Ozark, MO DWI / DUI Defense

If you’ve been arrested for driving while intoxicated or under the influence, the decisions you make in the days that follow are critical. A conviction can impact your license, your job, your finances, and even your freedom. But you don’t have to face these charges alone. Our firm, led by seasoned criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Dayrell Scrivner, provides strategic, aggressive legal representation tailored to your unique situation. With deep roots in Missouri and decades of experience in the state’s criminal courts, we understand the challenges you’re facing; and we know how to fight back. Whether this is your first offense or you’ve been charged with multiple DWIs, we offer reliable guidance and strong courtroom advocacy every step of the way. At Scrivner Law Firm, your defense is built on knowledge, preparation, and the unwavering commitment to protect your future.

Ozark’s proximity to major roadways like U.S. Route 65 and State Highway 14 means that law enforcement is highly active, particularly during weekends, holidays, and after local events. Police departments in Christian County and neighboring jurisdictions often conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints. Being pulled over in such circumstances doesn’t automatically mean you are guilty. The quality of the stop, the officer’s observations, and how tests were administered all matter; and mistakes happen more often than people think.

The impact of a DWI arrest in a small but growing community like Ozark can extend well beyond the courtroom. Employers, landlords, and even schools may access your criminal history. A conviction can also trigger collateral consequences, such as insurance premium hikes, travel restrictions, and professional licensing issues. That’s why our firm takes a holistic approach, fighting the criminal charges while also working to shield your reputation and future opportunities. At Scrivner Law Firm, we believe that one mistake should not define the rest of your life.

Understanding DWI / DUI in Missouri

In Missouri, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence) refer to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, the threshold is 0.02%. These charges are serious: even first offenses can lead to misdemeanors, license suspensions, fines, mandatory alcohol treatment, and possible jail time.

Repeat offenses—or those involving high BAC, minors, or accidents—can escalate charges to felony DWI. The consequences grow accordingly, ranging from multi-year license suspensions and substantial fines to longer jail sentences.

Our Ozark DWI Defense Process

1. Early Assessment & Arrest Review

From the moment you contact us, we examine the arrest itself. We’ll analyze everything: police reports, officer body cam footage, or dash cam video. We’ll scrutinize whether law enforcement had probable cause during the stop and used proper procedures during field sobriety tests .

2. Challenging Field Sobriety and BAC Evidence

Missouri recognizes standard field sobriety testing: Nystagmus, walk-and-turn, one-leg stand; and officers’ observations such as slurred speech or unsteadiness. We test the reliability of those methods. Meanwhile, we’ll evaluate chemical test protocols, review device calibration logs, and note any diversion from Missouri law.

3. Administrative License Protection

Missouri’s “implied consent” law means refusal to test leads to automatic license suspension even if criminal charges are dropped. We can file administrative hearings to fight that suspension, potentially letting you continue driving during the criminal case.

4. Court Strategy: Motions & Trial Readiness

We identify legal weaknesses in the state’s case. If your rights were violated, we’ll file a motion to suppress, potentially getting evidence thrown out. If the case moves forward, we prepare your defense presentation, from cross-examining witnesses to gathering supporting evidence or expert testimony.

5. Negotiating and Minimizing Consequences

In many cases, Scrivner Law Firm can negotiate reduced charges or deferred sentences—this may mean lowering a DUI to a lesser offense or avoiding jail time. Penalties like ignition interlock devices (IIDs), alcohol education, community service, and probation are often better alternatives to harsher sentences .

Why Ozark Clients Choose Us

Local Roots, Regional Reach

Ozark falls within Christian County, one of several counties—including Taney and Stone—where Scrivner Law Firm is established. We understand local court procedures and know the key players: judges, prosecutors, and probation officers.

Prosecutor’s Perspective

Dayrell’s two decades as a prosecutor give him critical insight into how the state pursues DUI cases. That knowledge permits us to counter strategies before they unfold.

Personalized Care

We don’t treat clients like case numbers. You’ll have direct contact with Dayrell and receive clear, consistent communication about your case’s status, options, and projected outcomes.

Team Support

Our firm offers a strong support network. From Dayrell to client coordinators, every team member is committed to helping you navigate this stressful period with confidence.

Consequences of a Missouri DWI

Below are the typical penalties for a first DUI in Missouri:

• License Suspension: 90 days (first offense), escalating with repeated incidents
  
• Mandatory Alcohol Education or Treatment: Court-ordered assessment and programs
  
• Fines: Start modest, but rise sharply with prior and aggravated offenses
  
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Often required after license reinstatement
  
• Jail Time: Even a first-time offender can face jail; penalties increase for repeat or high-BAC drivers

A second or third offense can trigger lengthy suspensions, significant fines, extended jail or prison sentences, and lasting impacts on employment, housing, and personal records.

DWI Defense FAQs

Can a DUI be dropped completely?
Sometimes. If we successfully suppress key evidence like BAC results or field test outcomes, prosecutors may offer no-charge resolutions.

What if I refused the breathalyzer?
Refusal means automatic license suspension via the Department of Revenue. However, we challenge refusals in administrative and criminal arenas.

Will I go to jail for a first DUI?
Possibly, but our goal is to reduce or eliminate jail time through strong defense strategies or alternate sentencing.

How quickly should I act?
Very quickly. Administrative hearings must be requested within 15 days to contest license suspension. Criminal charges also demand immediate attention for plea negotiations or suppression motions.

About Dayrell Scrivner

Dayrell Scrivner brings over 30 years of legal experience to your defense. Before founding Scrivner Law Firm in 2018, he served as Chief Assistant Prosecutor in Stone County for 16 years and spent two decades as a county prosecutor overall. That insight into prosecutorial thinking equips him with strategies to anticipate and counter the state’s case. He’s a UMKC School of Law graduate (J.D. 1993), holds a BBA (1990), and serves as a Missouri‑licensed instructor in criminal law and procedure.

Get Started with Your Defense Today

If you’re facing a DWI or DUI charge in Ozark, don’t wait. Contact Scrivner Law Firm now for a confidential consultation: (417) 699‑0074.