DUI Attorney Kansas City

Yes, you can legally refuse a breathalyzer test in Missouri. However, doing so triggers an automatic administrative license suspension under Missouri’s implied consent law. This suspension can last up to one year, even if you’re not ultimately convicted.

Our firm can help you challenge this suspension through a separate administrative hearing. If you’re stopped by police, it’s important to remain calm and cooperative. The roadside is not the place to dispute the stop. Let us take that fight to the courtroom, where your legal rights and defenses can be properly argued.

Yes. Breathalyzer tests are not infallible. Medical conditions, improper calibration, or errors in administering the test can lead to inaccurate readings. We investigate how the breathalyzer test was performed to determine whether there was an issue with the procedure or equipment.

Not necessarily. A DUI arrest initiates two processes: a criminal case and an administrative action against your license. You may be eligible for a restricted driving privilege (RDP), and in many cases, we can challenge the suspension entirely. Swift action is key to protecting your driving rights. If you need a DUI attorney in Kansas City, The Watt & Young Law Firm is ready to step up to the plate.

Yes, you can be arrested for a DUI even if you weren’t pulled over. Missouri’s law allows for DUI arrests if a driver is found in control of a vehicle while impaired—whether it’s parked or in motion. If you’re sleeping in your car while intoxicated or found in the driver’s seat, you could still face DUI charges.

Having a child passenger under the age of 17 in the vehicle at the time of a DUI offense can increase the severity of your charges. In Missouri, DUI with a child passenger is considered child endangerment and can result in felony charges, even for a first offense. The penalties for child endangerment with a DUI conviction are more severe, including possible jail time, fines, and additional mandatory classes or counseling.

First and second DUI offenses are usually charged as misdemeanors. However, if you have multiple prior convictions, have caused injury or death, or had a minor in the vehicle, the charges can escalate to a felony. Felony DUI convictions carry steeper penalties, including longer license revocation periods and prison time.

In Missouri, DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are often used interchangeably. DWI refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination, while DUI is a broader term that describes impaired driving regardless of the substance. In Missouri, both terms carry the same legal implications, and both offenses are treated seriously.

Immediately. You only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing to challenge your license suspension. Early legal intervention also allows us to review evidence, preserve key records (like dashcam footage), and build a strong defense strategy. Waiting can severely limit your options and affect the outcome of your case.