Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free case review with an expert DWI/DUI defense attorney who can provide legal advice and guidance on next steps. The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI legal team has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
Driver’s License Suspension and Revocation
One of the most immediate and direct effects of a DWI/DUI conviction is the loss of your driver’s license. In most states, a conviction triggers automatic penalties from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the equivalent state agency. These penalties typically come in two forms: suspension or revocation.
- Suspension: For a first-time DWI offense, your driver’s license will usually be suspended for a period of 90 days. During this time, you may be eligible for a limited driving privilege (LDP), often referred to as a hardship license, which allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments.
- Revocation: For repeat offenses or if aggravating factors are present (such as driving with a very high blood alcohol concentration or causing an accident), your license may be revoked for a longer period, potentially up to five years. In cases of revocation, you will typically need to complete additional steps, such as alcohol education programs, and pay fees to reinstate your driving privileges.
Additionally, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test at the time of arrest (in violation of implied consent laws), you may face an automatic one-year suspension of your license, regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of the DWI/DUI charge.
Increased Insurance Premiums
Once you are convicted of a DWI or DUI, your car insurance premiums are almost guaranteed to rise, sometimes significantly. From an insurer’s perspective, a DWI/DUI conviction marks you as a high-risk driver, and they adjust your rates accordingly. Here's what you can expect:
- Higher Premiums: On average, drivers with a DWI or DUI conviction can see their insurance rates increase by as much as 50% to 80%. Some insurance providers may even refuse to renew your policy, forcing you to find a new insurer, often at a much higher cost.
- SR-22 Requirement: In some cases, the DMV will require you to file an SR-22 form with your insurance company, which is essentially proof that you carry the state-mandated minimum insurance. The SR-22 is usually required for several years following a DWI/DUI conviction, further driving up your insurance costs.
- Limited Coverage Options: Once you are classified as a high-risk driver, you may lose access to certain types of coverage or discounts that were previously available. Some insurance companies will no longer offer you collision or comprehensive coverage, which means you could be financially vulnerable in the event of an accident.
Long-Term Impact
A DWI/DUI conviction affects your driving record and insurance for years to come. In Missouri, for instance, a DWI conviction stays on your driving record for 10 years, and insurance companies can use this information to determine your rates during this period. Even after the suspension or revocation period has ended, you may still face higher premiums for several years as you work to rebuild your driving record.
Additionally, certain employment opportunities that require a clean driving record or professional copyright (like commercial drivers or delivery jobs) may be off-limits after a DWI conviction, further complicating your personal and financial situation.
A DWI/DUI conviction can have long-lasting effects on your driving privileges and insurance rates, making it critical to take steps to mitigate these consequences. Working with an experienced Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney can help you explore options such as contesting the charges, negotiating a reduced penalty, or applying for a hardship license to retain some of your driving rights. Protecting your future starts with understanding the full scope of the impact a DWI/DUI can have on your life.
Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP for a confidential consultation.