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What is an Aggravated DWI in Missouri?
A DWI offense is serious in Missouri, but an aggravated DWI carries even more serious consequences. An aggravated DWI occurs when a DWI conviction is accompanied by additional factors, such as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) significantly over the legal limit of .08%, driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle, or having a prior DWI conviction.
Due to the harsh penalties associated with aggravated DWI charges, it’s essential to work with a skilled and experienced DWI/DUI attorney who has the expertise to secure the best possible outcome in your case. If you’re facing these charges, understanding the details and implications of this offense is also crucial. The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI legal team has over 40 years of experience successfully handling cases just like yours.
You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your future.
In Missouri, a DWI becomes “aggravated” when certain conditions make the offense more dangerous in the eyes of the law. These aggravating factors could include:
- Driving with a minor in the vehicle: If you are arrested for DWI and have a child under the age of 17 in the car, this is considered an aggravating factor and can result in additional penalties.
- Causing injury or death: If your impaired driving results in a crash that causes injury or death, your DWI could be elevated to aggravated status, potentially leading to felony charges and lengthy prison time.
- Repeat DWI offenses: If you have prior DWI convictions, your current DWI charge could be elevated to aggravated DWI, including increased penalties and longer-term consequences.
Is Aggravated DWI a Felony in Missouri?
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 577.010, you can be considered an aggravated offender if you act with criminal negligence to cause injury to a law enforcement officer or emergency personnel, or serious injury to another person.
An aggravated DWI is different from a standard DWI in St. Louis because first and second offense DWIs are typically misdemeanors. Conviction as an aggravated DWI offender, even without a prior conviction, is a class D felony, carrying a sentence of up to 7 years in prison.
Penalties for an Aggravated DWI Charge in Missouri
The penalties for an aggravated DWI in Missouri are far more severe than those for a standard DWI. Your Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer will use the firm’s unlimited resources to get the best possible outcome. Depending on the aggravating circumstances, you could face:
- Longer Jail Time: Up to 7 years in prison or 1 year in the county jail.
- Large Fines: Up to $10,000
- Extended License Suspension or Revocation: Your license could be revoked immediately and suspended for at least 10 years.
- Ignition Interlock Device Installation: You may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle.
- Mandatory Alcohol Education and Treatment: You might be required to complete alcohol education courses and treatment programs – such as Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) – to address any underlying substance abuse issues.
Combs Waterkotte has handled a multitude of DWI/DUI cases throughout the St. Louis area -- including first-time DWI/DUI offenders and those who caused an accident or injury while under the influence. We'll pursue every legal avenue available to eliminate the consequences of the DWI/DUI charges against you, or severely limit them. But if the evidence is stacked against you, or you made a terrible mistake you regret, we'll represent you in trial and work to get the best possible resolution for you, your loved ones, and your future.
If you’ve been charged with aggravated DWI in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri, call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with an expert aggravated DWI defense attorney. Don’t leave your future to chance. Hire Combs Waterkotte to protect your rights, reduce the charges, or avoid a conviction altogether.
See below for more information about Combs Waterkotte's DWI/DUI defense and types of cases:
- Celebrity and Public Official/High Profile DWI Cases
- DWI With Child Endangerment
- Unlawful Police Stops
- DWI Assault
- DWI Serious Injury
- DWI Resulting in Death
- Open Container Violations
- Boating While Intoxicated
- DWI/DUI
- Hit and Run DWI
- Felony DWI
- CDL DWIs
- DWI First Offense
- DWI Second Offense
- DWI Accidents
- DWI With Drugs
- DWI With Marijuana
