Rosenblum, Schwartz & Fry
Criminal defense, DWI, federal cases
Free ConsultationFlat / Hourly📍 St. Louis
Facing criminal charges or a DWI in St. Louis? Where your case is heard depends on where the offense happened: the City of St. Louis runs through the 22nd Judicial Circuit, while St. Louis County uses the 21st Judicial Circuit. Missouri's legal drinking limit is .08, and a first DWI is usually a misdemeanor — but the license consequences from the Department of Revenue move on a separate, faster track, so acting quickly matters. One option many first-time defendants don't know about is a Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS): complete probation and no conviction goes on your public record. Most St. Louis defense firms charge flat fees for misdemeanors and offer a free first consultation, so you can understand your options before committing.
Updated June 4, 2026
Criminal defense, DWI, federal cases
DWI, drug charges, criminal defense
Criminal defense and DWI trial work
DWI defense and criminal cases
Criminal defense, state and federal
Criminal defense and DWI in the St. Louis area
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A criminal case in St. Louis begins with charges, an arraignment, and — for serious offenses — a preliminary hearing where the state has to show probable cause. A defense lawyer uses the early stages to test the evidence: how a stop or search was conducted, whether statements were properly obtained, and whether the charge fits the facts. Many cases resolve through negotiation before trial, with charges reduced or dismissed.
DWI is among the most common charges, and the license side surprises people. A first DWI is generally a misdemeanor, but the Missouri Department of Revenue can suspend your license administratively, on a separate timeline from the criminal case. You typically have a short window to request a hearing to protect your driving privileges, so calling a lawyer fast is part of the defense.
For first-time defendants, Missouri's Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) can be the difference-maker: you plead, complete probation, and if you finish successfully no conviction appears on your public record. Cases in the city run through the 22nd Judicial Circuit and in the county through the 21st. Fees vary by charge — a misdemeanor or first DWI commonly runs a flat $1,500–$5,000, while felonies and trials cost more and may be billed hourly.