Attorney General's News Release

December 14, 2010

Attorney General Koster files DWI felony charges against Boone County woman

Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Chris Koster said today he has filed charges in Howard County against Rebecca Alpert, of Columbia, for the Class B felony of driving while intoxicated.

Koster said Alpert was involved in a single-car accident on Highway 40 near the Boone County and Howard County lines. When the Missouri Highway Patrol trooper arrived at the scene, he found Alpert to be intoxicated. A blood analysis later showed that Alpert's alcohol levels in the two blood samples taken were .193% and .169%.

Koster said a criminal history check disclosed that Alpert has at least four prior DWI convictions and was driving on a revoked license.

"Nationwide, nearly 18,000 people are killed in alcohol-related traffic offenses each year," Koster said. "Under Missouri law, persistent DWI offenders can be charged with a felony offense, and this office will go after those who would continue to put the lives of Missouri families and children at risk with their irresponsible behavior."

If convicted, Alpert faces 5 to 15 years in prison.