As is common in other states, Missouri has different levels of consequences for people convicted of multiple offenses as opposed to first-time offenders. The dangers of drunk driving are well known with accident statistics from the Century Council showing that, in 2011, 32.9 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state were attributed to accidents involving drunk driving. A total of 258 people died due to drunk drivers that year alone.
Legal limits in Missouri
The state of Missouri's DWI laws has three different levels of legally allowable blood alcohol content. For drivers under the age of 21, a registered BAC of .02 percent or higher is illegal and for drivers 21 years old and over, a registered BAC of .08 percent or greater is illegal. For commercial license holders and drivers, the threshold is .04 percent.
Penalties for first-time offenders
A person facing his or her first ever DWI charge in Missouri can expect to receive a variety of DWI penalties, based upon the circumstances. The potential consequences include:-Up to six months in jail-Fines of up to $500, in addition to court-related or DMV fees-License suspension for 30 days followed by a 60-day period with a restricted license-License reinstatement fee-Filing of an SR22 insurance document-Installation of an ignition interlock device
The consequences for a minor may be different and are at the court's discretion. Similarly, any driver who refuses to submit to testing by a police officer will have his or her driver's license automatically revoked for a period of one year.
People convicted of their first DWI's may not necessarily serve time in jail but if they do, the maximum time will be for a period of six months. While the exact fine can fluctuate the highest amount to be paid is $500. Whether or not an ignition interlock device is to be installed is determined during the process and is not guaranteed.
The only specific penalties that never change are the license suspension period, the $45 to be paid to reinstate driving privileges and the SR22 filing.
The five-year plan
A first DWI conviction will remain on a driver's record for five years and make any subsequent DWI arrest in that timeframe a repeat offense. After five years, if a driver has not had any further DWI arrests or convictions, the original conviction is removed from the person's driving record.
The consequences for second or more DWIs are far more severe than for first DWI convictions. However, a need for a proper defense for any DWI case is important and a driver facing such charges is always encouraged to work with an experienced lawyer to obtain the best help.
Visit us at stlouisdwi-attorney.com
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