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The Dual Nature of DWI

Unlike with most other offenses, the driver accused of DWI faces both a criminal penalty and an administrative sanction from the Department of Revenue.

Criminal Penalties

A first-time DWI offender is faced with conviction of a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail, and up to a $500 fine.

With subsequent DWI convictions the penalties become more severe:

- Second offense DWI is charged as a Class A misdemeanor (Up to 1 year/Up to $1,000 fine)

- Third offense DWI is charged as a Class D felony (Up to 5 years/Up to $5,000 fine).

Administrative Penalties

In addition to the criminal penalties imposed by the state, the Missouri Department of Revenue imposes administrative penalties against DWI offenders.

The administrative penalties for a first-time offender include:

- If the driver is 21 or older: 30 day license suspension followed by a 60 day restricted driving period.

- If the driver is under 21, license is suspended for 90 days.

- 8 points added to driving record.

- Must complete SATOP (Missouri's Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program) to have license reinstated.

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