Arrested for DWI After a Cardinals Game Near Busch Stadium? Here’s What to Know

Nothing ruins the high of a Cardinals win quite like seeing flashing lights in the rearview mirror on the drive home. The reality is that DWI arrests happen frequently in the downtown area after games, and what seemed like a harmless celebration can quickly become a serious criminal matter.

When facing DWI charges in Missouri, the stakes are high. License suspension, hefty fines, and potential jail time are all on the table. At Rose Legal Services, we’ve handled hundreds of DWI cases throughout the St. Louis area, including many involving people who were arrested after leaving Cardinals games.

Why DWI Arrests Are Common After Cardinals Games

Cardinals games create a perfect storm for DWI arrests. Large crowds, celebratory drinking, and heavy traffic enforcement make the area around Busch Stadium a hotspot for DWI stops.

Law enforcement agencies know that sporting events often involve alcohol consumption, so they frequently increase patrols around the stadium before, during, and after games. Officers position themselves along major routes leaving downtown, including Interstate 64, Interstate 55, and surface streets like Clark Avenue and Broadway.

The combination of increased police presence and drivers who may have been drinking creates numerous opportunities for DWI arrests. Even if someone feels fine to drive, Missouri’s DWI laws can result in charges based on blood alcohol content alone, regardless of how impaired the person actually feels.

Missouri’s DWI Laws

In Missouri, a person can be charged with Driving While Intoxicated if they operate a motor vehicle while:

Missouri also has an “implied consent” law, which means that by driving on Missouri roads, drivers have automatically agreed to submit to chemical testing if an officer has probable cause to believe they’re intoxicated.

Penalties for DWI in Missouri

The consequences of a DWI conviction in Missouri depend on whether this is a first offense and other specific circumstances of the case.

First-Time DWI Offense:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• License suspension for 90 days
• Possible ignition interlock device requirement
• Probation with conditions such as substance abuse treatment

Second DWI Offense:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $2,000
• License revocation for up to 1 year
• Mandatory ignition interlock device
• Possible vehicle forfeiture

Third or Subsequent DWI Offense:

• Felony charges with potential prison time
• License revocation for 5 or even 10 years
• Significant fines and court costs
• Long-term ignition interlock requirements

Beyond these criminal penalties, a DWI conviction can affect employment, insurance rates, professional licenses, and personal relationships.

Immediate Steps After a DWI Arrest Near Busch Stadium

For anyone arrested for DWI after leaving a Cardinals game, time is critical. Missouri law gives drivers only 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge their driver’s license suspension or revocation.

Here’s what should be done immediately:

1. Contact an experienced DWI attorney within 15 days of the arrest
2. Request an administrative hearing to challenge the license suspension, if the driver submitted a chemical sample of their breath, blood, or urine (the driver will have received a Missouri DOR Form 2385)
3. File a Petition for Review in Circuit Court to challenge the license revocation, if the driver refused to submit a chemical sample of their breath, blood, or urine (the driver will have received a Missouri DOR Form 4323)
4. Gather all documentation related to the arrest, including tickets and paperwork
5. Do not discuss the case with anyone except an attorney
6. Follow all conditions of release exactly as ordered by the court

Common Defenses in Downtown St. Louis DWI Cases

Every DWI case is unique, but certain defense strategies may apply to arrests near Busch Stadium:

Challenging the Traffic Stop

Officers must have reasonable suspicion to pull drivers over. If someone was stopped without proper justification, any evidence gathered during the stop might be suppressed. Common invalid reasons for stops include:

• Random stops without observing traffic violations
• Stops based solely on leaving a sporting event
• Pretextual stops where the real reason differs from the stated reason

Questioning Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests can be unreliable, especially in the conditions around Busch Stadium. Factors that can affect test results include:

• Uneven pavement or poor lighting conditions
• Crowds and distractions from other pedestrians
• Nervousness from being in an unfamiliar area
• Medical conditions or injuries
• Inappropriate footwear for the tests

Challenging Chemical Test Results

Breathalyzer and blood tests aren’t infallible. Issues that can affect accuracy include:

• Improper calibration or maintenance of testing equipment
• Gaps in the chain of custody for blood samples
• Medical conditions that can affect breath test results
• Rising blood alcohol levels between the time of driving and testing

Questioning the Timeline

If there was a significant delay between when someone was driving and when they were tested, an attorney might argue that the blood alcohol content was below the legal limit while actually driving, even if it was above 0.08% when tested.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Missouri’s DWI process involves both criminal charges and administrative license sanctions. These are separate proceedings with different deadlines and consequences.

The administrative process moves quickly – there are only 15 days to request a hearing to challenge license suspension. Missing this deadline means the license will be automatically suspended.

The criminal case follows a different timeline, but early intervention by an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.

Why Choose Rose Legal Services for DWI Defense

At Rose Legal Services, DWI is our most common type of case and makes up 40% of our caseload. All of our attorneys have done the same DWI training as law enforcement officers, giving us unique insight into how these cases are built and how they can be defended.

We dedicate our practice exclusively to criminal defense. Unlike many lawyers who take criminal cases, we will never be distracted by a personal injury case, a bankruptcy, a divorce case, or anything else.

Our team approach means that multiple attorneys and staff members will be working together for the best outcome possible. We have many cases in St. Louis City and St. Louis County courts, so we are very familiar with those prosecutors and judges.

We pride ourselves on excellent client service and communication. Our clients are assigned a Client Care Specialist whose entire job is to answer questions and be the point of contact. We also provide a written matter status report monthly.

What to Expect in a DWI Case

Every DWI case follows a general process, though the specific timeline and procedures can vary depending on which court handles the case:

1. Arraignment: The first court appearance where a plea is entered
2. Discovery: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
3. Motion Practice: Filing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
4. Plea Negotiations: Discussions with prosecutors about potential plea agreements
5. Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case goes to trial

Throughout this process, we will keep clients informed and help them understand their options at each stage.

Don’t Let a Cardinals Game Celebration Derail the Future

A DWI arrest after a Cardinals game doesn’t have to define someone’s future. With experienced legal representation, many DWI cases can be resolved favorably through plea agreements, dismissed charges, or successful trial defense.

At Rose Legal Services, we are passionate about helping good people get a second chance. We have helped thousands of people who have been charged, arrested, or investigated for a crime.

No one should face these charges alone. Contact Rose Legal Services today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect driving privileges, freedom, and the future.

Your defense starts with a conversation.