DUI Law in Missouri
What is a DUI?
Are you facing the legal and financial burden of a DUI in ?
A DUI, or driving under the influence, occurs when someone operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Known as DWI in some states, this serious offense carries lasting consequences. A DUI conviction can lead to penalties such as fines, jail time, and a criminal record, while the court process itself can bring uncertainty and stress.
Below, we outline the possible outcomes of a DUI conviction in Missouri and guide how to protect yourself. Speaking with a local attorney who understands Missouri DUI law is a crucial step toward ensuring your rights are protected and your future is safeguarded.
Possible Consequences of a Missouri DUI Conviction
The penalties for a DUI vary widely based on where the offense occurred, the severity of the situation, and your prior record. Missouri imposes increasingly severe consequences for repeat offenders or incidents involving property damage or injury.
If this is your first DUI, attempting to handle the case on your own can be risky. Working with an experienced attorney in will help ensure your case is handled effectively and that your rights are upheld. Below are some of the consequences you may face following a DUI arrest.
Paying Fines
Fines are a standard penalty for DUI convictions. In Missouri, these fines can range from $500 for first-time offenders to $10,000 for repeat offenses or cases involving aggravating factors.
Additional circumstances can increase the amount you owe, such as:
- Damage caused to property while driving under the influence
- Injuries to others resulting from impaired driving
- Child endangerment charges if minors were present in the vehicle
- Court fees and other legal costs associated with your case
Jail Time
Jail time is another common consequence of DUI convictions. Missouri law allows for up to six months in jail for first-time offenders. For individuals with higher BAC levels or repeat offenses, jail sentences can increase to as much as four years.
For those with a fourth or subsequent DUI conviction, the offense is classified as a felony. Felony DUIs can result in prison sentences exceeding four years, along with other penalties like vehicle forfeiture, mandatory alcohol treatment, or community service.
Probation
If you avoid jail time, you will likely be placed on probation. Probation in Missouri often comes with strict terms, including alcohol treatment programs, installation of an ignition interlock device, and adherence to court-ordered restrictions.
Missouri Municipal Courts oversee probation terms, which can include regular check-ins, fines, and mandatory participation in DUI education. Violating the terms of probation can lead to re-arrest, additional fines, or serving the maximum jail sentence for your original charge.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Following a DUI conviction in Missouri, state law mandates participation in a drug and alcohol education program. These programs aim to inform offenders about the dangers of impaired driving and encourage behavioral change. Participation in these programs adds additional costs to the financial burden of a DUI conviction.
An evaluation is also required as part of the process. During the evaluation, a professional assesses your alcohol or drug use to determine whether further treatment is necessary. If dependency issues are identified, completion of a treatment program may be required before reinstating your driver’s license.
Suspension or Loss of License
License suspension is a common penalty for DUI convictions. In Missouri, first-time offenders face license suspension periods lasting several months. For repeat offenses, suspensions can extend to a year or more, with the possibility of permanent revocation for severe cases.
Refusing a BAC test under Missouri’s implied consent law can also result in an automatic suspension. Acting quickly to address license-related issues is critical to preserving your driving privileges.
What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Missouri?
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:
Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Missouri DUI Law
After a DUI arrest, the first thing you should do is contact a qualified attorney in . An experienced lawyer can explain the charges you face, develop a defense strategy, and guide you through the legal process to minimize penalties or achieve exoneration.
Step 2: Learn About Your State’s DUI Laws
Missouri enforces its own set of DUI laws and penalties, which vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Your attorney will help you understand the potential outcomes and how best to handle your situation.
Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing
In Missouri, your driver’s license may be suspended automatically following a DUI arrest. Once notified of the suspension, you have 15 days to request an administrative hearing with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Failing to act within this timeframe can result in the immediate loss of your driving privileges.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
Your attorney will help you prepare for your court date, whether it’s your arraignment or trial. If you plead “not guilty,” your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting your defense before a judge and jury.
Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration
At the conclusion of your case, the court will either find you not guilty, allowing you to walk free, or convict you, resulting in sentencing. Penalties can include fines, jail time, probation, or license suspension. Strong legal representation is key to achieving the best possible outcome.
Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Missouri
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Missouri lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you in Missouri today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Missouri state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
If you still have some urgent questions about your situation, take a look at another area of Missouri law.
