Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Missouri, and penalties escalate sharply based on the number of your prior convictions. Whether it’s your first or third offense, a DWI conviction can carry significant legal, financial, and personal consequences that can follow you for decades.
If you’ve been accused of DWI, having an experienced DWI defense attorney on your side is key. An attorney can protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work to minimize or dismiss the charges. Below are the penalties you could face if convicted.
First Offense DWI in Missouri
A first-time DWI is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted, penalties may include:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- 90-day driver’s license suspension (you may be eligible for a restricted driving privilege after 30 days)
- Possible ignition interlock device (IID) installation for 90 days or 60 days of restricted driving
- Possible alcohol education or treatment program
A first offense also goes on your criminal record and can impact employment, insurance, housing, immigration status, and more.
Second Offense DWI in Missouri
A second DWI conviction within five years is a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction labels you as a “prior offender” for sentencing purposes. Penalties include:
- Up to one year in jail, with mandatory 10-day minimum if your last conviction was within five years
- Fines up to $2,000
- One-year license suspension
- Five-year license revocation if second offense occurs within five years of the first
- Mandatory IID installation
- Possible community service or court-ordered treatment programs
Third Offense DWI in Missouri
A third or subsequent conviction is a felony. You will be classified as a “persistent offender.” Penalties include:
- Up to four years in prison, with a mandatory sentence of 30 days or 60 days community service
- Fines up to $10,000
- Maximum 10-year license revocation
- Mandatory IID for six months
- SR-22 insurance requirements
- Substance abuse traffic offender programs
Convicted felons face additional consequences beyond the criminal sentence—you could face potential restrictions on firearm ownership, voting rights, and housing.
Aggravating Factors That Can Enhance DWI Penalties
In Missouri, certain aggravating factors can increase your DWI charges and penalties. These factors include:
- Injury or death caused by impaired driving
- Driving with a passenger under the age of 17
- High blood alcohol concentration (typically 0.15% or higher)
- Refusal to submit to a chemical test
If you’ve been accused of any of these aggravating factors, quality legal representation is vital. Convictions can result in years in prison, tens of thousands of dollars in fines, and lifelong, life-altering collateral consequences.
Consult a Missouri DWI Defense Attorney
Missouri takes repeat DWI offenses very seriously, with penalties that grow significantly harsher after each conviction. Even a first offense can follow you for years to come. A second or subsequent offense could permanently alter your housing and employment opportunities, professional licenses, and immigration status.
If you’re facing a DWI charge, contact the experienced legal team at Travis Noble, P.C. today.