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What Are Limited Driving Privileges in Missouri?
Limited driving privileges (LDP) in Missouri allow low-risk or first-time offenders to regain some freedom to drive, typically for essential purposes like work, medical appointments, or court obligations. According to Missouri statute 302.309 RSMo, eligible individuals may petition for an LDP, often following an administrative hearing. Having an experienced DWI/DUI defense attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing an LDP. Contact the Combs Waterkotte team today to learn more about how we can assist you.
You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your future.
Why Would You Get Limited Driving Privileges in St. Louis?
Limited driving privileges allow individuals with a revoked or suspended license to drive under specific circumstances. If, for example, you use implied consent refusal after being pulled over, your license can be revoked. LDP allows you to petition for limited privileges. Usually, reasons for getting LDP include:
- Going to Work: Employment is one of the most prominent reasons you'd be granted an LDP. This primarily driving as part of your job (driving for a ride-share company, commuting to and from work, driving a company vehicle, etc.), and maintaining gainful employment while your license is suspended.
- Education: If you are enrolled in any sort of class or need to shuttle any dependants to and from school, LDPs allow you to attend school-related activities.
- Medical Appointments: Necessary medical treatments for you or any dependants. This includes therapy, regular doctor's visits, picking up a prescription, or other medical situations where an LDP is required.
- Court-Ordered obligations: There may be times when you're required to go to court or attend a court-ordered program. This could be an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting, community service, therapy, or other court ordered activities.
- Family Responsibilities: Taking your kids to school, daycare, soccer practice, or driving a family member may also be allowed with an LDP.
- Essential Activities: Buying groceries, going to church, getting a tire changed, and other activities deemed essential are included under a limited license based on various conditions.
An important note about LDPs is that they usually do not permit recreational activities. Going to the gym, driving to the beach for a vacation, or cruising could violate and complicate whatever traffic or DWI/DUI case you may be facing. It may be more difficult to get an LDP if you have prior DWI/DUI convictions or utilized the aforementioned implied consent refusal right multiple times.
Do I Need a Missouri DWI/DUI Lawyer to Get an LDP?
While you can apply for an LDP in Missouri without a defense attorney or any legal help, experienced representation can make a huge difference in the process. You will have to submit an application to the Missouri Department of Revenue or file a petition with whichever circuit court applies to where you live or work. You may also be required to use an ignition interlock device (IID). These require you to blow to test alcohol levels for your car to start. For more information about whether to blow or not to blow, check out our free ebook.
An experienced DWI/DUI lawyer in St. Louis can:
- Help You Through the Process: LDPs involve specific forms, deadlines, and other criteria that can be overwhelming. Submitting the proper paperwork is paramount for getting an LDP.
- Advocating for Your Case: You'll want a lawyer by your side if there are potential criminal charges or if you refused a chemical test. An LDP may be out of the question if you've had multiple incidents.
- Preventing Additional Consequences: If the application process is mishandled or you are denied, you could face complications. A DWI/DUI attorney will make sure the paperwork is done right the first time.
- Finalizing Needs vs. Wants: It's important to tailor your LDP to your needs. Do you need to drop the kids off, travel for work, go to a medical appointment, take someone else to an appointment? It's important to cover your essential travel needs.
An LDP is almost impossible to get without requesting an administrative hearing after your license has been revoked. After an initial arrest and the failure to request an administrative hearing, you may be up against:
- Automatic Suspension or Revocation of Your License
- Impact on Work and Day-to-Day Life
- Increased Penalties if Convicted
- Items Added to Your Permanent Record
- Insurance Rate Spikes
Our team at Combs Waterkotte is here to help you navigate these situations. We offer free consultations and can be contacted online or call direct at (314) 900-HELP.
DWI/DUI Attorneys in Missouri
Our firm offers complete transparency at no cost. It's our mission to help you out of these overwhelming situations. For more information, browse the links below:
- DWI Diversion
- DWI Breath and Blood Tests
- DWI Field Sobriety Tests
- Limited Driving Privileges With a DWI
- DWI License Restoration
- Hit and Run DWI
- Felony DWI
- CDL DWIs
- DWI First Offense
- DWI Second Offense
- DWI Accidents
- DWI With Drugs
- DWI With Marijuana
Whether you've been charged or convicted of multiple DWI/DUIs, have a mountain of speeding and parking tickets, or were involved in a collision, we are here to hear you out and help.
