MISSOURI DWI
What You Need To Know

A Missouri DWI is known as driving while intoxicated. This state has a "per se" law. This means that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. If you are arrested and refuse to take a chemical test, this can be used against you in court.

If not, you will automatically lose your license for 30 days, followed by a 60-day restricted driving penalty.

Missouri DWI - The Basics

The foundation of Missouri DWI law is the BAC or breath alcohol concentration. If you're operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08% or higher, you're considered to be driving while intoxicated - DWI.

However, test results for BAC are not always reliable. Many factors can affect the outcome of a test. Just because the test says your BAC or breath alcohol content (or concentration) is over .08%, it may not mean it really is.

This is one of many reasons why it is extremely important to have a Missouri DWI Lawyer on your side. They're able to analyze all evidence to determine if it is factual and obtained legitimately - or not.

It is important to note that Missouri has a 5 year look back period. What this means is that any offense that occurs within 5 years of a prior DWI offense is considered when the judge decides your DWI penalty.

Here are the guidelines for Missouri DWI penalties

For first time offenders, you face up to 6 months in jail. You will also have to pay fines up to $500, and your license will be suspended for at least 30 days. Additionally, you could be placed on probation for up to 2 years.

A second DWI conviction means up to one year in jail. It also can mean fines up to $1,000, probation, and 5 years revocation of your driver's license.

If this is your third DWI offense, you could spend up to 4 years behind bars. Your license can also be revoked for 10 years; you could be required to pay fines up to $5000. You'll most likely have to do community service and probation. Note that this third conviction is considered a felony on your record.

Penalties for a fourth DWI conviction in Missouri are similar to the penalties for a third offense, however the offender may serve up to 7 years in prison.

With a fifth DWI conviction, penalties include the same as the fourth DWI conviction, except the offender may serve up to fifteen (15) years in prison. Additionally, the convict must serve two (2) years in prison before being eligible for probation.

Alternative Dispositions
Many first-time offenders can qualify for a Suspended Imposition Of Sentence (SIS). A judge has discretion to grant SIS probation instead of sending you to jail.

An aggressive DWI lawyer can persuade a prosecutor to agree to SIS. If you meet all of the conditions of probation, the conviction will not appear on your record.

Kansas City Courts

Additional Resources For Drunk Driving Charges

• How To Act If You Get Pulled Over
• Take Their Keys! They'll Thank You Later
• Alcohol Myths and Misconceptions
• Online Traffic School Inexpensive and Convenient
• INSTANT Motor Vehicle Report See Where You Stand

• Seal or Expunge Your Criminal Records
• Clear Your Drunk Driving Record Here's How
• Protect Your Freedom Stay Out Of Jail
• Need for a few 100 bucks for a few weeks ? Have it in your account tomorrow!

Locate Sobriety Check Points and Speed Traps BEFORE You Get To Them!

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