felony charges.
• Child endangerment: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a child passenger in the vehicle can also result in felony DWI charges.

It's important to note that the specific criteria for a DWI to be considered a felony in Missouri can vary based on the circumstances and applicable laws. Consulting with an experienced St. Louis felony DWI lawyer is crucial to understand the potential consequences and navigating the legal process effectively.

What are the Penalties for a Felony DWI in Missouri?

The penalties that can accompany a felony DWI conviction in Missouri depend on the number of previous findings of guilt/convictions a person has, along with whether there were any aggravating factors present in the situation that resulted in their arrest.

Here are some of the ways a person can end up with a felony DWI conviction under Missouri law:

• Class E Felony – DWI while a persistent offender (two or more prior DWIs), or when acting with criminal negligence to cause physical injury to another person. A class E felony could result in up to four years in prison. A minimum of 30 days in jail is required by statute unless 60 hours of Alternative Community Service or Treatment Court is completed.
• Class D Felony – DWI while an aggravated offender (three or more prior DWIs), when acting with criminal negligence to cause physical injury to a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel, or when acting with criminal negligence to cause serious physical injury to another person. A class D felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison. A minimum of 60 days in jail is required by statute unless Treatment Court is completed.
• Class C Felony – DWI while a chronic offender (four or more prior DWIs), when acting with criminal negligence to cause serious physical injury to a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel, or when acting with criminal negligence to cause the death of another person. People who are convicted of a class C felony case face between 3 and 10 years in prison, and a minimum of 2 years in prison is required to be served unless Treatment Court is completed.
• Class B Felony – DWI while a habitual offender (five or more prior DWIs), or when acting with criminal negligence to cause the death of a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel. A class B felony is punishable by a prison term of 5 to 15 years. An offender must serve 85 percent of their prison term by statute.
• Class A Felony – DWI that results in the death of a person not in their vehicle, that causes the death of two or more people, or that involves a BAC in excess of .18 percent when causing the death of another person. A second class B DWI can also be charged as a class A felony, resulting in 10 to 30 years in prison or life imprisonment.

You can find other DWI/DUI resources below:

• Roadside Breathalyzers vs Police Station Test
• Probable Cause in a Missouri DWI/DUI Case

Contact Our St. Louis Felony DWI Attorney Today

If you are facing a felony DWI case, it is critical to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. The representation of an attorney experienced in felony DWI defense will significantly impact how the case is resolved and may help you avoid the most severe consequences.

Contact Muhlenkamp & Bernsen, Attorneys at Law, today to schedule a FREE consultation with our felony DWI lawyer in St. Louis!