A DWI can affect your license, your record, and your freedom. Get experienced legal help before making decisions about your case.
Free review and quote. We’re not your attorney until we both agree to move forward.
A DWI CAN AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR RECORD
Criminal Case
A DWI charge can result in criminal penalties.
Driver's License
Your driving privileges may be affected separately from the criminal case.
Fines & Costs
A conviction can bring fines and other financial consequences.
Insurance
A DWI can raise your insurance rates and/or require SR-22.
ARRESTED
FOR DWI?
HERE'S WHAT TO DO NEXT.
Keep Your Paperwork
Keep the citation, bond paperwork, temporary license or notice, and anything else you received.
Pay Attention to Deadlines
Some DWI-related license matters have deadlines separate from your court date.
Don't Assume It's Just the Criminal Case
Your driver’s-license matter and your criminal charge involve different procedures.
Talk with an Attorney
We can review what happened, your paperwork, the court involved, and the options available in your particular case.
A DWI CAN INVOLVE TWO DIFFERENT PROBLEMS
THE COURT CASE
The criminal charge against you and the court process.
YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE
Separate administrative consequences may affect your driving privileges.
The processes for the criminal and administrative charges are not the same. Resolving one does not necessarily resolve the other.
Because some license matters are time-sensitive, contact an attorney promptly after an arrest.
Will I Lose My License?
A DWI arrest can create driver’s-license issues in addition to the criminal charge. What happens depends on the circumstances of the arrest, test results or refusal, and your individual case.
DWI & DUI: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE IN MISSOURI?
People often use the terms DWI and DUI to describe driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Missouri, the formal charge is generally called Driving While Intoxicated, or DWI. If you were arrested for a DUI, DWI, or another alcohol- or drug-related driving offense, the court case and driver’s-license consequences may both need attention.
URGENT!
You may have only 15 days from the date you received your Notice of Suspension/Revocation to request a hearing on your license. Miss that window, and you may lose the chance to challenge the suspension.
Call (816) 2-LAWYER right away!
WHAT WE LOOK AT IN A DWI CASE
Initial reason for traffic stop
Officer’s observations
Field sobriety testing
Breath or blood testing
Timing of the testing
Arrest procedures and evidence
Prior history
The specific court and jurisdiction
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CONTACT US
WE REVIEW YOUR CASE
We examine your arrest paperwork, any license notice, the applicable law, and the court.
WE EXPLAIN YOUR OPTIONS
We explain what your charge means and discuss the best way to resolve it.
WE HANDLE THE PROCESS
If retained, we communicate with the prosecutor and court, negotiate on your behalf, and file any paperwork.
WE KEEP YOU INFORMED
We keep you updated on what's happening and let you know when you need to be available for a court appearance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens after a DWI arrest?
A Missouri DWI arrest can involve both a criminal case and a separate driver’s-license process. Keep all paperwork you receive and pay close attention to court dates and license-related deadlines.
Will I lose my driver’s license?
Not necessarily, but a DWI arrest or conviction can affect your driving privileges. What happens depends on the circumstances of your case, your driving history, test results or refusal, and the type of license action involved.
Is a DWI a criminal offense?
Yes. Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense under Missouri law. The classification and potential penalties depend on the circumstances and prior history.
What if I refused a breath test?
Refusing a breath or blood test can lead to a one-year revocation of your driving privilege, separate from the criminal case. You may be able to challenge the revocation, and you may qualify for a limited hardship driving privilege. Time limits apply, so contact us as soon as possible.
Will I have to go to court?
Generally, yes. After reviewing your paperwork, we can explain what appearances may be required.
What if this is my first DWI?
A first DWI is still a criminal charge and can also carry driver’s-license consequences. The facts of the case, test results, and your prior record all matter.
CHARGED WITH
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED?
Know Your Options.
GET IN TOUCH
Facing a criminal charge? We also assist with criminal defense matters.
Visit MissouriDefense.com
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This website is attorney advertising.
Copyright © 2026 Amend My Ticket, a service of LawyerKC. All Rights Reserved.