Prior DUI Convictions in Kansas City

Penalties for 2nd, 3rd and 4th DUI Offenses

While a first-time DUI charge may result in a relatively light sentence, the case is much more difficult for a subsequent DUI charge. DUI sentencing in both Missouri and Kansas is much tougher with mandatory minimum jail time, higher fines, longer periods of probation and additional long term consequences such as ignition interlock. Recent legislation has updated the possible sentences for subsequent DUI:

KANSAS

• Second Conviction - Class A misdemeanor with fines between $1,250 and $1,750 and a jail sentence of 90 days to one year (of which 5 days are mandatory and work release or house arrest is possible after 48 hours). Your car will have an ignition interlock device installed to test your breath for alcohol every time you start the car. Your license will be suspended for one year and you will be subject to mandatory alcohol evaluation and treatment
• Third Conviction - Class A misdemeanor (unless your prior is within the last 10 years in which case it becomes a felony). Fines increase to $1,750 to $2,250. The sentencing range is the same but 90 day jail is mandatory (work release or house arrest is possible after 48 hours). Driver's license suspension and ignition interlock, along with mandatory alcohol evaluation and treatment is also required.
• Fourth or subsequent conviction - Felony, $1,750 to $2,500 in fines, 90 days to one year sentence (90 days mandatory and work release or house arrest is possible after 48 hours). Driver's license suspension, ignition interlock and mandatory alcohol evaluation and treatment required.
• More likely than not, in multiple DUI cases, the prosecutor will demand and the judge will impose many months in jail or some combination of many months of jail followed by work release or house arrest.
• If you are facing any of these situations, it is easy to give up hope of resolving the charges, but an experienced Kansas City DUI attorney may be able to help you build a defense to prove you innocent or have the sentence reduced.

MISSOURI

• Second Conviction - Class A Misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000.00 and jail up to one year (must serve at least 10 days in jail if the prior offense was within 5 years). Probation will be required for two years with conditions to attend alcohol treatment and be tested for alcohol and drugs. Driver's license revoked for one year depending on the date of the prior occurrence and ignition interlock (5-year denial of driver's license if a second conviction within 5 years).
• Third and Subsequent Conviction - Felony with up to fifteen years in prison (must serve at least 30 days to 2 years depending on the number of prior offenses). Probation for 2-5 years. Driver's license will be denied for ten years.

Looking for a Strong DWI Lawyer in Kansas City?

Attorney Steve Schanker has more than 20 years of experience defending clients on DUI/DWI charges and is licensed to practice in both Kansas and Missouri. He knows what a difficult time this is for you and he charges very reasonably to make legal defense available to people in trouble. He will meet with you to determine the best strategy for your case, whether to fight the case in court or seek a plea bargain to limit the damage.

The most important thing you can do to protect your future is to seek legal help now and take action before the case progresses further. Contact a Kansas City DWI lawyer when you face DUI charges and have a prior conviction.