Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) FAQs

Driving while intoxicated is such a serious mistake. You could be making a life-changing mistake that's putting yourself and others in danger. You should always designate a sober driver no matter what the case. If you do find yourself needing a DWI lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, you should contact Gibbons Law Firm in Lake Ozark. Your first consultation is free. Our local Lake Ozark Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211. In the meantime, keep reading this week's blog for the answers to a few frequently asked questions regarding driving while intoxicated.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) FAQs

Q: If asked to take a field sobriety test, do you legally have to do so?

A: Technically, if you are pulled over and the police officer asks you to participate in a field sobriety test, which may involve actions such as:

• The HGN test, which involves following the officer's finger with your eyes.
• The one-leg stand test, which is pretty self-explanatory.
• The walk-and-turn test, which requires you to walk and turn with one foot and come back.

You can refuse to take the field sobriety test, however, if you do appear to be intoxicated on the scene, the police officer may have grounds to arrest you still. Be aware of this. 

Q: Are DWI checkpoints legal in the state of Missouri?

A: Let's define what a DWI checkpoint is just to make sure we are all on the same page. You may find these on your route home from a large event that involved many people drinking alcohol. It's an organized stop where law enforcement officers stop everyone who passes by to see if there's any sign of the driver being intoxicated. Some people may feel that an officer doesn't have probable cause to stop everyone, but checkpoints are in fact legal.

Q: If you already have multiple DWIs and get pulled over for drinking while intoxicated, what happens?

A: Your punishment may be more severe than a first-time offender, that much is obvious, but it's more important than ever that you get an experienced DWI attorney in Mid-Missouri to walk you through your options. Come up with a plan and get all your questions answered.

Gibbons Law Firm Can Help!

Driving while intoxicated is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. If you are facing a driving while intoxicated charge, you should really consider getting an experienced criminal defense attorney is Mid-MO as soon as possible. Gibbons Law Firm represents clients in all types of felony and misdemeanor cases. Roger Gibbons has successfully tried hundreds of criminal cases of all types. We are committed to providing clients with criminal defense services that will ensure their rights are protected and they are treated fairly. Find out more about how we can assist you by contacting our Firm and making an appointment today.


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Child Support for Your Family: What Can You Do?

Child support is an essential tool needed to raise a child as a single parent, right? Everyone has a different situation, but when two parents divorce and one parent is expected to pay child support to the other parent who spends the most time with the child, typically that money is very relied on. What do you do if that money stops showing up in your account all of a sudden? Our child support attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few tips for keeping your child support coming in smoothly on a regular basis. For help with matters regarding child support in Missouri, call Gibbons Law Firm today for your free consultation at (573) 348-2211.

Points To Be Aware Of When It Comes To Child Support

What To Do...

When You Stop Receiving Child Support Payments Suddenly
When child support is court-ordered, that typically doesn't change. That being said, the income one receives from their job is taken into account when the child support amount is calculated and if the payer of child support loses their job, that may constitute a SHORT stop in them having to pay. However, you still need to petition the court and get the child support your child deserves.

If You Never Received The Payments in the First Place
Don't panic! If your ex isn't paying you child support that he or she is legally required to do, you do have legal options. According to the Child Support Enforcement Act of 1984, you can seek the help of the district attorney in this case. Typically, your ex will be served with papers saying they must pay or jail time may be enforced, but this is a last resort. Garnishing wages, withholding tax refunds, suspension of occupation license or business license, revoking of the driver's license, and property seizing may be enforced in cases like this. The point here is your child is your responsibility, child support needs to be paid one way or another.

If Your Co-Parent Who Has Been Paying Child Support Loses Their Job
Again, you still need to petition the court if this happens. They are still responsible for paying child support. Yes, they may possibly get a short break in paying child support while they try to get another job, but they still need to get it paid.

Child Support Lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks

Gibbons Law Firm assists clients with all types of family law cases, including child support. We are committed to providing the legal counseling and advice that clients need in these types of cases. Find out more about how we can assist you by contacting our Firm and making an appointment today for your free consultation. Family Law Family law deals with issues arising from marriage and other domestic relationships. Divorce is hard for everyone, but no single parent should have to support their child all by themselves, if the child has two parents, they have two people who are responsible for them. To learn more about child support in Missouri, please call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at the phone number listed below and you can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements and legal tips.


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Factors That Can Mean You Have a Workplace Sexual Harassment Case

Sexual harassment in the workplace can be a serious offense. No person should ever feel unsafe in their workplace and there is no excuse for it. Sexual harassment is a type of personal injury case. Our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few factors to consider that may mean you have a workplace sexual harassment case in this week's blog. If you are in need of a consultation regarding your personal injury case at the Lake of the Ozarks, please call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211.

Factors That Can Mean You Have a Workplace Sexual Harassment Case

What Type of Sexual Harassment Are You Dealing With?

The federal law classifies two primary forms of sexual harassment in the workplace:

Type 1: Quid Pro Quo
The Quid Pro Quo is when an employees' work status is threatened or changed due to a sexual advance or favor. If someone is being hired, promoted, or fired contingent upon their willingness to submit to sexual advances or perform a sexual favor, it is quid pro quo harassment.

Type 2: Hostile Work Environment
A Hostile Work Environment results when a person or group of people are made to feel uncomfortable at work. No physical contact has to be made to create a hostile work environment. A sexual joke or comment can certainly lead to a hostile work environment.

How Do You Know Its Sexual Harassment?

You should realize there are many forms of sexual harassment. Below you will find 9 examples of common sexual harassment situations, to help you better identify the type of harassment in the future:

1. Asking for sexual favors. 
2. Making uncalled for or sexual noises around another employee. 
3. Asking about the sexual history of a co-worker. 
4. Showing sexual photographs or objects.
5. Insulting someone's clothing or appearance. 
6. Threatening an employee if they refuse sexual advances or favors. 
7. Touching someone in an inappropriate manner (brushing up against them, placing a hand on shoulder or back). 
8. Discussing sex or sexual acts with another employee. 
9. Kissing, hugging, punching, or grabbing someone you work with. 

Think You May Have a Personal Injury Case?

You don't know until you ask and the best way to get your answers is to go in for a FREE consultation and talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Lake Ozark. Explain what happened and together you will find whether or not you have a case worth pursuing.  If it is proven that another party’s wrongful conduct caused injury or damage, the injured person may be entitled to monetary compensation from the other party. Gibbons Law Firm generally represents such clients on a contingency fee basis and receives compensation only when the case is resolved. If you think you have a personal injury case, it is important that you consult with an experienced attorney to know your legal rights. As a plaintiff in a personal injury case, you will have the burden of proving your case. Consequently, before you hire a personal injury attorney, you may want to consider his or her willingness and ability to take your case to trial, if necessary, and whether he or she has a proven record of obtaining settlements and winning jury trials. Learn more and give us a call today at (573) 348-2211.


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

Follow us on...

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