Nobody plans to be arrested and charged with a DWI. Most of the time, a person chooses to drive after drinking without realizing they’re over the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit. That mistake will lead you directly into legal troubles for drinking and driving, including facing a judge and the penalties for your crime. In Missouri, a DWI means that you will have fines and court costs to pay, and you will have to install an ignition interlock on your car for the offense. But, before you even have your day in court, you might want to have the device installed so that you can at least drive yourself there.
Since Missouri has an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) policy for anyone who is charged with DWI, you will immediately lose your license once you are arrested and charged with drinking and driving. In a sense, this policy helps keep you from drinking and driving until you stand before a judge in court, a process that usually involves a lengthy wait. However, after you have served out 30 days of your ALR suspension, you can reinstate your license as long as you have an ignition interlock device installed.
This restricted license will allow you to continue to work and attend any appointments or meetings required by an administrative law court. You will not be granted the license for any purposes other than what is deemed necessary under the circumstances of your ALR. Keep in mind that your administrative hearing is not your judicial hearing, and you will have more consequences to face.
By opting for an ignition interlock before your judicial DWI court case, you are showing that judge that you understand the serious nature of your crime, and that you are taking steps to ensure you will never drink and drive again. The ability to drive is essential for many, especially when it comes to staying employed and fulfilling family responsibilities. It is also an essential part of reducing the chances of another DWI and keeping the roads safe for everyone.
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