When facing driving while intoxicated (DWI )charges in Missouri, penalties vary based on the severity of the offense and your prior record. However, the consequence many drivers worry about is having their license taken away.
Losing your license usually happens in one of two ways: a license suspension or a revocation. The type of license loss affects how long you lose your driving privileges and what you need to do to regain the right to drive legally again.
When your license gets suspended
A license suspension temporarily takes away your driving privileges for a specific time. You may get your license suspended when:
- Your blood alcohol level tests at 0.08% or higher
- You get too many points on your driving record
- It’s your first DWI arrest, almost always resulting a 90-day suspension
If it’s your first time facing a DWI charge, it’s possible to qualify for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) after 30 days of suspension.
When your license gets revoked
License revocation is more serious than suspension. The state completely terminates your driving privileges. If this happens, you need to start over with your driving record. Your license might get revoked if:
- You have multiple DWI convictions
- You refuse to take a breathalyzer test, causing an automatic 1-year revocation
- You cause serious injury or death while driving impaired
Revocations last at least one year but can extend to five years or more for repeat offenders. Additionally, you won’t qualify for restricted driving privileges, especially if there is more than one prior alcohol-related conviction on your record. Still, you might qualify and petition for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP).
Getting back on the road legally
Applying to get your license back works differently for suspension versus revocation. After a suspension, you need to:
- Complete your suspension period
- Pay the $45 reinstatement fee
- Show proof of insurance
- Complete any required substance abuse programs
- Show proof of installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for multiple DUI offenses
If you had a 90-day RDP with an IID installed, you will also need the IID installer to certify that there were no drunk driving violations recorded on your device during the period.
With revocations, these requirements grow stricter. This is mainly due to the addition of retaking both the written and practical driving tests. However, there is also a chance you can get your license back if the arrest gets overturned in court. This cancels the revocation altogether.
Protecting your driving privileges
Your DWI history largely determines which penalty you’ll face. First offenses usually result in suspension, while repeat offenses lead to revocation. Either outcome can potentially create major problems for your work and family life.
Talking to an experienced DWI defense attorney right after arrest may help reduce these consequences or even save your driving privileges through effective defense strategies.