DUI Lawyer Lafayette County
Have you been charged with a DWI or Criminal Complaint in Lafayette County? The Law Offices of Charles R. Green has been defending Clients on DWI and Criminal matters in Lexington, Missouri for more than twenty years. Being arrested and charged can be a frustrating, impersonal, and overwhelming experience. Once you have posted your bond and been released from jail you will receive a complaint (ticket) with the first court date on the front. Take a breath, get you vehicle out of the tow lot, and then talk to an experienced Lafayette County DWI Lawyer.
Many DWI Lawyers in the Kansas City Area, including my office, charge nothing for the initial consultation on your case; call us at 816.361.0964 to discuss your options. Get informed and take action to protect your rights and your future. We have been providing Aggressive Criminal Defense to our clients in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area including Lafayette County Missouri for more than 25 years and we are dedicated one hundred percent to defending Criminal and DUI charges.
How to Request a Drivers License Hearing in Lafayette County:
The first court appearance, or arraignment, is a formal reading of the charges against you and may be four to six weeks from the date you are arrested and charged with DWI. However the clock starts running immediately on the right to review or contest the potential suspension of your Missouri Driving Privileges. In Missouri you have fifteen days from the date of a chemical test failure (Breathalyzer result of .08 or greater) to request a Drivers License Hearing. If the Officer maintains that you refused to submit to testing, a Petition for Review must be filed in Lafayette County within 30 days. The request for Administrative Hearing is a Civil matter and is a completely separate matter from the criminal case (DWI) filed against you. If the request is not made within the statutorily prescribed time you lose that right to contest the suspension.
When you hire the Law Offices of Charles R. Green one of the first steps we take on your behalf is to request the Drivers License Hearing which preserves your right to review and also allows you to continue driving throughout the process.
Is a DWI Filed in Lafayette County More Serious Than a Municipal Court Charge?
The Lafayette County Circuit Court hears cases filed by State Agencies, which includes tickets issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Lafayette County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Park Rangers, and Missouri Water Patrol. These charges include Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) , Possession of Marijuana or Paraphernalia or other controlled substances, Speeding Tickets and other Traffic Violations. A First-time DUI offense is still generally a Class B Misdemeanor, the same as if it was issued by a Municipal Officer. Being charged in State Court does not necessarily mean the charge is more serious, however Circuit Court (State Court) proceedings are usually more formal than in a Municipal Court, and defendants are charged under Missouri State Law, rather than with a violation of City Ordinances.
Lafayette County History
Lafayette County Circuit Court is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit Court and is located in Lexington, Missouri. The population according to 2010 census data is 4,726. The County was organized in 1822 and is named in commemoration of the Battle of Lexington. Lexington is the County Seat of Lafayette County and Historic Downtown Lexington includes numerous historical markers and attractions such as the Historic Lafayette County Courthouse and Town Square, shops and restaurants.
Lafayette County Courthouse:
1001 Main St.
Lexington, Mo., 64067
Lafayette Hall
116 S. 10th St.
Lexington, Mo., 64067
Phone: 660.259.6101
Fax: 660.259.6148
Case.net: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet
