The Missouri Bar

NY Politician Faces DUI Charges

Republican New York Congressman Vito Fossella faces up to five days in jail if convicted on charges of driving under the influence. He was arrested in May in Virginia on suspicion of DUI. Authorities say he blew a breathalyzer twice the legal limit for that state - results which attorneys say they plan to dispute. (Read more in USAToday)

What are your rights under Missouri law if you are pulled over at a DWI checkpoint, or on suspicion of DUI? Are you obligated to take a breathalzyer? Find out in this interview with attorney Robert Murray of Columbia.

Alcohol Shrinks Brain

Studies have shown that alcohol in small moderation can be good for your body. But a new study says that any amount of alcohol consumption can speed the shrinking of the brain - something that happens with age. Results were especially pronounced in women. (Read more at the Chicago Sun-Times)

Whether alcohol leads to a smaller brain faster than nature's timing or not, it can definitely impair one's judgment. Sometimes people imbibe a little too much - particularly around the holidays - and they get behind the wheel, not realizing that they may not be fit to drive. Other times someone who has had a sip of wine gets caught in a DWI checkpoint and isn't sure what to say to officers about drinking that night.

What should you know if you get pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated? What if you just had a glass of wine with dinner and are not drunk? Should you take a breathalyzer? What should you tell an officer in this situation? The Law in Your Life host Angela Wilson gets the details from attorney Robert Murray of Columbia.

New BWI Limits Start This Weekend

This Labor Day weekend, Missouri's new legal limit for boating goes into effect. What does that mean to boaters who want to drink a beer while enjoying the lake? Find out in this Law in Your Life podcast with attorney Erik Bergmanis.

Effort Begins to Lower Legal Limit

Each year, 1,700 college student die of alcohol-related deaths, sometimes injuring or killing others in the process. College and university officials say that lowering the legal limit from 21 to 18 years old could help take the fun out of drinking for students who are out from under parental supervision for the first time ever. This week, presidents from 100 colleges banded together to propose lowering the limit, saying that it would purge binge drinking from their campuses. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) and other groups strongly disagree. (Read more)

College is a time for learning - and partying - for many students, and some are completely unprepared for the very adult consequences of their actions. And it's not just drinking that can cause problems. Issues with landlors, credit card debt and arrests for peace disturbance or drug possession are among the top reasons students get in trouble.

In this Law in Your Life podcast, host Angela Wilson discusses these issues, and what parents and students need to know, with University of Missouri-Columbia legal services attorney Steve Concannon.

Law in Your Life #42: Boating While Intoxicated

This session, Missouri lawmakers changed the legal blood-alcohol limit for boating from .10 to .08. That makes it the same as the limit for driving. What does this mean for boaters this holiday? Is there a safe number of drinks you can have while boating? What if you get pulled over by the Water Patrol? Lake of the Ozarks attorney Erik Bergmanis explains the new law and consequences with host Angela Wilson.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 9.5 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 9.5 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Memorial Day Key Holiday for DWI Checkpoints

Memorial Day is fast approaching, and so are plans to beef up checkpoints along Missouri highways for drunk drivers. What do you need to know before heading out to meet with friends, or attend parties where you will likely drink? Columbia attorney Robert Murray tells you in this Law in Your Life podcast.

Law in Your Life #17: DWI

It's a scenario many have experienced: You're out with friends, you have a drink with dinner, and while driving home, you get pulled over at a check point or routine stop. You're not drunk, but you are driving. What should you say to the officer? Are you required by law to take a breathalyzer or do the walking tests? And what if you are over the legal limit? What are the consequences? This week, host Angela Wilson discusses your rights in this scenario with Columbia attorney Robert Murray.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 19.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Drinking excessively and driving is never a good idea. If you plan to drink heavily while out on the town, have a designated driver, get a hotel room or stay with friends. This podcast is not designed to tell you how to avoid a DWI, but to inform you of your rights if you are stopped.

Download audio to your computer. (MP3, approx 19.3 meg)
Note: in some browsers, the file may not begin playing until full file is downloaded.

Drinking excessively and driving is never a good idea. If you plan to drink heavily while out on the town, have a designated driver, get a hotel room or stay with friends. This podcast is not designed to tell you how to avoid a DWI, but to inform you of your rights if you are stopped.