Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is the official criminal charge in Missouri for drunk driving, which also includes driving while impaired by drugs. This offense is commonly referred to as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in other states as well as on national media.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for DWI, it is important that you contact an experienced DWI lawyer as soon as possible. By law, you only have 15 days from your arrest to contest the automatic drivers license suspension. Every DWI charge has two separate aspects: a criminal case and an administrative case.

Jim Knappenberger will aggressively represent your interests in the both cases of a DWI arrest.

DWI Defense - The Criminal Case
DWI defense lawyers look at all aspects of the case against you. DWI cases have been dismissed due to failure of the officer to establish probable cause, incorrectly administered field sobriety and chemical tests, failure to correctly administer and observe the "waiting period" before a breath test and other similar procedural issues that result in a violation of rights. If you do not have a DWI lawyer defend you in a DWI case, you could face fines, jail time and/or driving privilege suspension/revocation.

DWI Defense - The Administrative Case
Even if your criminal case is dismissed, your driving privileges are still at risk due to administrative aspect of a DWI arrest. You have 15 days after a Missouri DWI arrest to appeal for an administrative hearing on your driving privileges. Otherwise, your driving privileges are automatically suspended, regardless of the status of the criminal case.

The administrative and criminal aspects of a DWI arrest are completely separate and independent of each other. The outcome of one does not affect the other. A DWI attorney can explain the procedures of both cases and provide guidance and advice on the course of action to secure the best possible outcome.

Attorney Jim Knappenberger offers a full range of legal services to individuals and businesses throughout the greater Eastern Missouri area including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Jefferson County, Warren County, Lincoln County, Gasconade County and other counties throughout Eastern Missouri.

Contact an experienced St. Louis lawyer committed to your legal needs. Call attorney Jim Knappenberger today to schedule a FREE initial consultation without obligation and learn how the law applies to your specific situation.