Combs Waterkotte is the Leading DUI/DWI Law Firm in Missouri.

Vehicular homicide, also known as involuntary manslaughter, occurs when a person unintentionally causes the death of another while operating a vehicle, typically due to reckless or negligent driving. This can include driving under the influence, speeding, or violating traffic laws. Although the act isn't intentional, it carries serious legal consequences, including potential prison time and license suspension.

DWI car accidents involve operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing a collision. These incidents can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on any resulting injuries or deaths. Penalties often include fines, license suspension, mandatory education programs, and possible jail or prison time.

DWI motorcycle accidents occur when a person operates a motorcycle while impaired by alcohol or drugs and is involved in a crash, possibly injuring a passenger or other person. Motorcycle operators face the same legal consequences as drivers of other vehicles, including potential license suspension, fines, and incarceration, with added scrutiny due to the higher risks associated with motorcycles.

DWI truck and CDL accidents happen when a commercial driver operates a vehicle under the influence, violating both state law and federal regulations. Because of the strict standards for commercial licenses, the legal limit is much lower for truck drivers, and these cases often result in severe penalties, including disqualification of the CDL, loss of employment, substantial fines, and potential imprisonment.

A felony DWI or persistent offender case arises when an individual has multiple prior DWI convictions or aggravating circumstances that elevate the offense to a felony level. Felony DWI charges can lead to lengthy prison sentences, extensive fines, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and permanent loss of driving privileges.

Leaving the scene of a DWI accident involves fleeing after causing or being involved in a crash while impaired. This offense can lead to additional criminal charges beyond the underlying DWI, including hit-and-run allegations, resulting in harsher penalties such as increased jail time, longer license suspensions, and higher fines. If the accident caused an injury or death, the penalties are even more severe.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license occurs when a person operates a vehicle after their driving privileges have been restricted, often due to a prior DWI conviction. This offense can lead to enhanced penalties, including extended suspension periods, higher fines, and possible jail sentences, particularly if combined with new DWI charges.

In Missouri, drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with underage DWI if they are found operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. The state’s “zero tolerance” law imposes penalties such as license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential criminal charges, even for first-time offenders.

A DWI resulting in death can lead to serious felony charges in Missouri, including involuntary manslaughter or second-degree murder depending on the circumstances. Convictions may carry lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, permanent license revocation, and long-term consequences beyond the criminal case, such as civil liability.

Aggravated DWI in Missouri refers to cases involving particularly severe circumstances, such as high BAC levels, multiple prior DWI convictions, or causing injury. An aggravated DWI charge can result in enhanced penalties, including longer prison terms, extended license suspensions, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and classification as a persistent or chronic offender.