The Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles imposes severe penalties for individuals convicted of DWIs or DUIs. The legal limit in Missouri is 0.08 percent. This is defined as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
While previously cases approaching 0.20 percent allowed the individual to get a criminal defense case dismissed, this drasticallyreduced the previous traffic penalty and got a hardship license Missouri.
The attorneys at The People’s Counsel have handled cases ranging from second offense offenses to excessive speeding. Individuals have reported very favorable outcomes and they all have a positive driving history. Charles Barberio IV, the owner of the firm, says, “I am very proud of our approach to these cases. When experienced officers from a local police department go in and question an individual, they know they can trust us to give them good representation. Beyond the usual traffic violations, we have handled situations where a minor criminal offense led to a blood alcohol level that made it a felony, like carrying a pocket knife to school. Having a lawyer involved that understands the intricacies of these cases can make all the difference.”
The firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis. The attorney charges a reasonable fee for his services and the client pays the remaining balance after the defense is settled and need a DUI license reinstatement.
Barberio IV believes in the law firm’s addition, stating, “You cannot underestimate how important it is to have a personal relationship when you engage in any type of legal work. We take a thorough and objective approach to each case, and the results speak for themselves. Our firms growth has been exponential, and I’m just as proud to contribute because I know that where we stand and how our decision-making process works, helps our clients reach their goals more often.”
By retaining The People’s Counsel, Barberio IV sets his firm apart from all other personal injury law firms in the St. Louis area. Because they combine legal knowledge in the areas of personal injury and traffic offense, they bring fresh approaches to the table and help their clients reach the better outcomes.
To learn more about The People’s Counsel, click here.
If you have been charged with a crime like driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated in the St. Louis area, contact the public defender’s office of the county in which you reside.
If you are looking to work out a diversion program with the city of St. Louis, contact the municipal court in the city you reside in.
Note: These web sites have information that is up to date. The Model Cities and Municipal Courts sites have laws and ordinances up to date.
Charles L Barberio, III, the Co-Founder and Managing Attorney at The People’s Counsel is very knowledgeable and focused on working with the prosecutors in St. Louis County, MO and throughout the state of Missouri to advocate for the best possible outcome for his clients.
APPEAL
Following up on an inquiry from the public, investigators with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash of the Ford F-350. They learned that Eunice E. Robinson-Johnson, 38, of Columbia, MO, had been drinking that night and that she was operating her vehicle while impaired and allegedly had a suspended license at the time of the crash. The incident occurred on November 5th, 2018 at approximately 10:00 p.m.
The Liberty County Grand Jury presented its findings to the County Prosecuting Attorney, Susan R. Pole, and determined Robinson-Johnson be charged with:
Robinson-Johnson was also charged with:
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that Robinson-Johnson was arrested and charged in violation of the public intoxication law. The Pine Lawn Post obtains the following information regarding the charge brought:
https://pone.denverpost.com/2018/05/12/stlouis-man-accused-of-driving-with-overtheld-alcohol-still-in-her-body-arrested
The case against Robinson-Johnson is currently being appealed by her. The Missouri Supreme Court’s 10-page ruling can be found here:
It’s important to remember the penalties for a first-time offense of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) are stiff. Regardless of the driver’s history, an OWI offense in Missouri carries a six-month suspension of a driver’s licenses. A second offense would result in a one year suspension. The Prosecutor’s Office informed the victim of the crash that the suspension is staying in place while the case is appealed. The victim stated, “I don’t want them to take away my ability to get a job and support my children. I also don’t want him to keep drinking regardless of the conviction.”
Pre-trial intervention, a judge’s order to successfully complete community service, and blood and urine alcohol tests can all be a part of an alternative sentence if a driver chooses to accept the charge instead of going to trial. A hearing will schedule in the next 3 to 4 months and it is possible the case could be dismissed if the person shows progress in the program.
The it will be important for people to remember not to drive while intoxicated.
A press release issued on the case on October 4th stated that the victim of the crash had filed a suit against Robinson-Johnson. The media release is attached below:
The People’s Counsel is not only known for defending the best interests of its clients in St.
On average, Barberio told TNAdvice.com, a safe 0.16 percent BAC is considered the legal limit for individuals making any kind of an official government or civic function. This includes voting, filling a mail-in absentee ballot or casting a ballot at a primary, general or municipal election. Barring any extenuating circumstances, the last thing you want to do is wait until you're charged before you start to think about your legal strategy.
Depending upon the severity of your DWI or DUI and other factors, the legal costs could continue to be enormous. Based upon Barberio’s experience, the cost of an attorney will run between $40,000 – $50,000. There is no set formula to determine the amount of fees you will need to pay. Fees will often depend upon the number of prior DUI and DWI convictions you have, your prior state criminal record and whether or not you received a residential DWI pardon from the governor when you were released from jail. Both previous DWIs and DUIs include an automatic six-month driver’s license suspension which must be carried forward.
New Driving While Intoxicated Laws in Missouri
In 2018, the Missouri legislature decided to create a new set of DUI and DWI laws to deter impaired driving. The stated rationale behind enacting these new laws is that “reckless driving is a deadly epidemic in our state, and those involved in it are guilty of murder in the kitchen.” According to the Missouri senate majority leader, the motivation for the laws is the sudden increase the driving fatalities. As of late September, 2018, there were 34 traffic fatalities in the State of Missouri.
In addition, due to rapid urban growth and the higher speeds many residents engage in driving, the fatality rate from freeway accidents has increased significantly. Some highway construction projects have also caused delays in traffic flow. There is little doubt that the additional “deaths on the freeway” in Missouri has pushed the total number of traffic fatalities up.
In order for you to be spared the harsh penalties for driving while intoxicated, you should adhere to the new laws when it comes to determining your BAC. Driving a beverage beyond the normal legal limit still constitutes illegal driving under the Missouri Personal Use of Alcohol Distribution Laws while you are stopped by the police for having a drink (when it’s not combined with other substances) as well as turning the vehicle into his personal vehicle while it’s being used for personal transportation or business.
Charles L.
