Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime that can have far-reaching consequences. It can affect your car insurance rates, job opportunities, and much more.
If you have been charged with DWI in Missouri, you need a strong DWI defense attorney to help you fight for your rights. We can help you avoid severe penalties and protect your future.
Jail Time
A conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of drugs (DUI) can lead to jail time, fines, and other penalties. It’s important to know the consequences of a DWI assault charges, so you can protect your rights and build a strong defense against the charges Second DUI Offense.
First-time DWI offenders face up to 6 months in prison and a suspended license, while subsequent offenses increase the jail time and fines. A third DWI will result in a felony and up to four years in prison.
There are several factors that affect how much time you will spend in jail, including the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of your arrest. If the BAC is 0.15% or higher, the jail time will be much more severe.
Fines
Fines are an important part of the punishment for many crimes. Depending on the severity of the offense and whether or not the defendant has a criminal record, judges may combine them with other punishments.
A Missouri DWI can entail fines of up to $500, plus court costs between $10 and $100. These can be significant penalties, especially if the defendant has a prior conviction on his or her record.
The law defines driving as operating a motor vehicle. It does not require that the motor vehicle be in motion, but the driver must be in actual physical control of it.
In the state of Missouri, a DWI is a misdemeanor. This means that a first-time offender faces fines and probation or treatment, as well as license suspension.
License Suspension
If you are arrested and charged with DWI or DUI in Missouri, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge with jail time, fines, and mandatory substance abuse classes.
Often, Missouri DWI penalties entail the loss of driving privileges for several months or even years. This may be a result of accumulation of points after a conviction for the criminal offense of driving while intoxicated, the Missouri Department of Revenue suspending or revoking your license, or another administrative order.
A first time DWI conviction is a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum jail sentence of six months and a license suspension for 30 days. A second DWI within five years results in a five year revocation of your license.
If you are convicted of a DWI, you can request a hearing to challenge the license suspension. This is done by submitting a request within 15 days of receiving the notice from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to those who have been charged with Missouri DWI penalties. These options range from the simplest to the most complex, depending on the specifics of your case.
First-time offenders often face probation or treatment, fines, and license suspension. These penalties are all serious, and they can have a significant impact on your life.
If you are convicted of a DWI, it is crucial to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to get help. The sooner you begin working with a Missouri DWI lawyer, the better chance of mitigating the consequences of your DWI charge.
The state of Missouri has two separate cases after a DWI arrest – criminal charges and administrative suspensions of your driver’s license. The criminal case is filed by the prosecuting attorney, and the administrative driver’s license case is filed by the Department of Revenue.
