Pulled Over in Missouri This Winter? Read This Before You Say or Do Anything.
Winter brings more than just icy roads and holiday travel in Missouri — it also brings a significant increase in traffic stops, sobriety checkpoints, and DWI arrests. In communities across Franklin, Crawford, Warren, and Gasconade counties, more drivers are stopped during this season than any other time of year.
If you are pulled over, the decisions you make in the first few minutes can determine whether you keep your license, avoid jail time, and protect your record. At Brandt Law LLC, we want you to know your rights before that moment ever happens.
Why Winter Stops Increase in Missouri
Law enforcement increases patrols during winter due to:
- Holiday gatherings and social drinking
- Slick roads and accident risks
- Seasonal celebrations and travel
- Routine checkpoint rotations
Which means good people — families, workers, students, first-time offenders — often find themselves in high-stakes legal situations they never expected.
Your Rights During a Stop
You are required to provide:
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
You are not required to:
- Answer questions about where you were
- Say whether you have been drinking
- Perform roadside field sobriety tests
The less you say, the better positioned you are legally.
Common Mistakes That Make Cases Worse
- Explaining or apologizing to the officer
- Trying to “prove” sobriety during roadside tests
- Agreeing to every request out of fear or pressure
These actions are often used against you later. Staying calm and saying, “I prefer not to answer questions” is your right.
What You Should Do Instead
- Stay polite and calm
- Keep your answers short
- Do not argue — silence is your protection
- Ask if you are free to leave
If you are arrested, request to speak to an attorney immediately.
How an Attorney Helps
A strong defense attorney can challenge:
- The reason for the stop
- The validity of the field sobriety tests
- The breath or blood test procedures
- Whether your rights were respected
Not every arrest leads to a conviction — but only if you act quickly.
Brandt Law LLC: Defense for Real People Facing Real Consequences
Brandt Law LLC represents individuals across Franklin, Crawford, Warren, and Gasconade counties facing DWI, DUI, traffic violations, and related criminal charges. We understand the stakes — your license, employment, reputation, and future.
Learn more:
Need to Talk to a Lawyer Now?
If you or someone you care about was recently stopped or arrested, do not wait. The sooner we review the situation, the more options we have.
Call Brandt Law LLC or request a case review today.
