David M. Lurie Criminal Defense Attorney
Call For A Free Consultation:
Kansas City: 816-221-5900 | Lee’s Summit: 816-525-1500
David M. Lurie Criminal Defense Attorney

Kansas City:
816-221-5900

Lee’s Summit:
816-525-1500

Experienced Criminal Defense Services Focused On Mitigation And Solutions

Can a first-time DWI charge be reduced in Kansas City?

Yes. A first-time DWI can often be reduced, amended, or resolved without a permanent conviction through a Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS). However, under Missouri’s 2026 legislation, an SIS now strictly requires a minimum of two years of probation. 

An arrest does not guarantee a conviction. Whether your stop occurred near Arrowhead Stadium or on I-70, we heavily scrutinize the officer’s probable cause, field sobriety testing conditions, and breath-testing calibration records to negotiate the best possible outcome. 

Missouri DWI Charges (RSMo § 577.010):

  • Driving While Intoxicated: Operating a vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. 
  • DWI Causing Physical Injury: Acting with criminal negligence to cause physical injury while driving intoxicated. 
  • DWI Causing Serious Physical Injury: Acting with criminal negligence to cause serious physical injury while driving intoxicated. 

2026 Law Update (HB 1740): Penalties are now significantly harsher. Ignition interlock devices are mandatory for restricted driving privileges and license reinstatement if your BAC was 0.15% or higher, or if the case involved property damage or personal injury. 

Does a first-time DWI require an ignition interlock device?

Not always. Under Missouri’s 2026 HB 1740 laws, an ignition interlock device is not required for a standard first-time DWI below a 0.15% BAC if no injury or property damage occurred. It becomes mandatory if your BAC was 0.15% or higher, or if an accident occurred. 

Can I drive during the 15-day window after my arrest?

Yes. The Notice of Suspension/Revocation form issued by the arresting officer acts as a temporary 15-day driving permit. If you request a Department of Revenue hearing before those 15 days expire, your driving privileges are typically extended until an administrative judge rules on your case. 

What if I live out of state but got a DWI visiting Kansas City?

Missouri can suspend your driving privileges, and your home state will likely honor that suspension. If you received a DWI while visiting Westport, the Power & Light District, or Arrowhead Stadium, contact us within 15 days to protect your home-state license. In many cases, we can handle your Jackson County Circuit Court or Kansas City Municipal Court appearances so you do not have to travel back. 

How do I get my license back after multiple DWI suspensions?

Reinstating driving privileges after multiple alcohol-related actions requires fulfilling specific Department of Revenue mandates, including SATOP, SR-22 insurance, and filing a circuit-court petition. 

Time alone will not restore your license, whether you face a 5-year denial, a 10-year denial, or a chemical revocation. My firm helps clients pull their Missouri driving records, fulfill reinstatement requirements, and litigate circuit-court petitions. Under new 2026 laws, Missouri courts can now order repeat offenders to use continuous alcohol monitoring or verifiable breath testing at least four times per day. 

Responsible Attorney: David M. Lurie Principal Office: 1100 Walnut St., Suite #2940, Kansas City, MO 64106 

Mandatory Disclaimer: “The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. This page provides general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.”