Being charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Missouri can be stressful and confusing. Many people are unsure whether they need an attorney right away or if they should wait until after their court date. The truth is, hiring a DWI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights, your driver’s license, and your future.
In Missouri, the legal process following a DWI arrest begins immediately. You could face both criminal charges and an administrative license suspension. The administrative process with the Missouri Department of Revenue has strict deadlines, and failing to take action quickly could result in the automatic suspension of your driving privileges, even before your court case begins.
By hiring an attorney early, you give yourself the best chance to preserve evidence, challenge the license suspension, and begin building a strong defense. The sooner a lawyer can review your case, the more options you will have for protecting your rights and your record.
Although every DWI case is serious, there are certain situations where having an experienced attorney is especially critical. You should contact a DWI defense lawyer right away if:
In each of these scenarios, the consequences can be severe, including jail time, high fines, and long-term loss of driving privileges. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explain what to expect, and work to minimize the impact on your life.
Even a first-time DWI conviction in Missouri can carry serious penalties. You may face license suspension, probation, mandatory alcohol education, increased insurance rates, and a permanent criminal record. Repeat offenses come with harsher penalties, including longer suspensions, higher fines, and possible jail time.
Beyond legal penalties, a DWI can affect your employment, professional licensing, and personal reputation. It can also create financial strain due to court costs, reinstatement fees, and higher insurance premiums. Hiring an attorney early in the process can help you avoid mistakes that could make these consequences worse.
When you’re facing a DWI charge, experience matters. Attorney Denise Kirby has built a reputation as one of Missouri’s leading DWI defense lawyers. She has practiced law in Kansas City since graduating from Georgetown University Law Center in 1994 and is recognized by her peers as one of the few “Super Lawyers” in the field of DUI/DWI defense in both Missouri and Kansas.
Denise Kirby serves as President of the Missouri DWI Defense Institute and the Missouri Society for Criminal Justice, organizations dedicated to advancing the science and practice of DWI defense. She also co-chairs the Missouri DWI Institute Summer Series, a training program that teaches other attorneys how to defend DWI cases effectively. Her extensive knowledge and leadership in this area make her uniquely qualified to handle complex DWI cases.
Clients choose Denise Kirby because she combines skill, compassion, and a deep understanding of both the law and the science behind DWI cases. She knows how to question the reliability of breath and blood tests, identify procedural errors, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Most importantly, she is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for every client she represents.
If you have been charged with a DWI in Missouri, the steps you take next are critical. Here are some key actions to protect your case:
Taking these steps early on can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you are fully prepared for what comes next in the legal process.
A DWI charge does not have to define your future. With the right legal guidance, it may be possible to reduce your charges, protect your driver’s license, or even have your case dismissed. At the Law Office of Denise Kirby, we understand how stressful a DWI arrest can be and how important it is to take swift action.
Whether this is your first offense or you have prior DWI convictions, you deserve an attorney who will take your case seriously and fight for your rights. To discuss your situation with a knowledgeable and trusted defense lawyer, contact us today. We are ready to help you take control of your case and move forward with confidence.