DUI (Driving Under the Influence ) text in front of court legal gavel
DUI/DWI DEFENSE LAWYERS IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
Traffic violations, including driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI), are serious offenses in Kansas City, Missouri. While some people may think of them as minor infractions, a traffic-related conviction can have long-lasting consequences—affecting your driving privileges, finances, and even your freedom.
If you’re facing a traffic violation charge, the best decision you can make is to hire an experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorney. At Speeding Ticket KC, our attorneys understand Missouri’s traffic laws can help protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and potentially reduce or dismiss your charges.
MISSOURI DUI/DWI LAW
In Missouri, DUI and DWI laws are strictly enforced. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers. However, the threshold is lower for:
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Commercial drivers: BAC limit of 0.04%
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Drivers under 21: BAC limit of 0.02%
If you are caught driving with a BAC above the legal limit, you could be charged with DWI/DUI, even if you feel sober. Missouri’s implied consent law means that by driving on public roads, you automatically agree to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine).
Keep in mind, refusing these tests can lead to license suspension and additional penalties.
PENALTIES FOR DUI/DWI IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
The penalties for a DUI/DWI conviction in Missouri depend on factors such as prior offenses, BAC level, and whether any accidents or injuries occurred.
First-Offense DUI (Class B Misdemeanor):
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Fine: Up to $500
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Jail time: Up to six months
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License suspension: 30 days (followed by 60 days of restricted driving)
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Possible ignition interlock device (IID) requirement
Second-Offense DUI (Class A Misdemeanor, if within 5 years):
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Fine: Up to $1,000
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Jail time: Minimum 48 hours up to one year
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License revocation: One year
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Mandatory ignition interlock device (IID)
Third-Offense DUI (Felony DWI – Persistent Offender):
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Fine: Up to $5,000
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Jail time: Up to 4 years in prison
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License revocation: 10 years
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Mandatory IID
A felony DUI/DWI conviction in Missouri can result in permanent criminal records, increased insurance costs, difficulty finding employment, and loss of professional licenses.
EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY ATTORNEY AFTER A DUI/DWI
When facing traffic-related charges, hiring an experienced attorney can mean the difference between keeping your record clean or suffering serious legal consequences. Here’s how a lawyer can help:
Protect Your Driving Privileges: Losing your driver’s license can impact your job, family, and daily life. An attorney can challenge license suspensions and help you retain or restore your driving privileges.
Reduce or Dismiss Charges: A skilled attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for plea deals, reduced penalties, or case dismissals based on procedural errors or weak evidence.
Challenge the Evidence: Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when conducting field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests, and blood tests. If mistakes were made—such as improper calibration of equipment or violations of your constitutional rights—your attorney can use these errors to fight the charges.
Avoid Jail Time & Heavy Fines: Even a first-time DUI conviction can result in jail time. An experienced lawyer may be able to reduce penalties or argue for alternative sentencing options, such as alcohol treatment programs.
Navigate Missouri’s Complex Legal System: Missouri traffic laws can be complicated. Missing deadlines, failing to file the right paperwork, or not understanding the process can result in harsher penalties. An attorney ensures your case is handled properly from start to finish.
COMMON DEFENSES AGAINST DUI AND DWI IN KC, MISSOURI
A Kansas City traffic defense attorney can use several strategies to challenge your case, including:
Illegal Traffic Stop: If the officer had no probable cause to stop you, the evidence against you may be suppressed.
Inaccurate Breathalyzer/Blood Test Results: Testing errors, improper calibration, or contamination can make results unreliable.
Violation of Rights: If your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest, charges may be reduced or dismissed.
Lack of Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired, your case may be thrown out.
HOW TO GET A DUI OR DWI TRAFFIC VIOLATION DISMISSED IN MISSOURI
While every case is different, your best chance at dismissal is working with a seasoned traffic defense attorney. Here’s what an attorney can do to fight your charges:
Investigate the Arrest & Traffic Stop: Look for procedural errors or lack of probable cause.
Challenge Chemical Tests: Examining whether breathalyzer or blood tests were administered correctly.
Negotiate with Prosecutors: Seek reduced penalties or diversion programs.
Represent You in Court: Presenting strong defenses that challenge the state’s evidence.
HIRE THE RIGHT KANSAS CITY DUI/DWI DEFENSE LAWYER FOR YOU
If you’re facing DUI, DWI, or any serious traffic violation, don’t take chances with your future. The consequences of a conviction can impact your license, job, and personal life for years to come. Hiring an experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorney is the best way to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
At Speeding Ticket KC, our affordable Kansas City traffic defense attorneys specialize in DUI defense, traffic violations, and driver’s license reinstatement. We use electronic processes to make handling your case easy, so you can take care of legal matters without leaving your home.
Call (816) 366-5816 or fill out our contact form to discuss your case with Chris Simons, an experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyer who will personally handle your case from start to finish.
Don’t wait—your defense starts now!
Kansas City DUI Cases FAQs
We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about DUI cases in Kansas City.
Can a DWI be reduced in MO?
Your traffic attorney can negotiate with the state prosecutor for a reduced charge. However, the likelihood of that happening depends on several factors, including any errors in the administration of field sobriety tests and the strength of the evidence against you.
It is also easier to have the charge reduced if you are a first-time DUI offender with no prior criminal record.
How long does a DUI stay on record in MO?
You can have a DUI record expunged from the record in Missouri, but only under specific conditions.
For instance, if you are a first-time offender with no prior criminal record, you can petition to have the offense removed from your record after 10 years, provided you were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of arrest and conviction.
Expungement of DUI records is only available for misdemeanor convictions. If you were convicted of a DWI felony, the DUI will stay on your record forever. This is why it is important that you talk to DUI defense lawyers in Kansas City if you have been charged with driving under the influence.
How do I get a DUI dismissed in MO?
There are many strategies that your Kansas City traffic lawyer can use to attempt to have your DWI charges dropped. These strategies include, but are not limited to:
- Questioning the legality of the traffic stop;
- Challenging the credibility and legal administration of blood tests or breathalyzers;
- Engaging in plea bargain negotiations with the state prosecutor; and
- Pinpointing any procedure violations made during the arrest
Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, your lawyer can determine and implement the most effective defense strategy.
Talk to a Kansas City Traffic Lawyer Today
Speedingticketkc.com is a modern traffic law firm that leverages electronic processes to help you handle all basic traffic matters without leaving the comfort of your home. Our MO traffic lawyer is also available to answer all your questions and represent you in court and during administrative hearings.
Chirs Simons, a seasoned Kansas City traffic lawyer, handles your case from beginning to end and keeps you updated throughout the process through direct email and phone calls.
To book your free consultation today, call 816-398-8772 or fill out and submit this contact form.
