What To Expect From A DWI Arrest In The State Of Missouri
Once you step into a vehicle while even slightly intoxicated, you run the risk of hurting others. If you have a lapse in judgment, you will have to be held accountable for your crimes against society. Missouri won’t tolerate a DWI, and the penalties won’t be easy to stomach.
A first time DWI charge won’t be taken lightly. Some counties, such as those around St. Louis, have been known to be somewhat more lax on the matter and sometimes offer bargains. Jay Nixon started work, as Governor of Missouri, to start cracking down on relaxed laws. One finds it harder to avoid jail time or lengthy suspensions- and for good reason! Drunk driving has accounted for many Missouri deaths.
Prior offenders are known as those who have been convicted before. A prior offender will have a minimum five-day sentence in jail. Often with a good lawyer, this sentence can be exchanged for thirty days of community service to help out local organizations. Offenders will likely need to install an interlock device on the vehicle to prevent further mishaps.
A persistent offender is one that has racked up three or more DWI arrests. The minimum sentence is 10 days in jail, with the option to do 60 days of community service to instead be put on probation. You will also have to retake the written and physical driving test in order to get your license back due to losing your license for an extended period of time.
All DWI offenders go through a program named the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender program. This program is referred to as SATOP, and is required by the courts for all DWI offenders to take before getting a license back. The DWI class will teach students the effects of alcohol, what’s considered safe, driving regulations, and try to convey how wrong it is to even risk the lives of others while on the open road and intoxicated.
SR-22 insurance is perhaps the most costly part of getting a DWI. This type of insurance profiles you as a high-risk driver for a minimum of two years. For the next two years, you can expect insurance companies to discriminate against your lack of responsibility and charge inflated insurance rates. You might even find that insurance is unaffordable or that your company kicks you off your plan.
In Conclusion
Most offenders are young and will soon find that a DUI will severely impact job opportunities and one’s reputation among the community. Not all is lost; you may still redeem yourself by becoming a supporter of stopping drunk drivers and turning a new leaf.
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