Missouri Driving While Intoxicated Law
In common with many other States, a DWI arrest in Missouri will lead to two cases being brought against the defendant, a criminal case and a Department of Revenue case. If you have been arrested for DWI in Missouri, you have only 7 days in order to apply for a hearing at the Department of Revenue in order to retain your driver's license. It is therefore essential that you contact a Missouri DWI lawyer as soon as possible.
Charges for DWI in Missouri are prosecuted on the basis of Blood Alcohol Concentration, which is currently set at a maximum of 0.08%. A skilled DWI lawyer will be able to handle this situation.
Refusal to take a chemical test is admissible as evidence in court and will result in significant harsher punishments being levied against the defendant, as well as the suspension of your license for a period of up to 1 year.
| Conviction | Punishment |
| First | Maximum 6 months in jail, fine of up to $500 plus costs, probation for up to 2 years, including attendance of Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program, no consumption of alcohol, no breaking of the law, 30 day suspension of driving privileges, 8 penalty points on license and possibility of an ignition interlock device being fitted to the car. |
| Second | Maximum jail term of 1 year, fine of up to $1000 plus court costs, probation for a period of up to 2 years - including attendance of Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program, no consumption of alcohol, no breaking of the law. 5 year revocation of drivers' license. An ignition interlock device to be fitted to the car. Driving privileges suspended for 1 year. |
| Third - Felony if within 10 years of first offense | Up to 5 years in prison, a maximum fine of $5000 plus court costs, possibility of probation. License revoked for 10 years, ignition interlock device fitted to vehicle. Driving privileges suspended for 1 year. |
Contact your St Louis DUI lawyer