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DUI/DWI

DUI & DWI Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Representing Drivers Across Chesterfield, St. Charles & St. Louis, MO

If you were pulled over for suspected drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs, you may face DWI (driving while intoxicated) charges in Missouri. Also referred to as DUI (driving under the influence) in other states, DWI is a serious charge that can affect your ability to drive, financial stability, and freedom. Contact legal counsel immediately if you have been arrested for DWI or DUI.

At Cavanagh & Associates, we provide aggressive, experienced DWI defense counsel to clients across St. Charles, St. Louis, Chesterfield, and the surrounding areas. Although DWI is one of the most commonly charged crimes, it can carry severe and lasting consequences. Legal counsel can examine the evidence, explain the proceedings, and build a defense responsive to the allegations.

Clients work directly with Attorney Jack Cavanagh rather than a paralegal. His background as a former prosecutor informs the personal attention he gives each DWI case.

Call St. Louis DWI attorney Jack Cavanagh at (314) 309-2799 to discuss your defense.

License Suspension & DWI

What happens to my license if I am arrested for DWI? The answer depends on factors specific to your case. A St. Louis DWI lawyer can evaluate the circumstances and explain the proceedings you face.

Many people are unaware that if you’re arrested for DWI or DUI, you face two potential cases:

  • A criminal case against you filed by the prosecuting attorney’s office in the jurisdiction where the offense occurred; and
  • A civil case against your license filed by the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The criminal charge and the administrative case involving your license are decided independently. We represent clients in both proceedings, addressing the allegations filed by the prosecuting attorney and the separate action involving the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Missouri Administrative Hearing Deadline

A written request for a Missouri Department of Revenue administrative hearing must be received or postmarked within 15 days of the Notice of Suspension or Revocation of Driving Privilege. You or your attorney of record may submit the request. If the deadline passes without a hearing request, the suspension or revocation takes effect automatically.

When an administrative hearing is granted, you may continue driving legally until 15 days after the hearing decision is mailed. Prompt action preserves the opportunity to challenge the administrative action while the criminal case proceeds separately.

Is a DUI/DWI a Felony in Missouri?

A first DWI offense in Missouri is a class B misdemeanor. A DWI becomes a class A misdemeanor when the defendant is a prior offender or when a person under 17 was in the vehicle.

Missouri’s DWI classifications become more serious based on prior offenses and other statutory factors:

  • Persistent offender: A class E felony.
  • Aggravated offender: A class D felony.
  • Chronic or habitual offender: A class C, class B, or class A felony, depending on the applicable classification.

A first-offense conviction requires at least two years of probation before a suspended imposition of sentence may be granted. If a first offense involves a BAC, or blood alcohol concentration, greater than twenty-hundredths of one percent, Missouri law imposes a minimum five-day term of imprisonment.

Minimum imprisonment before parole or probation eligibility also increases with offender status. The minimum is 10 days for a prior offender, 30 days for a persistent offender, 60 days for an aggravated offender, and two years for chronic or habitual offenders.

Protecting Your Freedom & Driver’s License

Because the criminal and administrative proceedings follow separate timelines, consult a lawyer immediately to defend your license and respond to the criminal charge.

Jack Cavanagh began his legal career in 1962 and has handled hundreds of judge and jury trials. We draw on that courtroom background when addressing the criminal allegations and separate license proceeding that can follow a Missouri DWI arrest.

Call us today at (314) 309-2799 to discuss your DWI defense.

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Our Clients Mean Everything to Us

Read Stories Directly From People We've Helped
    "We won a battle like David against Goliath"
    Jack is great lawyer with lots of experience. I’m glad we I hired him to represent me. We won a battle like David against Goliath.
    - Rolles G.
    "Truth will always prevail."
    First of all, it was hard to find a lawyer that works with grandparents rights. Jack did a great job and we get to see our grand-daughter for the first time in a year. We are very thankful to him.
    - Mr. Callaway
    "The best there is in the Biz"
    Jack has been a lawyer for a long time. He values his clients and sees them as people with individual circumstances, and not just dollar bills like other attorneys. Anyone that knows anything about the law knows it’s about making and keeping good rapport with all parties involved. And for a defense attorney, being familiar with the judge to the prosecutor and being on a friendly basis with them is exceptionally important. And Jack knows everyone! He should as he’s been doing this for probably over 40 years. He’s not only a great attorney but I consider him a friend. Don’t make the mistake of choosing an unknown rookie attorney who may be a couple bucks cheaper. Choose Jack!
    - Paige
    "Would recommend"
    Jack resolved a case from 1500 miles away in a timely manner. Professional throughout the entire process, took the time to understand my needs as a client and fulfilled them without ever wavering in his commitment or price. Would recommend.
    - Patrick S.
    "He has worked with me even though we are in different states to ensure I am kept abreast of what is going on."
    He has worked with me even though we are in different states to ensure I am kept abreast of what is going on.
    - Former Client
    "I was beyond satisfy"
    Mr. Jack Cavanagh was my attorney getting me removed from an child birth certificate that wasn’t my child. He made the process very easy and timely manner the communication was very good and I was beyond satisfy with the outcome and service Thank you Mr.Jack and Ms.English
    - Demetric L.
    "I highly recommend him"
    Jack took over my divorce case and made a seemingly endless divorce process (nearly 4 years with mediation, continuances and a former atty.) come to a quick and agreeable settlement. Jack is an effective and seasoned attorney that made easy work of the negotiations. He is respectful and concerned for his clients. His associates were friendly and helpful, ensuring that all paperwork was completed in a timely and accurate fashion. I highly recommend him if you are going through a difficult divorce.
    - Carol
    "I would recommend Mr. Cavanagh as well as use him again in the future."
    Mr. Cavanagh was very patient in dealing with all of the difficulties of my case. He was pleasant to work with to get the child support and custody worked out in a way that was fair. He showed real concern for the welfare of my son. He was professional in guiding me with regards to counseling and getting my sons voice heard throughout the case as well. Lastly he was thorough in that he went through the original divorce decree and made sure I received what I should have gotten during the divorce. I would recommend Mr. Cavanagh as well as use him again in the future.
    - Former Client