Hit and Run DWI Lawyer St. Louis, MO. Getting into a car accident is not a fun experience for anyone, but getting into a car accident while you are intoxicated is an entirely different problem altogether. DUI and DWI-related accidents are not uncommon in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, and unfortunately, many of these accidents coincide with another crime–leaving the scene of an accident. Many St. Louis drunk drivers are not making sound judgments when they get behind the wheel, and if they strike another person or car, the chances are high that they will panic and drive away from the scene.
If you or someone you know happens to be facing hit and run DWI charges in St. Louis, MO, knowing a strong criminal defense attorney is critical. Combs Law Group is an experienced St. Louis and Missouri DWI defense firm that has helped many clients from all walks of life defend themselves against DWI charges. Our firm gives personalized attention to every one of their DWI cases and works aggressively to get you an optimal outcome. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP to speak with an attorney and schedule a free case review.
Hit and Run DWI In Missouri
Missouri law, Revised Statute 577.060 to be specific, clearly lays out what any driver who has been in an accident must do in the immediate aftermath of an accident. They must:
- Immediately stop, and/or move to a safe area away from traffic
- Exchange information (name, address, drivers’ license number, insurance and registration) with the other driver
- Call the police to report the accident
Not performing any one of these requirements constitutes “leaving the scene” of an accident under Missouri law, which is a class A misdemeanor all by itself. However, charges drastically increase depending on the damage incurred as a result of your hit-and-run DWI accident–it only takes $1,000 worth of damage to the other car, or any injury, for a hit-and-run charge to be upgraded to a class E felony. These charges are in addition to whatever driving while intoxicated charges you may be facing, and even though class E felonies are the lowest class under Missouri law they still carry between 1 and 4 years’ imprisonment. And even after your sentence is complete, your freedom remains restricted with a felony on your record: you must disclose your conviction history to potential employers or landlords, cannot hold certain jobs, and are prohibited from owning a firearm.
Depending on the jurisdiction that tried your Missouri hit and run DWI case, your driving privileges may also automatically be revoked regardless of whether your DWI charges were dismissed or dropped. Missouri’s license points system has a maximum 12-point penalty for leaving the scene of an accident, which is an instant revocation of your driving license as the law calls for a 365-day driving ban if someone gets 12 points on their license in a 12-month span. You will also see your car insurance rates drastically increase, as well as being required to have an SR-22 insurance form on file with the state that proves your insurance meets Missouri’s minimum liability standards.
Contact A Hit and Run DWI Attorney in St. Louis, MO
Choosing a lawyer for your St. Louis, MO hit and run DWI case is an incredibly important decision. If you are like most people in St. Louis, MO, you will want a lawyer who will fight fiercely on your behalf, treat you like you would want to be treated, and works to get you the best possible outcome to your case. There are easily hundreds of criminal defense lawyers in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, but none of them are as driven to provide total client satisfaction as Combs Law Group.
Our firm is one of the best-reviewed criminal defense law firms in St. Louis, MO because we place our clients at the center of everything we do. We promise that you will be able to have 24/7 access to the attorney working on your case. Our personalized approach to DWI cases means that we look at every single fact related to your situation and craft a unique defense strategy driven to get you the best possible results. Contact us to discuss your St. Louis, MO hit and run DWI case, but before that we invite you to see what some of the Combs Law Group’s previous clients have had to say about their experience working with us.