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April is Alcohol Awareness Month and the DUI (Driving Under the Influence) attorneys at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann want to ensure their clients have all the facts when it comes to driving under the influence. With knowledge stemming from more than 75 years of combined legal experience, you know you can trust the following information to preserve your rights, and your safety, when on the road.

Alcohol Affects Everyone Differently

If you are charged with a DUI, it’s because your blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded the state's legal limit of 0.08%. However, a number of factors can contribute to a person exceeding this legal limit, and the BAC levels can vary widely. For instance, gender plays a role, as women will typically drink less than men and still breach the legal limit. How quickly you drink can be a factor, and whether or not you eat during the period while you’re drinking.

DUIYou Can Refuse a Breathalyzer

While you can refuse to take a breathalyzer test if faced with a DUI, it's important to know Missouri is an implied consent state. This means all drivers agree to submit to BAC testing if law enforcement has probable cause. A refusal will result in an immediate revocation of your license (although you will be issued a temporary 15-day permit), at which time you can request a hearing. In most cases refusal to submit to testing will result in a one-year suspension of your license. 

Penalties Can Be Harsh

Whether it’s your first, second, or third DUI offense, penalties can be severe. Most likely you will be levied with fines, which vary depending on the details of your arrest, you could be ordered into alcohol counseling, and will receive a suspension of your license. Subsequent offenses and extenuating circumstances, such as causing bodily harm to another party, or being arrested with a minor in your vehicle, could mean jail time.

Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann wants you and other drivers in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, to stay safe on the road this April and every other month. If you are contending with DUI charges, call (636) 561-5599 today to schedule a consultation with one of their skilled attorneys. You can also visit this firm online for more information on DUI and other traffic offenses.

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