Consequences of a DUI

Don't drink and drive.

 Drink responsibly.

 Always have a designated driver.

Thanks to our parents, our friends, and the media, we all have these warnings drilled into our minds from a young age. You probably hear these words often, but have you taken the time to really internalize them? If you operate a vehicle with alcohol in your system, you not only risk facing serious legal charges - you risk the lives of others. If you operate a vehicle after you have been drinking, you risk being charged with a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).

As the Lake of the Ozarks' trusted DWI defense attorney, we're here to help you deal with the consequences of a driving while intoxicated arrest.

DWI ~ First-Time Offenders

A DWI is a very serious charge and it comes with very serious consequences. Even if it is your first offense, you will face serious repercussions. Examples of consequences for a first-time offense often include:
  • $500 in fines, plus court costs
  • 8 points on your driver's license
  • Denied or restricted driving privileges for 30 to 90 days
You may even face up to 6 months in jail. You may also have an ignition lock installed on your vehicle, which will require you to pass a breathalyzer test before you can turn on your vehicle.

DWI ~ Repeat Offenders

If you are charged with a DWI for a second time, the consequences are much more serious. If it is your second offense, you may be faced with:
  • $1,000 in fines
  • 12 points on your driver's license
  • License suspension for 1 year
  • Jail time and probation
  • Ignition interlock device
  • Alcohol evaluation and treatment
You may also be required to take (and pass) both the written and driving portions of the Missouri Driving Test before you are allowed to drive again.

If it is your third offense, you will be likely be charged with the maximum punishments allowed by Missouri law. This will most likely include:
  • Several thousand dollars in fines and costs
  • 12 points on your driver's license
  • Felony conviction with up to 4 years of prison time
  • Loss of license for 10 years

DUI ~ Lifelong Consequences

Even after you are allowed to drive again, your felony DWI will remain on your criminal record forever. Consequently, it can impact you for the rest of your life. Lenders, future employers, and educational institutions will all be able to learn that you were convicted of a felony DWI. 

However, there may be ways to reduce the consequences of your DWI arrest. If you are facing a DWI in Missouri, contact our Lake of the Ozarks DWI defense attorney immediately.

 Call the most trusted law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks to get started today.

O'Donnell Law Center
We Carry Your Burden ~ You Carry On With Life.

Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.

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 Phone: (573) 552-0317

 O'Donnell Law Center, LLC
1026 Palisades Blvd. Suite 3
Osage Beach, MO  65065
(Located on the McDonald's Side of the Building)
Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

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