Reader’s Question:

I have a clean driving record but if ever I get pulled over by a police officer due to DWI in Missouri, what can you advise me to do?

Pat

Kansas City, MO

Firstly, I am not an attorney, so I would highly suggest you talk to a DUI lawyer in Missouri FIRST.

Your curiosity actually serves you right. It is important to cooperate with the arresting officer if you’re stopped for DWI (Driving while intoxicated). Do what he asks of you to do. Your behavior will definitely be a consideration when your case is brought to the court.

Missouri has an “implied consent” law, which means that upon getting a driver’s license, a person has implicitly agreed to take a chemical test if suspected of DWI. If the Breathalyzer test is refused, the refusal may be taken as a crime separate to DWI, his driving privilege will be suspended for a year, and it can be treated as admission of his own guilt.

If you hired a Missouri DWI lawyer early enough, he could possibly file a petition for review of your license suspension in the Circuit Court. A 30-day limit is set for doing this, counting from the day of your arrest.

Lastly, I would suggest calling an experienced Missouri DWI lawyer as soon as you can. In Missouri , drunk driving laws change every month or so. A DWI lawyer can watch out for time limits, speak for you when necessary, negotiate for you, complete and file all the paperwork correctly, and fight for you interests in general.