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Timeline Overview of a Missouri DWI Case
A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) case in Missouri can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to resolve, depending on the circumstances. While some first-time offenses move quickly, other cases—especially those involving contested charges, repeat offenses, or administrative complications—may stretch into a longer process.
Understanding the typical timeline for a Missouri DWI case helps set realistic expectations. Every case begins with an arrest, which triggers both an administrative process (usually related to license suspension) and a criminal court process (related to the actual DWI charge). These two tracks may move at different speeds but often overlap.
After arrest, most individuals receive a court date within 30–60 days for their arraignment, which is the formal reading of charges. The entire court process, from arraignment to resolution (either plea deal, trial, or dismissal), usually takes 2 to 6 months for a first offense. More complex cases may take 9 to 12 months or longer, especially if there are legal challenges or evidence disputes.
It’s important to remember that during this period, certain license penalties can begin immediately, even before the court case is resolved. Knowing how both the administrative and criminal timelines unfold gives Missouri drivers a full picture of what to expect after a DWI arrest.
Step 1: The First Few Days After Arrest
The first days after a DWI arrest in Missouri are often the most confusing. Once a driver is taken into custody, several things happen quickly:
- Chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) is administered
- The driver is booked and may be released on bond or personal recognizance
- If the BAC is 0.08% or higher—or if the driver refuses testing—a Notice of Suspension is issued
This notice allows the driver to continue operating a vehicle for 15 days before their license is suspended. If they wish to challenge the suspension, they must request an administrative hearing within that window.
In parallel, the arrest report is forwarded to the prosecutor’s office, which begins reviewing the case to decide whether to file formal criminal charges. This typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the jurisdiction.
Within this early stage, the timeline is already split between two tracks:
- The criminal case, which starts once charges are filed
- The administrative process, which begins immediately with the Notice of Suspension
Both of these timelines begin unfolding from the moment of arrest, and they each have their own deadlines and milestones.
Step 2: Arraignment and Plea Entry (30–60 Days After Arrest)
The next major step in a Missouri DWI case is the arraignment, which usually occurs within 30 to 60 days of arrest. At this court hearing:
- The charges are formally read
- The defendant enters a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest
- The judge may discuss bond conditions or pre-trial restrictions
In most cases, individuals enter a not guilty plea at this stage to give their legal team time to review the evidence and explore possible defense strategies. Entering a not guilty plea does not lock the case into a trial—it simply preserves the opportunity to challenge the charges or negotiate a plea.
Once the plea is entered, the court schedules pre-trial hearings, where evidence is exchanged and motions may be filed. The length of this phase varies but typically lasts several weeks.
This part of the timeline is where negotiation, strategy, and legal review take place. It sets the tone for how the rest of the case will proceed—either toward resolution or trial.
Step 3: Pre-Trial Phase and Negotiations (1–3 Months)
The pre-trial phase of a DWI case in Missouri is often the most active in terms of behind-the-scenes legal work. During this time, both the defense and the prosecution gather and share evidence, which may include:
- Police reports
- Field sobriety test results
- BAC or chemical test results
- Dashcam or bodycam footage
- Witness statements
If there are any legal issues—such as questionable traffic stops, unreliable test results, or procedural mistakes—defense attorneys may file motions to suppress evidence.
It’s also common during this phase for plea negotiations to take place. Prosecutors may offer to reduce the charge (such as from DWI to reckless driving) in exchange for a guilty plea, especially if the driver has no prior offenses.
Most DWI cases in Missouri are resolved during this stage, often within 1 to 3 months after arraignment. However, if the case involves contested evidence or if plea discussions fail, the timeline can extend.
Step 4: Trial (If Needed – 3–9 Months or Longer)
If a DWI case in Missouri does not resolve through plea or dismissal, it proceeds to trial. This adds several more months to the timeline, particularly if the court’s docket is full or the case requires extensive preparation.
Trials in DWI cases can be either bench trials (heard by a judge) or jury trials. While most first-offense cases settle before trial, some situations warrant a full legal contest, including:
- Disputed BAC results
- Alleged improper police conduct
- Repeat offenses with serious consequences
- Accidents involving injury
Trials involve formal presentation of evidence, testimony from officers and witnesses, and legal arguments from both sides. Verdicts are typically delivered on the same day, but sentencing may be scheduled for a later date.
From arrest to trial conclusion, the full process may take anywhere from 3 to 9 months, and in rare cases, over a year.
Step 5: Administrative Suspension Timeline
Separate from the criminal court timeline is the administrative process managed by the Missouri Department of Revenue. This affects the driver’s license status and follows its own schedule:
- BAC of 0.08% or higher: 90-day suspension (eligible for restricted license after 30 days)
- Refusal to test: 1-year revocation (no restricted license for the first 90 days)
Drivers have 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to contest the suspension. If they do not request a hearing, the suspension begins automatically at the end of that 15-day window.
In many cases, license consequences take effect before the court case is resolved. Even if a driver is not yet convicted, they may already be serving an administrative suspension.
This dual timeline can be confusing but is a key part of how Missouri handles impaired driving cases. Both processes must be addressed separately and according to their own rules.
Factors That Can Speed Up or Delay a DWI Case
While the average DWI case in Missouri takes 2 to 6 months, several factors can affect the speed of the process:
Faster timelines may occur when:
- The driver pleads guilty at arraignment
- The case involves a diversion or first-offense program
- There is clear and uncontested evidence
Delays may result from:
- Disputes over legality of the traffic stop or testing
- Backlogs in the court schedule
- Motions requiring additional hearings
- Cases involving injury, high BAC, or prior offenses
- Trial scheduling issues
Each case is unique, and even seemingly simple DWI arrests can involve unexpected delays or complications. The more complex the evidence—or the higher the stakes—the longer the timeline may stretch.
FAQ About DWI Case Timelines in Missouri
How long does a first-time DWI case usually take in Missouri?
Most first-time cases are resolved in 2 to 6 months, especially if there are no complications or prior offenses.
Can I drive while my DWI case is pending?
Yes, but only for 15 days after arrest unless you request a hearing or obtain a restricted license.
What if my case goes to trial?
If your case goes to trial, expect the timeline to extend by several months—potentially 6 to 12 months total.
Can the case be resolved faster if I plead guilty?
Yes. Pleading guilty at or shortly after arraignment can lead to immediate sentencing and a shorter overall process.
Will my license be suspended before court?
Possibly. Administrative license suspensions can begin before the court case is completed.
How do I know if I’m eligible for a restricted license?
Eligibility depends on your offense, BAC level, and whether you refused testing. Most first-time offenders qualify after 30 days.
Does hiring a lawyer affect the timeline?
Yes. A lawyer may identify legal issues that delay the case or negotiate faster resolutions depending on the strategy.
Conclusion
The length of a DWI case in Missouri depends on a mix of legal, procedural, and administrative factors. While most first-time cases resolve within a few months, more complex situations can take up to a year or more. Knowing what to expect at each stage—from arrest and arraignment to potential trial—can help you prepare for the road ahead.
For a detailed breakdown of Missouri’s full DWI timeline, visit our guide on DUI process and timeline. To explore how long each part of a case typically takes, read how long a DUI case typically takes.