In Missouri, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered impaired, though that threshold is lowered to 0.04% and 0.02% for commercial vehicle drivers and motorists under 21, respectively. While the first DWI penalties may be minor, any further offenses can have serious consequences. 

What Are the Penalties for Multiple DWIs in Missouri?

1. The First Offense

The minimum jail time for an individual with a BAC between 0.15% and 0.20% is 48 hours. The minimum for a BAC higher than 0.20% is five days. As a DWI is a Class B misdemeanor in Missouri, the maximum potential jail time is six months. 

For the first offense, convicted motorists will pay up to $1,000 in fines. 

A convicted driver may have their license suspended for 30 days. At the end of it, they’ll have a restricted license for another 60 days. However, a DWI attorney can have the suspension waived for a restricted license in some instances.

Under possible restricted license conditions, motorists will need an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in their car. It’s a breathalyzer test connected to the vehicle’s ignition. The car only starts if the driver’s breath contains no alcohol. 

2. The Second Offense

Second offenses see an uptick in penalties. Fines can amount to $2,000, and the maximum jail time increases to a year. Rather than a suspended or restricted license, motorists will lose all driving privileges for five years. The use of an IID will be mandatory and for a minimum of six months. 

3. The Third Offense

Drivers with a third offense on their record may serve up to four years in jail and pay $10,000 in fines. License revocation will last for 10 years. Again, an IID will be mandatory for a minimum of six months. 

4. The Fourth Offense

The fourth offense comes with a reduced maximum fine of $5,000. However, other penalties still increase. In Missouri, the fourth offense moves the crime from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class C felony. Known as an Aggravated Offender, the driver faces either one year in county jail or up to seven years in prison. They must spend a minimum of 60 days in incarceration before they’re eligible for probation or parole. 

5. The Fifth Offense

Fifth and subsequent DWIs constitute a Class B felony, called a Chronic Offender. If convicted, the driver may serve between 5 and 15 years in prison. They’ll be eligible for parole or probation after two years. 

With the help of a DWI attorney, penalties for single and multiple offenses can be diminished. For over a decade, attorney Peter Lassiter of Traffic Law Firm has provided exemplary representation to residents of St. Charles, Lincoln, Warrenton, and Troy, MO. He calls on his 10 years of prior experience as a prosecutor for an increased advantage in the courtroom. For information on his practice areas, visit his website. To schedule a consultation, call him at (636) 462-7867.