Driving While Intoxicated
Driving While Intoxicated cases are taken much more seriously than they were in years past. The laws related to drunk driving cases are becoming more strict across the country every day. Many people depend on a driver’s license to support themselves and their family. If you have been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, your driver’s license, and possibly your way of life, depends on effective representation. Matthew D. Lowe has focused his law practice on defending the accused driver. From misdemeanor DWI cases, to felony manslaughter cases, Mr. Lowe has defended hundreds of people accused of drinking and driving related offenses.
When you are arrested for DWI, your license is taken away and you are typically issued a temporary driver’s license by the arresting officer. If you don’t act quickly, your driver’s license is going to automatically be suspended or revoked for at least 90 days, possibly more if you refused a test or if you have prior alcohol related arrests. Accordingly, it is extremely important for you to contact an attorney immediately after your arrest.
There are two very separate and distinct cases involved with almost every driving while intoxicated case. First, the Missouri Department of Revenue will try to suspend or revoke your driver’s license for at least 90 days. Most people assume that this is automatic and that there is no way to contest the suspension. However, the law allows for drivers to appeal this suspension. If a timely appeal is filed, the Department of Revenue has to prove certain things about your arrest and about the accuracy of the machine that was used to analyze your breath or blood sample. The issues involved can be very technical and sometimes you could be entitled to have your driver’s license reinstated if the law enforcement officers do not strictly adhere to certain guidelines and procedures.
The other aspect of a DWI is the criminal charges that will be pursued by the State of Missouri or the municipality where you were arrested. Depending on your driving and criminal record, you could face very serious consequences. People with two or more prior alcohol related arrests could potentially be charged with a felony. In criminal cases, the State is required to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You need to hire an attorney who will force the government to meet their burden.
In order to obtain a conviction or revoke your driver’s license, the government will often rely on the results of standardized field sobriety tests that are administered by the arresting officer at the scene of the arrest. Officers often carelessly administer these tests. It takes an experienced attorney to cross examine the officer about the administration and interpretation of these tests. Mr. Lowe has received more formal training on the standardized field sobriety tests than many officers and he is certified in the administration of these tests.
Many people make the incorrect assumption that there is no way to effectively defend DWI cases. However, Mr. Lowe has successfully represented many clients in both the driver’s license case and the criminal cases. He travels to multiple counties trying DWI cases. He has also lectured to other Missouri attorneys on a number of occasions, including appearances at Missouri’s largest annual DWI Seminar. He is available to visit with you in person or over the phone about any questions you might have.