People in the Kansas City area drink alcohol for many different reasons. Drinking alcohol can be a nice way to unwind or to have while socializing with friends and family. People also drink different amounts of alcohol depending on the situation. There are times when people drink to the point of intoxication as well. This by itself is not a major issue, but some of the decisions that people make after consuming too much alcohol can have detrimental effects on people’s lives.
One of these choices is to get behind the wheel and drive after consuming too much. If people do this, they could be charged with a DUI, which can result in both criminal penalties and a loss of their driver’s license for a period of time. Both of these punishments can negatively affect people’s lives, especially since many people rely of driving to get to the various locations they need to get to throughout the day. Not being able to drive can create a very difficult situation.
Potential length of license suspension
The length of the license of the suspension depends on a number of factors though. For a first time DWI, people will receive a 90-day suspension of their license. If people receive a second DWI within five years of the first, the license suspension is five years. If the second DWI is longer than five years after the first one, the suspension is one year. For a third DWI in their lifetime, the license suspension is ten years. Also, if people refuse to take a breath test, their license will be suspended for one year.
While the criminal penalties for a DWI in Missouri can be severe, sometimes the driver’s license suspension can be just as devastating. As there are potential defenses to the criminal charges for a DWI, there are also ways people can challenge their license suspension as well. People can challenge the validity of the suspension and may be able to receive their license back. Experienced attorneys understand the potential defenses and may be able to guide one through the process.