If we just finished our initial consultation, you are likely processing the weight of a very serious situation. We covered a massive amount of ground—from the “companion” charges that led to your stop to the complex hoops the state makes you jump through to keep your license.
You hired me to handle the heavy lifting of your case, but there are still a few time-sensitive steps you need to take care of on your end. This post is a quick recap of the things we discussed so you have everything in one place while I get to work.
1. The 15-Day Permit & The 30-Day Refusal Window for your driving privilege
The paperwork the officer handed /or not handed you is the most important thing in your possession right now. Do not assume you have 30 days to act on everything.
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The Administrative Track (You Blew .08 or Higher): You were likely handed Notice of Suspension Form 2385. You have 15 days from the date of that notice to request an administrative hearing. This request secures a temporary driving permit so you can stay on the road while we fight the Department of Revenue.
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The Refusal Track (You Refused the Test): You were likely handed Notice of Suspension Form 4323 (or maybe not if they took blood), which also includes a 15-day temporary permit. However, under Missouri Statute 577.041, we actually have 30 days to file a Petition for Review 577.041 in the circuit court. Filing this is the only way to challenge the refusal, protect your driving privilege, and ask for a stay to keep driving until the refusal case is over.
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Permit vs. Stay: It is important to remember that requesting a hearing is not a “stay” of your suspension. Instead, you are issued a temporary driving permit that allows you to remain on the road while we wait for the hearing or the administrative decision.
2. Ct. costs, fines, SATOP and other classes or supervision (Separate from Attorney Fees)
Understanding exactly where your financial obligations lie is critical.
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Court Costs & Fines: These are paid directly to the court. They include the fines for your hopefully reduced non-moving charges (the reason you were stopped), the costs of the arrest, and specific DWI court costs.
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SATOP (Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program): This is a state requirement, not a court fine. The $375 state-mandated assessment fee is simply to get you in the door for your screening.
3. The SR 22/interlock “SCAM” mail
Within days of your arrest, your mailbox will fill up with letters that look like official government documents. Some of these will appear to be from “official” agencies telling you that you are required to get an SR-22 insurance filing immediately.
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The Truth: An SR-22 filing or interlock is not required until we actually lose the hearing or the court case. Filing it too early is a mistake—it can trigger an unnecessary insurance rate hike or even a policy cancellation. If a piece of mail looks “official” but is asking for money for insurance filings, bring it to me first.
4. Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements
For a true first-offense DWI (meaning you have zero prior alcohol-related contacts on your record), an Ignition Interlock Device is normally not required. However, if you have a prior administrative suspension or refusal from years ago—even if you weren’t convicted—the Department of Revenue views this as a second “contact,” which changes the requirements. We will verify your record together to ensure you aren’t being pressured into an unnecessary installation.
5. Your “Plastic” vs. Your “Privilege”
Finally, remember that your plastic driver’s license is just a piece of ID right now. Your actual legal privilege to drive is currently tied to that paper permit the officer gave you (Form 2385 or 4323). Keep that paper with you whenever you are behind the wheel.
Additional paperwork will be sent from the DOR to the address listed on your driver’s license. If you have moved and haven’t updated the DOR, you will not receive the paperwork and will be driving illegally without knowing it. To officially change your address with the DOR, you must visit a drivers license office in person.
Furthermore, DO NOT get a non-driver State ID while your case is pending. Under the Real ID Act, obtaining a state ID effectively forfeits your Missouri driving privilege. If you do this, you will be forced to retake your written and driving tests from scratch to get your license back later.