St. Louis DWI Lawyer | Missouri DWIDWI PenaltiesEvery year the laws in the state of Missouri get tougher on drunk drivers. In August of 2010, the Missouri legislature once again enacted new laws which crack down on DWI offenders. Under the new Missouri DWI laws, it is possible for a first-time DWI offender to serve time in jail. Criminal Penalties for DWI in Missouri1st DWI Offense– An individual’s first Missouri DWI will be charged as a Class B Misdemeanor where there is not a prior DWI conviction in the past five years, or two DWI convictions within his or her lifetime. A Missouri Class B misdemeanor carries the possibility of up to six months in jail and a fine up to $500.00, plus court costs. A first-time DWI conviction will result in eight points being assessed against your license and may result in the offender having to have an ignition interlock device installed on his or her vehicle. 2nd DWI Offense– If an individual has a prior DWI conviction within the last five years, a second DWI offense will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor in Missouri. A Class A misdemeanor carries the possibility of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00, plus court costs. A second DWI conviction within five years will also result in a five year license denial. After serving two years, the driver may apply for limited driving privileges for the remaining three years. If limited driving privileges are granted, the driver will be required to install an ignition interlock device on his vehicle. If an individual’s second DWI offense did not occur within five years of the first DWI offense, the DWI will be charged as a Class B misdemeanor, and his or her license will be revoked for one year if convicted. 3rd DWI Offense– A third DWI offense in Missouri is classified as a Class D felony. A Class D felony in Missouri is punishable by up to four years in prison and up to a $5,000.00 fine. Additionally, a third DWI conviction will result in a 10 year license denial. 4th DWI Offense – A fourth DWI in Missouri is a Class C felony and is punishable by up to seven years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. 5th or Subsequent DWI Offense – A fifth DWI in Missouri is a Class B felony and is punishable by a term of not less than five years, and up to 15 years in prison. In addition to the criminal penalties of a DWI conviction that may include license suspension or revocation, jail time, fines, and probation, an individual also faces driver’s license consequences from the Department of Revenue on the administrative component of their DWI case. Often, an individual may face a license suspension or revocation from the administrative and criminal aspect of their case. However, license suspensions and revocations may run concurrently with one another. Contact A DWI LawyerIf you have been charged with DWI, it is imperative to have an experienced DWI lawyer by your side fighting for you. At Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C., our St. Louis DWI lawyers will zealously defend your rights, your driving privileges, and your freedom. Contact us today for a free consultation. |
