THE LAW OFFICE OF DENISE KIRBY        KANSAS CITY'S AWARD-WINNING DWI DEFENSE        816-221-3691

THE LAW OFFICE OF DENISE KIRBY
KANSAS CITY'S AWARD-WINNING DWI DEFENSE
816-221-3691

NOT AN ORDINARY CITY.
NOT AN ORDINARY ATTORNEY.

The DUI Process in Kansas City

DUI charges in Missouri will set off a process with the criminal courts and the Missouri Department of Revenue (MDR). These two DUI cases work independently of each other, with unique deadlines and potential penalties. Understanding how the DUI process works in Kansas City—and throughout the state of Missouri—can help you navigate it more successfully if you or a loved one is ever arrested for or accused of a DUI.

Arrested for DUI? Facing misdemeanor or felony DUI charges in Kansas City?
Call 816-221-3691 or email our firm for a confidential DUI consultation.

We can provide you with important answers about your rights and legal options, sharing the advice you need to take the right steps going forward.

Administrative DUI Process in Kansas City

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When traffic stops result in DUI arrests, the accused will typically get a Notice of Suspension/Revocation of Driving Privilege (Form 2385). This Notice will be provided by the police or the MDR. Once it has been issued, the accused will have 15 days to request a hearing with the Department of Revenue.

This hearing is the opportunity for the accused to defend themselves in the administrative DUI case. The outcome of the case will impact whether a driver’s license suspension and/or revocation will go into effect—or whether the accused gets to retain his or her license while the criminal case proceeds.

Failing to request or appear for the hearing will result in an automatic license suspension. So too will refusals to submit to chemical testing during the traffic stop.

Please be aware that:

  • The administrative hearing will move forward even if DUI charges are later dropped or dismissed.
  • Any license suspensions or revocations resulting from the administrative case will stand even if the case ends in an acquittal or dismissal later.

Criminal DUI Process in Kansas City

The criminal DUI case will go through the courts. It is the case in which the accused will face prosecutors and juries, with the possibility of jail or prison time if there’s a conviction in the case. Here’s how the criminal DUI process generally works in Kansas City, MO:

  1. The criminal DUI charges are filed: This can occur with or without an arrest. Similarly, DUI charges can be filed days after an arrest, which may be the case if prosecutors are waiting for the results of BAC tests from labs.

  2. The DUI arraignment occurs: The accused will be read the charges in court, before a judge, and (s)he will enter a plea to them during the arraignment. If a guilty plea is entered, the case will move forward to the sentencing phase. If a not guilty plea is entered, a date will be set for the DUI pretrial meeting

  3. The DUI pre-trial meeting occurs: This is a meeting between the judge, the defense, and the prosecutor. During this meeting, all parties explore options for resolving the case before trial. The defense often will look for opportunities to get dismissals, plead to lesser charges, or reduce the penalties at this phase. Prosecutors can be open to those options when they have little or questionable evidence (or when defense lawyers point out other problems with their cases).

  4. The DUI trial takes place: If the case cannot be resolved before trial, prosecutors and defense teams will litigate the DUI case before a judge and jury. During this phase, each side will present their evidence and make their arguments. The trial will end in a verdict of not guilty or guilty, based on the jury’s decision.

At every point in the DUI criminal process, having the representation of an experienced attorney is essential if you want the best chances of success and favorable resolutions. That’s because a DUI lawyer can:

  • Explain the defense options, gather the essential evidence, and build a strong case
  • Meet and talk to prosecutors to show them that you are a good person and that the charges and potential penalties don’t fit the circumstances (or potentially are unsupported by the available evidence)
  • Fiercely fight for you after an arrest and at every point thereafter, including when your case goes to court
  • Exhaust all opportunities to get you better resolutions

Navigate the DUI Process with a 5-Star Kansas City Lawyer: Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been accused of a DUI, the sooner you contact Kansas City DUI Lawyer Denise Kirby, the better. Backed by deep experience in DUI defense, Attorney Denise Kirby is highly effective at fighting misdemeanor and felony DUI charges—and she knows how to win in even the toughest cases.

The truth is that DUI laws and defense cases can be complicated—and you may only have one chance to defend yourself. Make sure you have the strongest possible DUI defense when it matters most. Make sure you have Kansas City DUI Lawyer Denise Kirby in your corner.

Call 816-221-3691 or email our firm for a confidential consultation and important answers about your rights and legal options.

Recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in DUI/DWI defense, Denise Kirby has the knowledge, strategies, and resources you can rely on for exceptional defense advocacy and client-focused service. She tailors her approach to the unique circumstances of every case, and she is diligent about achieving the best outcome possible, including dismissals, acquittals, and alternative sentencing.

Don’t gamble your future by facing DUI charges alone. Contact Kansas City Lawyer Denise Kirby now to get 5-star DUI defense that can set your case up for better resolutions.

What My Clients Say About Me

(current reviews)
  • ” 8 DUI's
    I am not proud of the number of DUI's I have had which is why I'm writing anonymously. I couldn't be more pleased with the results Denise negotiated for me. I had my license back in 1 year and only 2 days shock time. I do not say this to brag, but to show what an Amazing lawyer Denise is. I was afraid of going to jail, losing my job, my house.......my life. Whether it is your first or eighth offense, you want Denise Kirby fighting for you. She is professional and will work tirelessly to defend your rights. I believe her name and reputation precedes her in any court in Kansas City and surrounding areas. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
  • ” Amazing!
    When I got my DUI, I went to Denise and she was on top of her game! She helped me out big time my top DUI lawyer of choice!
  • ” Great Attorney!
    Denise gave me realistic expectations in our initial meeting, Then, she delivered better than expected results. I would recommend her to my friends or anyone!!!
  • ” Best Lawyer money can buy
    Searching for a DWI layer isn’t pretty, and it isn’t fun. Most will find it scary, having seen Denise’s reviews and her achievements I put faith and trust into her and reached out. Not once did I question my decision after getting in contact. Denise thoroughly laid the steps she would take and how the process should play out. Denise asked the necessary questions and responded in detail every day along the way. My case was not pretty nor was it an easy win (although she made it seem that way). I was pretty much caught red handed and took the wrong steps during my arrest. Denise won my refusal hearing and all charges including my DWI, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and careless driving were all dismissed. I mean it with all my being I owe her more than money. She saved my future literally and I could not have asked for better representation. A+++ . I will recommend her to family and friends if need be and I recommend if you’re reading this to trust your gut and Go with Denise.
  • ” Denise, the best lawyer in the game for a DUI.
    My DUI was in Kansas City, Missouri. The officer who pulled me over was higher up in the DUI Task Force, but my situation was suspicious from the beginning. I was told I had a light out in the back of my car when I did not and was forced to do a sobriety test with heels on. A personal reference took my case at first that was a lawyer who did not specialize in DUI law. They thought that fighting the charges would not be a good idea since I did eventually blow at the station. I felt deep down there was more that could be done due to the circumstances and I wanted to at least try and fight the charges. I did my research and found Denise from her fabulous reviews. After I reached out, she was quick to get back with me and was very eager to hear the details of my case. She was immediately willing to defend me, and the results were better than I could have ever expected. The complete process took a little over a year due to covid and the court pushing back hearing dates, but she was able to win my license hearing last Summer. I never lost my license or received a breathalyzer. Last month, my criminal case concerning my DUI was decided and Denise was able to get three tickets including my DUI charge dismissed and completely taken off my record. If you want a lawyer that will listen to you and fight to get the best possible outcome, Denise is the Lawyer for you!
  • ” Denise Kirby is a Great Lawyer
    Denise Kirby came very highly recommended to me and my case. As I was facing multiple felony charges including felony DUI and felony drug possession, her knowledge and experience proved to be paramount in getting the result we wanted. She was able to get both charges amended and I did not serve jail time. I suggest anyone who is facing serious charges in the KC area to contact Denise Kirby because she is a serious lawyer.
  • ” Can’t recommend enough.
    I spoke with several friend and family attorneys. Each time I walked away with the impression that all they could do is help with the filings and going through the motions of dealing with a DUI. Denise was the only person I spoke with that gave me confidence that my DUI was something we could beat, and that there would be as minimal interference with my life as possible.
    The longer I worked with Denise, the less stress I felt about my DUI. That alone was invaluable.
    Denise Kirby not only made the entire process as stress free as possible, but she was also able to get both charges brought against me dropped; a possibility I could never imagine with any of the other attorneys I’d spoken with.
  • ” Administrative hearing DWI charge amended
    Very easy to deal with. Listened to my concerns about my DWI charge, acted, and got the job done. Could not have asked for a better outcome! Thanks for everything done throughout this process and would recommend to anyone needing help of a truly horrible situation.
  • ” Absolutely Astonishing Performance!!
    Wow! Where to begin.... I made some bad decisions that could have potentially have huge impacts on my life and career. I was on 4th alcohol driving incident, with the last one causing damage to other people's property. I needed a lawyer who would mitigate the consequences so I could get back to leading a normal life. Denise was that lawyer.... From the initial consultation I felt that she truly did know what she was doing. She was upfront, honest and reassured me that she would do everything in her power to ensure that this did not completely ruin my life. The entire case drew out an entire year with Denise not backing down and using her professional acumen to ensure that I got the results that I felt comfortable with. End of that day, I got an SIS (record will be cleared of anything after probation). This is an amazing result considering my record and the accident that damaged another person property. Do not hesitate to hire her, she is skilled, caring, upfront, honest and she is the best at what she does.

My promise is simple:

I will do my best to get the result you desire

in your DWI case.

Denise Kirby

LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

(the stuff that makes you glad you didn’t go to law school)

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

All information provided by this site is general in nature and provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as legal advice, and should not be taken as such. I would have to know the specific facts and evidence in your particular case in order to give you legal advice. You should not draw conclusions about your case based solely on general sources of legal information. Instead, you should seek legal advice specific to your particular case.

The information on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments, and is not guaranteed to be correct or up-to-date. DWI law changes frequently, sometimes several times per year. While I work hard to stay very current with the law, that knowledge may not be reflected in my website (because…time).

The information on this website should not be taken as a promise or indication of future results.

Use of this website and/or transmission of information to and from this firm from this website and/or by email is not intended to create, and does not create, an attorney-client relationship. No attorney-client relationship is created with the firm absent an express agreement to create such a relationship. If you send me information before we have clearly established an attorney-client relationship, that information would not be subject to the attorney-client privilege and duty of confidentiality. At this time, routine email communications are not encrypted, a fact you should take into account in communicating highly sensitive or confidential matters.

Missouri does not license attorneys based on their legal practice area specializations. Neither the Missouri Supreme Court nor The Missouri Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. While my practice is devoted exclusively to DWI and criminal defense, and while I have developed substantial knowledge in the area, ethical rules do not permit use of the word "specialist" for criminal defense or DWI attorneys.

(816) 221-3691