The penalties for a DWI in Missouri consist of monetary fines, a county jail sentence, or both in most places where drunk driving allegations frequently end in a conviction for a misdemeanor violation. However, when found guilty of DWI, repeat offenders typically face harsher punishments under Missouri law. A second accusation of drunk driving may become a felony in cases of repeated crimes.
For repeat offenders, felony drunk driving punishments can include a state jail sentence of at least one year or more, higher monetary fines, or alcohol or drug treatment or counseling sessions that are mandated by the DWI court.
Additionally, if specific aggravating circumstances are present, many state statutes offer harsher penalties.
For instance, if you are found guilty of a second offense of driving while intoxicated in Missouri, the court may suspend or revoke your driver’s license indefinitely. You might not be able to carry out regular tasks like transporting your kids to school, to a friend’s house, or to work.
Repeat offenders who engage in DWI offenses will be subject to various rules and restrictions. If you are accused of a second DWI, it may be in your best interest to speak with a local DWI attorney for a DWI defense. The laws in your state that relate to your case and the punishments attached to it can be explained by a local law office in Kansas City, Missouri.
Missouri Repeat Offenders Face Additional Penalties Under the Criminal Law
The penalties that a repeat offender may be subjected to following a DWI conviction will largely rely on the driving rules in their area, the specifics of their case, and the number of convictions they have received for the same or comparable offenses. The penalties are usually more severe the more times a driver is found guilty of a DW in Missouri.
Criminal law sanctions for persistent drunk drivers typically include monetary fines, imprisonment or jail time, required treatment sessions, or license suspension or revocation.
Should I Hire a DWI Lawyer in Kansas City if I’m Facing Another DWI in Missouri?
A person who has a past DWI conviction on their record and is accused of a subsequent DWI may suffer severe repercussions. This is particularly true when a DWI charge is a felony. In such circumstances, it is strongly advised that a person hires a Kansas City DWI attorney in order to receive both effective legal representation in court and useful legal advice.
If you are facing DWI charges that could result in a second conviction on your record, you should speak with a DUI lawyer in KC right away for more advice. A Kansas City DWI Lawyer with experience handling drunk driving cases can provide you with information about your rights or safeguards under the driving laws in Missouri.
DWI lawyers in Kansas City can also research potential defenses to the accusations and present those arguments in court on your behalf, such as faulty breath tests or blood tests by the arresting officer.
Additionally, if the facts of your case warrant a different punishment than the one you first received, your attorney might be able to ask the court for a reduced or alternative sentence in your DWI case.
If it is not possible to ask for or minimize the penalties associated with your case, your attorney can still help you. Your Kansas and Missouri attorney might also be able to help you after serving out your term in order to get those charges removed from your driving record.
