What Are the Potential Impacts of a DWI Conviction on Your Driving Privileges in Missouri?

Criminal Penalties Aren’t Always the Worst of a DWI

Being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri carries serious repercussions. Most people focus on the impact of the criminal penalties, and this certainly is a concern. However, it’s easy to overlook the sometimes detrimental results of administrative penalties. So, what are the potential impacts of a Missouri DWI conviction on your driving privileges?

Unfortunately, there are many. Just a single mistake can have lifelong effects. Even worse, there have been multiple instances in recent years where thousands of drunk driving cases have been called into question over faulty breathalyzer devices. Put simply, individuals accused of drunk driving should try everything in their power to overcome potentially unfair consequences.

License Suspension or Revocation

Perhaps the most devastating effect on your driving privileges after a DWI conviction in Missouri is the loss of your driver’s license. This administrative loss can occur if a person is convicted or if they refuse to take a breathalyzer test when requested by law enforcement. The severity of this suspension will depend on the underlying circumstances of your case.

For instance, a first DWI offense can result in a 90-day license suspension. In a best-case scenario, you may be able to get a restricted driving privilege license that may allow you to drive to school, work, and medical appointments only. A second offense can lead to a suspension of up to one year. A third offense can result in a 10-year license denial period.

While specific penalties can vary, illegally driving after losing your license can result in criminal sentencing.

Ignition Interlock Device Requirement

Perhaps an even more severe potential impact of a Missouri DWI conviction on your driving privileges is the ignition interlock device (IID) requirement. This device must be installed in a vehicle. Before a driver can start their car, they have to blow into the device like a breathalyzer. If alcohol is detected, their automobile will not start.

So, why is this potentially worse than a license suspension? The fact is that individuals with a suspended license may be able to secure restricted driving privileges. However, what happens to individuals who cannot afford to place an ignition interlock device on their vehicle? What about those who have medical conditions (e.g., GERD) that could result in false positive readings?

Unfortunately, an IID may sometimes be more restrictive than the loss of a license.

Points Added to Driver’s Record

Accumulating points on your driver’s record is another major way that Missouri DWI convictions will impact your driving privileges. Whether you go to court and are convicted or accept a guilty verdict via plea bargaining, the outcome will be the same. The amount of points added to your driver’s record will vary based on how many convictions you have.

Impaired driving convictions are not the only way to have points added to your license. Speeding, texting while driving, illegal U-turns, and other traffic infractions can result in points. When too many points are accrued, additional license suspension periods may be added. Put simply, a simple traffic ticket after your DWI suspension is lifted could result in another suspension.

Unfortunately, this means an impaired driving conviction can affect your driving privileges long after you’ve “paid for your crime.”

Increased Insurance Premiums

Envision a scenario where the state “goes easy” on someone convicted of DWI. Maybe they hand down the shortest suspension possible and don’t require an ignition interlock device. Unfortunately, this Missouri DWI conviction can still impact your driving privileges in more serious ways. That’s because automobile insurance companies are likely to increase your rates.

These companies view individuals with impaired driving convictions as higher risk. This means your rates are very likely to increase. Even worse, some insurers will cancel your policy outright. If this happens, you may have to get insured by specialized providers – who charge much more than other insurers. These high costs may prevent a person from driving legally.

Alcohol Education and Treatment Programs

When someone is convicted of drunk driving, they may be required to take alcohol education and treatment programs. In many instances, these classes resemble what you might expect from going to night school. Several individuals who were recently convicted of DWI may sit around listening to an instructor. After the final class, a test will likely be required.

Those who take these classes are also usually required to take a drug test as a condition of passing the class. Even if your conviction was for driving after drinking alcohol, the class may still require a clean drug test. The courts can make these programs and further potential treatment a prerequisite to getting your driving privileges back after a Missouri DWI conviction.

Should You Hire an Attorney?

When someone is charged with a DWI, they may think there’s no way to avoid a conviction. This leads many to plead no contest, which essentially is an acceptance of guilt. While the prosecutor may frame this decision as a way to avoid more severe penalties, the reality is that many individuals are accepting a criminal record when they may not have to.

This is why it’s always advisable to hire a criminal defense lawyer when facing drunk driving charges. The potential impacts of a Missouri DWI conviction on your driving privileges, background checks, employment opportunities, and other areas of your life cannot be overstated. An attorney may be able to help you avoid such impacts.

At Loraine Law Center, LLC, our dedicated team of Missouri DWI attorneys is here to help. Contact us today at 573-284-3048 for your free 30-minute consultation.