Being charged with driving under the influence in Missouri carries with it a series of penalties that can make it difficult for a person to go about their daily lives even before they are convicted. Of course, it is imperative to lodge a strong defense to try and avoid the consequences of a DUI conviction, but for many, they are facing immediate concerns about their driver’s license as it can be suspended or revoked immediately.
Since being stopped by law enforcement and arrested because of having a blood alcohol content that surpasses the legal limit of 0.08 will result in an immediate suspension or revocation of their driver’s license, it can cause a series of challenges that will make the person’s life difficult independent of the outcome of the case.
Many people need their vehicle to get back and forth to work. Some drive as part of their job. Others need it for medical care. There are a seemingly endless number of reasons why a person needs to drive. The driver’s license is a fundamental necessity and knowing what options are available in these circumstances is key.
A Restricted Driving Privilege could be available
In Missouri, drivers can seek a Restricted Driving Privilege. With an RDP, in the immediate aftermath of the traffic stop and arrest, the driver will either have their driver’s license suspended or revoked. The suspension will occur if it is the driver’s first alcohol-related offense within five years.
If there had been no offenses in the previous five years, the suspension will last for 30 days. Then the driver will have a 60-day restricted driving privilege. Those who are given the option of an ignition interlock device could have their restricted license immediately. It will last for 90 days.
Those who had a prior DUI or more than one within five years will have their driver’s license revoked for one year. These drivers cannot receive an RDP. There is, however, the chance at a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP).
Those who need their driver’s license immediately and want to have an interlock ignition device installed can do so if the need to drive is based on their employment, education, seeking medical care, getting treatment for alcohol and drugs, dealing with the device itself, religious purposes, to see their children as part of court-ordered visitation or custody, to go to the store for necessities, and to go to court. There is also the option to accept the 30-day suspension and then have a 60-day RDP. This is limited to driving for work, school, alcohol treatment or to maintain the interlock device.
Drivers may be able to drive legally after a DUI
A DUI arrest and all it entails can cause significant problems in a person’s life. That includes fines and jail time. It can also infiltrate other areas of a person’s life. Losing the right to drive can cause them issues at work, lead to losing the job entirely or missing out on the opportunity for a job.
When deciding how to lodge a defense, it is also wise to think about getting an RDP or an LDP to drive as the case proceeds. For these and other matters, it is imperative to understand the scope of a DUI case and how it can be harmful. With that, there are strategies to fight the charges and achieve a positive result.
