Being convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a very serious matter. Even if it is your first offense, you may face jail time, high fines, and other serious penalties. Fortunately, there are several defenses available that can help you avoid these consequences, as well as a permanent criminal record, which could hurt your future. If you have been charged, it is important that you speak with our Fulton DWI attorney so you can retain your freedom.
Like in most other states, a person can be charged with a DWI if they operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%or more. If convicted, the penalties are harsh, but they also vary depending on whether it is a first or subsequent conviction.
First-time offenders are generally charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, the potential penalties include a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Other consequences include a suspension or revocation of one’s driver’s license, probation, community service requirements, ignition interlock devices, and higher insurance premiums.
The penalties for DWI increase with each subsequent conviction. Under state law, anyone convicted of a second DWI must serve at least ten days in jail, with the maximum sentence being one year in jail. Many county jails do not even allow inmates to go outside, so it is a hard sentence to serve.
There are many defenses to DWI in Missouri. A Fulton DWI attorney will start any case by asking what happened during the initial stop, if a search was conducted, if tests were taken, and if anything was said between the defendant and the police officer. All of this helps craft a strong defense, which may include the following:
If you have been charged with a DWI, it is important that you remain calm. Scott A. Hamblin is an experienced Fulton DWI attorney who knows the defenses available in these cases and how to use them effectively so you can beat your charges. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help you retain your freedom.
A Jefferson City man faced DUI charges following a field sobriety test. Charges against the defendant were dropped after Scott successfully maintained the client’s claims that the test results were inaccurate. While the client initially appeared to be in a difficult situation, Scott was able to push investigators to determine the sobriety test results as invalid, so the charges were dismissed.
A mother was seeking sole custody of her children following a divorce. The father refused to cooperate, leaving the client in a difficult situation as she felt as though her children didn’t have a voice. Scott recognized her need for an advocate and carefully listened to the children’s wishes, which conclusively helped the client achieve sole custody of her children and protected their best interests.
A client from Fulton was accused of drug possession as a result of a home search. While drug charges may potentially be filed as a Class C felony involving severe consequences, Scott was able to help the client receive a reduced sentence. Ultimately, the client faced significantly smaller penalties compared to the initial charges.
Scott assisted a defendant in a particularly challenging divorce case in which the other spouse was not cooperating. Scott was able to help the client avoid court through an aggressive legal approach to resolve all outstanding disagreements while maintaining the client’s long-term needs.
One client sought legal assistance after an altercation with another individual in Jefferson City. The client was arrested on assault charges despite allegedly not starting the fight. Since an arrest can lead to life-altering penalties such as being terminated from employment and serving jail time, Scott was able to build a solid legal defense in the client’s favor and argued in favor of the client’s innocence.
A grandparent sought visitation rights to his grandchild after the parent tried to block him. Scott takes grandparents’ rights very seriously, and so he devised a strategy to help the grandparent set a visitation schedule. Scott developed a strategy to show that the child’s best interests were fulfilled through the grandparent’s ability to visit the child, helping push the case towards a resolution in the client’s favor.
Scott assisted a client who was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. The defendant claimed that the opposing party using their phone at the time of the crash, and Scott emphasized this claim to show that the other driver was at fault for the client’s injuries. The case concluded with the client receiving the necessary compensation for medical bills following a long hospital stay due to injuries.
Scott and his office were so helpful, thorough and professional during a very adversarial divorce. He offers good solid advice. He does not pursue options which will more than likely not yield a good result ( unless the client insists). He strives to give his clients the best results for their money. He's personable but…
Mr. Hamblin is one of the best attorneys we have ever had the privilege to use. He is courteous and to the point. I would recommend him to anyone and we will continue to use his services.
Scott Hamblin is simply put - the best! Scott deserves 10 stars! He has all the qualities a person could ask for with legal representation and more. I even had a lawyer from another county tell me, Mr. Hamblin is an excellent lawyer. That remark alone told me how respected he is, by his peers.…
Scott Hamblin is the best lawyer that I have ever met. He really cares about his clients and does not sugar coat anything. He works very hard to help his clients, and knows the law very well, and he will work with you on your tab if he can. The staff there is very helpful…
I am very pleased with Mr. Hamblin. I needed an attorney for my custody case and I did not know who to use. I found Mr. Hamblin on the internet. All the reviews I read and now my experiences with him and his team are spot on. I was being denied reasonable time with my…
I was thoroughly impressed with Scott Hamblin and his team, Madasyn and Cameo, as they represented me in a very difficult case, involving multiple businesses and complexities. Scotts knowledge and expertise was invaluable. He and his team involved me every step of the way throughout the entire process. I was included in email correspondences, as…
Finding an attorney is not easy, and in my case I was in a child custody modification that was being dragged out and messy. This went on for a full 3.5 years. I had other representation at the time that I didn’t feel was doing what was best for me and my kids. I reached…
My divorce was with a difficult person, Mr.Hamblin handled every aspect of the divorce, professionally and quickly, his experience and knowledge was extremely helpful. thank you, Mr.Hamblin for your support.
Scott helped us with a very difficult situation with utmost professionalism and expertise. He was at all times very professional and considerate of our needs. He provided excelent advise.
Scott will forever be regarded by myself as the best divorce lawyer in Jefferson City bar none. His service, expertise, knowledge and dedication to all of his clients is top notch. I hope that no one ever finds themselves in a position of his services, but if you do, you cannot make a wrong choice…
For accessible and experienced representation, contact attorney Scott Hamblin today.
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