Boehmer LawBoehmer Law2026-10-09T15:12:57Zhttps://www.boehmerlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203732/2023/11/cropped-Boehmer-Law-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Boehmer Law<![CDATA[What happens after a first-time DWI arrest in St. Charles County?]]>https://www.boehmerlaw.com/?p=471672026-10-09T15:12:57Z2026-10-09T15:11:45ZThe starting point
A DWI case often starts with a traffic stop after an officer notices possible impaired driving, including speeding, swerving or vehicle equipment issues. The officer may then ask the driver to perform field sobriety tests, including the walk and turn, one-leg stand and horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) tests. However, the results of these tests are not always reliable.
If the officer suspects impairment, they may ask the driver to take a breathalyzer or other chemical test to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In Missouri, the legal BAC limits are 0.08% for most drivers and 0.04% for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. Under Missouri’s zero-tolerance law, the threshold is 0.02% for drivers under 21.
Booking and release
Depending on where the traffic stop occurred, you may be taken to one of several local law enforcement agencies for processing, including:
St. Charles City Police Department
St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department
O’Fallon or St. Peters Police Departments
After processing, your release depends on your arrest details and the agency involved.
Administrative vs. criminal tracks
The St. Charles, Missouri driving under the influence (DUI) process can move forward on two separate tracks: the administrative and criminal. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) handles the administrative side, which affects your driving privileges. You usually have 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Failing to do so can mean the automatic suspension of your driving privileges on the 16th day.
The criminal track typically begins with an arraignment at the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri at the St. Charles County Courthouse. The judge decides if you are guilty or not guilty and what penalties apply. Because these two processes are independent of each other, you might win one track and still lose the other.
Helping safeguard your freedom
A first-time DWI arrest can involve multiple steps, strict deadlines and two separate legal processes. A DWI lawyer in St. Charles, Missouri can guide you through the process to help protect your license while preparing you for court.]]>