Win Your DWI Case in Kansas City, Missouri
It is commonly stated that no one can win a DWI case or that you will at least lose your license, but this is a myth. A lot of this myth is perpetuated by attorneys. The truth is that there is so much more you can do to save your license, and it is indeed possible to win a DWI case. At Cornerstone, we don’t perpetuate this myth. Your situation is not hopeless. We have experienced attorneys that have defended many clients in complicated DWI trials. We’ve dealt with breath test cases, DWI drug cases, blood test cases, and more. We’ve learned that it is definitely possible to win, reduce charges, and sometimes even avoid trials by being aggressive when we represent our DWI clients.
When you need someone to successfully defend your DWI case, the attorneys at Cornerstone understand what is important about preparing and using our experience and knowledge to cater to the unique circumstances of your case. Since we are members of the National College for DUI Defense, we have the benefit of extensive, advanced training in standardized field sobriety testing, breath testing, and gas chromatography (which is the primary blood testing device used in the Missouri). We have used our experience and education to ensure that hundreds of DWI clients are represented well, and we have educated other lawyers in our state on the important DWI case factors.
What are the Penalties for DWI in Missouri?
Whether it’s a DWI or DUI charge, it is treated with extremely serious care under Kansas criminal law. These penalties can be harsh, so you should contact a knowledgeable attorney to help you fight any charges.
Timing is the most important. After being arrested, you only have 15 days to file a request to get your license back. Acting now is in your best interest.
In our professional opinion, drunk driving causes people to be arrested far more often than should be justified. Law enforcement officers have a tendency to overreact if someone has had a couple of drinks. Even if they think they that you could be impaired, they may very well arrest you.
We fight for DWI cases because almost any case has the chance to be won.
First Offense DWI Penalties in Missouri
After being convicted of a DWI case you are facing a Class B misdemeanor. The penalties can be:
- Up to 6 months of total jail time, up to a $500 fine, or a variation of both.
- 1 to 2 years of probation.
- Required attendance in a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP).
- Drinking of any kind is prohibited during your probation period.
- A 30 day license suspension, with a 60 day restricted hardship license once the 30 days are up. This means you can only drive to and from work during the 60 days.
- An ignition interlock device could be required depending on the judge’s discretion.
Second Offense DWI Punishment/Penalties
Within the previous 5 years, if you end up being found guilty of a DWI after a previous conviction, you will face a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties can be:
- Up to 1 year of total jail time, up to a $1000 fine, or a variation of both.
- At least a minimum of 48 hours/2 days in jail, OR 10 total hours of community service.
- 1 to 2 years of Probation.
- Required attendance in a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP).
- Potentially a requirement to take inpatient alcohol treatment.
- Drinking of any kind is prohibited during your probation period.
- A two year license suspension, with a 3 year restricted hardship/license once the two years are up. This means you can only drive to and from work during those 3 years.
- Ignition Interlock Device will be required on your vehicle as a condition of license reinstatement after a 2nd offense DWI.
Third Offense DWI Punishment/Penalties
If you end up being found guilty of drunk driving after two previous convictions during your lifetime, you will face a Class D felony. The penalties can be:
- Up to 4 years of time in prison, up to a $5000 fine, or a variation of both.
- At least 10 days in jail, OR 60 total hours of community service.
- Your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked for 10 years.
Fourth Offense DWI Punishment/Penalties
If you end up being found guilty of drunk driving after three previous convictions during your lifetime, you will be known as an aggravated offender and you will face a Class C felony. The penalty can be:
- Up to 7 years of time in prison, up to a $5000 fine, or a variation of both.
Fifth Offense DWI Punishment/Penalties
If you end up being found guilty of drunk driving, after four previous convictions in your lifetime, you will be known as a chronic offender, and you will face a Class B felony. The penalty being:
- 5-15 years in prison
If you are facing a DWI charge in Kansas City, it is common and natural that you will be nervous, uncertain, and even determined to find as much information as you possibly can. This website is designed specifically for you to ensure that you have the many details you need on:
- DWI cases;
- Drug cases;
- Breath testing;
- Blood testing;
- Field sobriety;
- And, saving your driver’s license.
When you’re ready, we are here for you to give you a free consultation for your case. Continue to browse the website to answer your questions, but also don’t forget to call, because deadlines are one of the most important applicable things to your case and your license. You need to take action before it’s too late.