Driving while intoxicated is a crime that is frowned upon in every state- but it is particularly punished in Missouri. One will find little sympathy when convicted, and if one is lucky, learning from such a foolish mistake is possible through the classes and fines paid in restitution.
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.
If you make the poor choice to obtain another DUI, you will be known as a prior offender. You will find it much harder to plead ignorance, as the minimum sentence is a five day stay at the local jail. Thirty days of community service can sometimes substitute the jail sentence, although you will have to have a lawyer argue your case.
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.
SATOP is a program that must be completed no matter how many DWI arrests you have. SATOP stands for the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program, and costs a couple hundred dollars to take as a class. Before your license is handed back, you must complete this class on your own time at selected dates each month. SATOP can be a 2-day course or a more intensive course for troubled alcoholics.
As an offender, you must file for SR-22 insurance. This type of insurance will recognize that you are a high risk driver. You will have to pay for a filing fee and also be subject to higher fees each month. Some insurance companies will not continue issuing insurance to those who get a DWI, while others will simply jack up the price each month to cover their risks in insuring your vehicle.
Closing Comments
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.
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.
If you make the poor choice to obtain another DUI, you will be known as a prior offender. You will find it much harder to plead ignorance, as the minimum sentence is a five day stay at the local jail. Thirty days of community service can sometimes substitute the jail sentence, although you will have to have a lawyer argue your case.
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.
SATOP is a program that must be completed no matter how many DWI arrests you have. SATOP stands for the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program, and costs a couple hundred dollars to take as a class. Before your license is handed back, you must complete this class on your own time at selected dates each month. SATOP can be a 2-day course or a more intensive course for troubled alcoholics.
As an offender, you must file for SR-22 insurance. This type of insurance will recognize that you are a high risk driver. You will have to pay for a filing fee and also be subject to higher fees each month. Some insurance companies will not continue issuing insurance to those who get a DWI, while others will simply jack up the price each month to cover their risks in insuring your vehicle.
Closing Comments
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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