Premier St. Louis DWI & DUI Defense Attorneys

Like many jurisdictions across the United States, individuals accused of DWI in Missouri are subject to stringent legal penalties. The law remains uncompromising, penalizing anyone whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the statutory limits—0.08% for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial vehicle operators.

Although penalties will vary depending on the facts surrounding your case, your specific charge, and additional factors, such as your prior criminal record, the repercussions you face can have a substantial and long-term impact on your life. Generally, Missouri enforces the following DWI penalties:

Typically, a Missouri first offense DWI is charged as a Class B Misdemeanor. A first-offense DWI typically results in a 90-day license suspension, including an initial 30-day period of absolute suspension before eligibility for a restricted driver's license for the remaining duration is considered. However in many cases, we can prevent our clients from ever losing their driving privileges.

The maximum penalty you face is usually up to 6 months in the county jail and/or a fine of up to $500.00. But in Missouri it is extremely unlikely that you will do any jail time on your first offense even if you plea guilty. In many, our experienced DWI lawyers can help you avoid a conviction. Additionally, we often can get the DWI charge amended down without having to go to trial.

Upon a second DWI conviction, individuals face classification as a Class A misdemeanor, which introduces more severe criminal consequences compared to a first offense. The heightened penalties include extended periods of license suspension or outright revocation, substantial fines, the accumulation of additional points on one’s driving record, and potential jail time ranging from two days to a full year. The escalation in penalties underscores Missouri's commitment to deter repeat offenses and ensure roadway safety.

A third DWI conviction marks a transition to felony offense, signaling a significant increase in the severity of consequences. Felony charges can be up to 5 years of imprisonment and a 10-year revocation of driving privileges. After serving 3 years of this revocation period, individuals may apply for a hardship license. Each DWI conviction beyond the third continues as a felony, with penalties intensifying further, leading to longer imprisonment terms and extended or permanent loss of driving privileges.

Missouri's approach to repeat DWI offenses extends beyond immediate legal penalties. The state employs a comprehensive strategy aimed at both punishing and rehabilitating repeat offenders. This includes mandatory participation in alcohol treatment programs and the installation of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for those granted a hardship license or reinstatement of their driving privileges.

Additionally, the financial impact of multiple DWI convictions cannot be understated. Beyond the fines and legal fees, individuals often face skyrocketing insurance premiums. Moreover, the stigma attached to multiple DWI convictions can affect employment opportunities, social relationships, and overall quality of life.

The escalating penalties for subsequent offenses highlight the importance of seeking experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of DWI defense successfully.

In Missouri, DUID—driving under the influence of drugs—is taken as seriously as driving under the influence of alcohol. A DUID occurs when an individual operates a vehicle while impaired by any type of drug, including legal prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or illegal substances. The impairment must affect the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely to qualify as a DUID.

Law enforcement in Missouri utilizes various testing methods to detect drug influence, including breath, blood, saliva, or urine tests. Missouri's implied consent law means that drivers automatically consent to these tests if they are stopped under suspicion of DUID. Refusing to undergo these tests can lead to immediate legal consequences such as license revocation

Missouri enforces a strict zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving, reflecting its commitment to discourage alcohol consumption among minors and enhance road safety. Under this law, drivers under the age of 21 found with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher are subject to immediate penalties. These penalties primarily include a suspension of the driver’s license.

For underage drivers who are caught with a BAC of 0.08% or more, the legal consequences are equivalent to those faced by adults. This can mean facing full-fledged DWI charges, which carry severe repercussions such as license suspension, potential jail time, fines, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicles if allowed to retain their driving privileges under certain conditions.

Missouri enforces a strict zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving, reflecting its commitment to discourage alcohol consumption among minors and enhance road safety. Under this law, drivers under the age of 21 found with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher are subject to immediate penalties. These penalties primarily include a suspension of the driver’s license.

For underage drivers who are caught with a BAC of 0.08% or more, the legal consequences are equivalent to those faced by adults. This can mean facing full-fledged DWI charges, which carry severe repercussions such as license suspension, potential jail time, fines, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicles if allowed to retain their driving privileges under certain conditions.

In Missouri, Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is treated with a seriousness comparable to driving a vehicle under the influence. It's important for boaters to understand the legal implications, which vary based on the number of offenses and the specific circumstances of each case.

Missouri law sets the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for operating a vessel at 0.08%, aligning it with the limit for driving motor vehicles. The penalties for BWI begin with a Class B misdemeanor for first-time offenders, which could include fines and a mandate to attend a boater safety course. Subsequent offenses escalate in severity.

In Missouri, DWI accidents that result in injury or death are treated with significant severity, reflecting the serious consequences of such offenses. If a DWI incident results in any physical injury to another person, it is charged as a Class E felony, which could lead to up to four years in prison and fines up to $10,000. When a DWI accident results in the death of any person, the charge becomes a Class C felony, which carries a sentence ranging from three to ten years in prison

In Missouri, DWI accidents that result in injury or death are treated with significant severity, reflecting the serious consequences of such offenses. If a DWI incident results in any physical injury to another person, it is charged as a Class E felony, which could lead to up to four years in prison and fines up to $10,000. When a DWI accident results in the death of any person, the charge becomes a Class C felony, which carries a sentence ranging from three to ten years in prison

The State of Missouri has developed a law regarding the refusal of a chemical test (blood or breath). For those who have been charged with DWI, being aware of this law is vital to helping you protect your driving privileges.

Under Missouri law, chemical tests are mandatory. Anyone who refuses to take an alcohol or drug test during a DWI stop will have their driver's license suspended for one year. These one-year suspensions are strict, and there are generally no exceptions.

If you or your loved one refused a chemical test, it does not mean that you are guilty, and it certainly does not mean that your charges cannot be beaten. By allowing our legal team to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, we can work toward determining whether proper protocol was followed by law enforcement officers and toward challenging the prosecution's case.