Victim of a Drunk Driving Collision in Missouri?

Here's a breakdown of Missouri's key drunk driving laws, also known as Driving Under the Influence (DWI):

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits:

  • Legal Limit: In Missouri, the legal BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers over 21 years old. This means a driver is considered intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher.
  • Zero Tolerance for Underage Drivers: Missouri has a strict "zero tolerance" law for underage drivers. Any driver under 21 years old is considered intoxicated with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.

DWI Penalties:

  • First Offense: A first-time DWI offense in Missouri is generally a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties can include:
    • Up to 6 months in jail
    • Fines up to $500
    • License suspension for 30 days (with 1 year for refusing a breathalyzer test)
    • Required attendance at DWI education/treatment programs
  • Second Offense: A second DWI offense within five years is a Class A misdemeanor with harsher penalties:
    • Up to 1 year in jail (with a minimum mandatory 48 hours)
    • Fines up to $1,000
    • License suspension for one year
  • Third or Subsequent Offense: A third or subsequent DWI offense is a felony in Missouri. Penalties can be severe and include:
    • Significant jail time (depending on the circumstances)
    • Heavy fines
    • Long-term driver's license revocation

Additional Factors:

  • Aggravated DWI: A DWI charge can be enhanced to "aggravated DWI" with even harsher penalties if the driver's BAC is 0.15% or higher or if there's serious injury or property damage caused by the drunk driver.
  • Administrative License Revocation: A separate process from criminal charges, a police officer can suspend a driver's license for refusing a breathalyzer test or having a BAC above the legal limit.
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