St. Louis County Enforces No-Refusal DWI Policy, Doubling Penalties

In a significant policy shift, St. Louis County, Missouri, became a "no-refusal county" for DWI arrests in November 2025. This change, announced by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), eliminates a driver's ability to refuse a breath test after arrest. Previously, drivers could decline testing after hearing Missouri's implied consent warning, which complicated prosecutions by allowing defense attorneys to challenge cases without definitive chemical evidence of blood-alcohol concentration. The new policy aims to close this perceived loophole, ensuring prosecutors have scientific proof of intoxication, aligning with Missouri's "Show-Me State" emphasis on demonstrable evidence.

The consequences for drivers are now more severe, as they may face two separate license suspensions from a single traffic stop: a one-year suspension for refusing a breath test and an additional 90-day suspension if a subsequent blood test reveals a BAC above 0.08%. While all administrative suspensions can be appealed with the help of a DWI attorney, this double penalty is designed to deter refusals. According to St. Louis criminal defense attorney Brendan Block, whose firm's website provides further details, the policy shifts the legal focus to the proper execution of procedures, training, and the admissibility of evidence in court. Defense counsel must now rigorously cross-examine officers, review reports, and ensure blood draws and testing comply with legal standards, though critics warn of practical challenges like hospital overloads and warrant delays.

Since the policy's implementation, DWI filings in St. Louis County have surged by nearly 40%, from 498 cases in 2024. Block highlights timing as a critical issue, noting that blood-alcohol concentration decreases over time, and delays in obtaining blood draws—sometimes taking hours—can weaken prosecution cases, as seen in a recent dismissal where a 2.5-hour wait resulted in a 0.03% BAC. The firm B. Block Law LLC, led by Brendan Block, emphasizes the importance of understanding rights under these updated enforcement policies and encourages quick action for those facing charges, offering expertise in implied consent issues and testing challenges. For more information, individuals can contact the firm directly or visit its online resources to navigate these complex legal changes.