Like other states, Missouri severely penalizes individuals who are guilty of driving while intoxicated. Moreover, those who get a second DWI conviction receive harsher punishments than first-time offenders. Apart from consulting with an experienced DWI attorney after your arrest, be aware of the following penalties you may face for your second offense.

The Consequences for a Second DWI Offense

1. Criminal Penalties

If you are convicted of DWI twice within the last five years, the state considers this your second DWI offense. In Missouri, a second conviction is regarded as a Class A misdemeanor. You can be sentenced to jail for a maximum of one year and pay fines of up to $2,000.  Jail time is required by state statute though it sometimes can be avoided.  

A judge may suspend this sentence and impose conditions of probation designed to prevent a third DWI, which is a felony.  Meanwhile, a first DWI offense has slightly lighter sanctions. This Class B misdemeanor carries a possible six-month jail sentence and up to $500 in fines. 

2. Driver's License Revocation

First-time DWI offenders are only given a 90-day license suspension, with a chance to receive restricted driving privileges immediately if an ignition interlock is installed or after 30 days with a SR-22.  A second DWI, however, can get your license revoked by the State of Missouri for 5 years!  You can get a limited driving privilege by petitioning the court, getting an ignition interlock, an SR22.   This is very expensive!

3. Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

An IID is a piece of equipment fitted onto offenders' vehicles to check their breath samples periodically. If drivers fail to provide breath samples when prompted, or when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the preset level on the device, their vehicles won't start and will issue an alarm.

First-time DWI offenders who get their license reinstated may or may not be required to use an ignition interlock device. Normally, this is only required for those who refuse a breathalyzer on a first DWI.   But an IID is mandatory for a second DWI offense, and drivers must use it for at least six months after their license is reinstated. 

Contact the Law Office of Mike Hamilton in Columbia, MO, if you are facing DWI charges. You can always expect competent legal advice and skillful representation from Mike and his team, whether you need a DWI attorney, a drug possession lawyer, or a traffic violation attorney. Call his office today at (573) 825-5698 to schedule a free initial consultation. Visit his website to learn more about his services.

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