Missouri DWI

If you've been arrested for DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol), you need a lawyer now.

Missouri DWI Law

Your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked if you don't take action within 15 days of your arrest. You are at risk of suspension if the results of your test were above the Missouri's prohibited level (.08% for age 21 or over and .02%, under age 21) or if you refused to take a breath, blood, or urine test.

First Offense DWI

Conviction of a first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor, and the penalties can include:

• Jail: Up to six months of imprisonment.
  
• Fine: Up to $500. Court costs may also be between $10 and $100.
  
• Probation: The general terms of probation are no drinking, do not break the law, attend SATOP classes, etc. Probation is usually for 1 to 2 years. A conviction with probation is commonly referred to as a "Suspended Imposition of Sentence" or SIS.
  
• Suspension of driving privileges: A criminal conviction of a first time DUI results in a 30-day suspension of driving privileges followed by a 60-day restriction to driving only to and from work, in the course of employment, or to alcohol treatment. There are no hardships or exemptions available. This suspension goes on the person's driving record. The court may also require that a person be restricted to driving a motor vehicle that has an ignition interlock device while on probation. The device costs between $50 and $100 to install and $50 to $75 per month to maintain. A conviction will result in 8 points being assessed against the driver's license.
  

Second Offense DWI

Conviction of a second DWI within a five year period is a Class A misdemeanor, and the penalties can include:

• Jail: Up to one year in jail.
  
• Fine: Up to $1,000, plus court costs between $10 and $100.
  
• Probation: Only after a person has served a mandatory minimum of 48 hours of incarceration are they eligible for probation. The jail requirement may be waived in lieu of doing 10 hours of community service. The terms of probation are standard: no breaking the law, no drinking, no going to places where alcohol is served, attend SATOP, etc. Court ordered AA meetings, outpatient treatment, or inpatient treatment programs are also a possibility. Probation will often be for a one or two year period.
  
• Revocation of driver’s license: A criminal conviction of a second offense DWI within 5 years results in a 5-year revocation of driving privileges. A hardship license may not be applied until 2 of the 5-year revocation has been served. This suspension goes on the person's driving record. Twelve points are assessed against the driver's license, regardless of how old the first DWI conviction was. The court must also require that a person be restricted to driving a motor vehicle that has an ignition interlock device while on probation. The device costs between $50 and $100 to install and $50 to $75 per month to maintain.