Missouri is very strict on driving while you are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. If you are pulled over and are found to have any drugs in your system or have a blood alcohol content of .08 or above, you will be arrested and be facing some very severe restrictions on your freedom, as well as penalties that will affect your finances. The maximum BAC is even lower for drivers under the age of 21 or who drive commercially as well. Driving while under the influence or DWI is a choice that you make, but you want to be sure you understand how much it can affect your life if you are caught.
First Offense DWI
When you are convicted of your first DWI, you will first be facing losing your license for at least 30 days and you will be facing a restricted license for an additional 60 days after that. Your license can be reinstated if you are able to get SR-22 coverage, you install an ignition interlock device, and pay reinstatement fees as directed by the court. As far as jail time, there is no minimum period of incarceration, but you can face up to six months in jail sentencing. Fines for a first offense DWI are not to exceed $500, but this will not include other costs that are associated with court and your sentencing costs.
Second Offense DWI
If you have a second DWI conviction within five years, you will lose your license for a period of at least five years. If there is more time between the first and second, you will be facing suspension of one year. After your suspension, you will most likely have to pay for the installation of an ignition interlock device for a period of time that will be mandated by the courts. Jail time can be up to one year. And your fines can be up to $1000 and this will not include other court fees, sentencing costs, or lawyer fees. License reinstate will include meeting certain requirements, including SR22 coverage, reinstatement fees, and more.
Third Offense DWI
A third DWI conviction will result in a felony charge that will be following you around for the rest of your life. As far as license suspension, a 10 year revocation of your license will result, although you may be able to get your license reinstated, if you are willing to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. A repeat DWI/DUI offender can spend five to ten years in prison, but you may be able to get that period shortened if you have the proper legal help or lawyer to help you. Fines can be up to $5000 and this will not include a mandatory drug or alcohol treatment plan or other costs that are associated with your sentencing or court costs. SR22 insurance coverage and other costs will be necessary to get your license reinstated after you service your jail time and the revocation period.
Missouri has some very strict laws concerning driving under the influence and you want to be sure that you understand that they will affect not only your freedoms, but also your financial situation for a long time to come. By getting legal representation, you can help yourself to get the fairest sentence and penalties possible and be able to get back to your life. Lawyers can do quite a bit for you, but it would be much better if you would just make the choice to not drive while under the influence to keep you and your family safe and free from legal repercussions.