If you’ve been arrested or charged with a DUI in Kansas City, Missouri, then you’re probably concerned about your license, your job, and your future. You may be concerned about your license, your job, and whether you will have to go to court or go to jail. Missouri has fairly tough drunk driving penalties. But just because you’re arrested doesn’t guarantee you’re going to be convicted. What comes next depends on the facts, whatever tests you might have taken, charges, and your driving record. Understanding what will happen might provide you with an opportunity to defend your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

Learning About the Arrest Process

If you are arrested on a DUI charge, you could be taken to a station or other facility where you will be booked and tested. Police may also demand you to take a breath test or consent to blood draws. Police may also take your fingerprints, search you, and prepare an arrest report. You may be held until you can be released safely or until you meet release criteria. The specifics will depend on your circumstances and what is done in your area. Remain calm and do not bicker with officials for the time being. You can decline to answer questions about the alleged misdemeanor and want legal counsel. Don’t guess and don’t lie about facts. Keep copies of every paper you are given. These may include your charge, court date, conditions of release, and any warnings or notices regarding your license. You should not dismiss any of these details, as they may result in greater implications later.

You could lose your driver’s license for some time.

If you were caught for DUI, you may be required to give up your driving privileges before the criminal case is even over. Missouri has a separate suspension/revocation process for some alcohol arrests. Depending on your record, refusal to test, and test outcome. You may be suspended/revoked and/or referred to further action. Pay attention to any notice you receive. Some license actions have a deadline for requesting a hearing or contesting the action. If you miss a deadline, you may lose your chance to dispute it. Discuss with an attorney the relationship between your licensing case and your criminal charge. These are two different issues, and success on one won’t guarantee success on the other.

Go to Court If Necessary

The court dates and/or sites on which you have to appear may be stated in your arrest documents. The case is filed in Kansas City and the appropriate court where the alleged offense took place. An initial appearance or other court proceeding may commence the case. This might be the hearing where the judge is reading them to you and is setting terms of release and setting future dates. Talk with your lawyer to understand what the significance of each hearing is for you. Don’t ignore a summons or hope a case will go away. You could be punished or even arrested for failing to do so. If you are unable to attend, immediately call your court or attorney and ask what you should do. Later hearings may involve the parties submitting evidence, arguing points of law, or preparing for trial. Sometimes a plea bargain settles the matter. Others go to trial and need the state to prove the case beyond a shadow of a doubt.

What Are the Penalties?

It depends on the particulars of the charge, the details of your arrest, and your criminal history. Penalties for a DWI will be different in Missouri if it’s your first or repeat offense. Penalties include:

• Court costs, penalties.
• Jail (based on your record and charge).
• Suspended or revoked driver’s license.
• Treatment and/or probation as mandated by a court.
• A mandated ignition interlock.
• An eternal criminal record.

However, first violations can result in significantly milder repercussions than a second offense but a fine is still a danger. Convictions might affect you not just in work, insurance, and certain professions. However, assault and injury charges might have the most serious effects. The court can also consider prior convictions while sentencing.

What Evidence Does the State Have?

Witness statements, video, and breath or blood tests: (The prosecutor can rely on breath or blood testing, video, and witness accounts). Field sobriety tests and stop statements can also be used. These can access the debate but may dispute any evidence. For instance, an attorney may challenge the legality of the stop or the reliability of a test. Video also could inform what happened during the stop and how tests were conducted. If there is no video or missing information in a complaint, that can also create other possible problems to investigate. Assuming the difference will be made by the test results. The state still needs to prove its case, and there is evidence to attack evidence.

Will I Get an Arrest at All in DUI?

Arrests can get a bit messy in the next few hours. For that reason here are some easy things for you to do if you want to maintain organized and protect your case:

• Organize All Your Documents: Keep your police documents, release documents, court references, and collection letters.
• Write down what happened: Write your account of the stop/tests/conversation as soon as possible.
• Note down deadlines: Calendar court dates and licensing hearing deadlines as reminders.
• Obey any terms of release: Obey any conditions or limitations on your release set by the court.
• Talk to a DUI lawyer: As you consider your future steps, review the charge, any potential impact on your license, and possible defenses.

Do not tweet about or publicize the arrest on social media. Although it may make you feel like you’re putting your side out there, everything you post publicly can be utilized to help collect evidence.

When Should You Seek the Services of Kansas City DUI Attorneys?

If your license was suspended or revoked or you have a prior DWI, you might want to get counsel sooner rather than later. Getting legal assistance sooner, rather than later, is helpful in planning for the future and will help you plant you on your deadlines. A seasoned Kansas City drunk driving lawyer will look into the stop, the test results, the police reports, and the court records. They can outline prospective outcomes and areas that can help your case. No lawyer can guarantee success. All you can do is review the facts, consider your alternatives, and do what’s best for your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I Going to Jail for My DUI Arrest in Kansas City?

Short answer: Not everyone is jailed on a DUI charge.

Long answer: Some get released after booking (depending on the facts and release processes), while some get held. Charges may lead to jail time. Think again, it can depend upon prior convictions and type of charge.

2. They can suspend my license before they are done with the DUI case?

Short answer: Yes, you can be suspended while in the criminal case.

Long answer: Missouri has different processes for suspension or revocation of alcohol licenses. Details may change according to test results, refusals, and driving record. You should review the notice you receive and consider possible judicial challenges with a lawyer.

3. Am I to appear in court if I am prosecuted for driving under the influence?

Short answer: You must follow the instructions the court gives you for your case.

Long answer: Your paper work may have a place to check in to, or a hearing date. AWOL = warrant and problems. If you are unsure about when and where you must appear, contact your attorney or the court.

4. Are You Able to Drop Missouri DUI Charges?

Short answer: Sometimes lawsuits can be dismissed (although not guaranteed).

Long answer: There may be a legal or factual issue with the traffic stop, testing techniques, or other evidence that a lawyer may be able to find. Law and evidence can impact the outcome. “Being arrested is not the same as being convicted.”

5. Will I Need a Lawyer if I Get Arrested for My First DUI?

Short answer: Yes, a lawyer can assist you in explaining your rights and options for resolving your problem.

Long answer: Even a first DUI can damage your license, your wallet, and your criminal record. An attorney can explain the court system, review the facts, and discuss the possible outcomes. Ask about fees, experience with Missouri DWI cases, and your defense strategy.

Your Next Steps

A DWI in Kansas City, Missouri, involves court dates, loss of your driver’s license, and lots of harsh questions. The sooner you act, the longer you’ll have to understand the charge and to meet essential dates. If you’re going to do anything serious, keep good notes, follow the court’s orders, and speak with an attorney. You’ll be confident going in with your plan.