Combs Law Group

St. Louis Criminal Defense Lawyer

Not Drinking & Still Getting a DWI

Have you recently been charged with a DWI because of drugs in your system? Unfortunately, you’ve learned the hard way that in Missouri you can be charged with a DWI if you’re impaired with any type of drug. That’s right, in Missouri and across the nation, you don’t have to be drunk to get a DWI. A DWI is essentially a “Driving While Intoxicated”, and that means if you’re intoxicated with a drug and that drug makes you impaired, then you’re going to be at risk of getting a DWI (or DUI). In addition, the drugs in your system can be legal or illegal, it doesn’t matter, after all alcohol is a legal drug. Furthermore, the penalties of DWI charges can sometimes be coupled with drug charges if you were in possession of illegal drugs at the time of your arrest. In any case, working with Combs Law Group, one of the best St. Louis DWI lawyers around, is going to be the solution to your legal problems. We provide a free case evaluation to all our clients, so please contact us today.

A Traditional DWI vs DWI with Drugs

Getting a DWI when drinking or using drugs typically involves the same legal processes. A DWI typically has two parts to it:

  • Criminal Case – This involves either the city municipal courts where you were arrested or the local state/county court. The severity of the charges and your prior record will dictate whether you’re dealing with the case in the state courts. The criminal case involves your criminal record and criminal penalties like jail or fines.
  • Civil Case – This area involves the Missouri Department of Revenue and the DMV, which dictates your driving priveledges. The MO DOR has a complex process in place that will initially revoke your license for 90 days unless you file the appropriate paperwork quickly after your arrest.

Our firm can help you fight both sides of the case and limit the criminal penalties as well as fight for your drivers’ license. However, there is some specific difference with a regular DWI and a DWI with drugs. First, a St. Loius DWI with drugs can involve a drug recognition expert at the time of arrest or a blood test at the local hospital. Unlike drinking while driving cases, there is no breathalyzer evidence to fight, and depending on how the arresting officers arrive at a DWI conclusion, there can be grounds for dismissal.

Get Yourself a Good St. Louis DWI Attorney

If you’re facing a DWI with drugs we urge you to call Chris Combs and the Combs Law Group today. Chris, our lead St. Louis DWI attorney, will work with you personally from day one. He will work aggressively to limit the negative consequences of your arrest. Chris understands that good people make bad mistakes, so he will help you get your life back on track. Chris is one of the best DWI lawyers in St. Louis because he knows the art and science of a DWI defense. Having previously worked at one of the more well-known law firms in St. Louis, Rosenblum, Schwarts, Rogers & Glass P.C, Chris is plugged into the local legal community and is well respected for his work. If you’re still on the fence and would like hear want previous clients have said about working with us, please visit our client feedback area. If you’re ready to have Combs law Group represent you, please contact us immediately. You won’t regret it!