FIRST-TIME DUI OFFENSE: WHAT TO EXPECT

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Kansas or Missouri and it’s your first offense, you may be feeling scared, confused, and unsure of what happens next. Will you lose your license? Go to jail? Have a permanent criminal record?

The good news is that many people successfully navigate a first-time DUI charge with the help of a qualified attorney. While DUI is a serious offense, it does not have to define your future. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you can expect after a first-time DUI arrest and how to protect yourself moving forward.

WHAT IS A DUI IN KANSAS AND MISSOURI?

In both states, you can be charged with DUI (Kansas) or DWI (Missouri) if you operate a vehicle:

With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
While under the influence of drugs or a combination of alcohol and drugs
If you are under 21, a BAC of just 0.02% can result in DUI charges

Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged if law enforcement believes you were impaired and unable to safely operate a vehicle.

WHAT HAPPENS RIGHT AFTER THE ARREST?

Once arrested for DUI, you can expect the following to occur:

You’ll be taken to the police station and asked to take a breath, blood, or urine test
You may be booked, fingerprinted, and held in custody until bail is posted
Your driver’s license may be confiscated, and a temporary permit issued
You’ll receive a court date to face criminal charges

It’s critical to contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to begin protecting your rights.

LICENSE SUSPENSION AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING

In addition to the criminal case, there is a separate administrative process that can result in your license being suspended—even if you are not convicted in court.

You typically have just 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing
Failure to request a hearing means automatic license suspension
The hearing focuses solely on whether the arresting officer had legal grounds and whether you failed or refused a chemical test

A skilled attorney can request this hearing and argue for the return of your driving privileges.

PENALTIES FOR A FIRST-TIME DUI

Although a first-time DUI is usually a misdemeanor, the penalties can still be significant:

Kansas

Jail time: 48 hours to 6 months
Fine: $750 to $1,000
License suspension: 30 days, followed by 330 days of restricted driving
Ignition interlock device (IID): Required after license reinstatement
Alcohol evaluation and treatment: If ordered by the court

Missouri

Jail time: Up to 6 months
Fine: Up to $1,000
License suspension: 90 days (eligible for restricted driving after 30 days)
IID: May be required, especially with high BAC
SATOP: Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program required

COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES

Beyond court penalties, a DUI can impact other parts of your life:

Employment: Especially if your job requires driving or a clean record
Auto insurance: Premiums may increase significantly
Reputation: Public records of a DUI arrest can affect personal relationships and future opportunities

POSSIBLE DEFENSE STRATEGIES

Just because you were charged doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. A criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and explore possible defenses such as:

Illegal traffic stop (no probable cause)
Improper administration of field sobriety or chemical tests
Faulty or uncalibrated breathalyzer
Medical conditions affecting BAC results
Police error or procedural violations

In many cases, a lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charge to reckless driving or secure a diversion program to avoid a conviction altogether.

CAN A FIRST-TIME DUI BE EXPUNGED?

Yes, in Kansas, you may be eligible to expunge a first-time DUI—but only after a 10-year waiting period and if you have no other convictions. Missouri offers more limited expungement opportunities for DUI, but eligibility depends on various factors.

Consult with your attorney about your long-term goals and whether expungement is an option for your case.

HOW A DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY CAN HELP

Trying to handle a DUI case on your own is risky. A DUI attorney can:

Request and represent you in your license suspension hearing
Review body cam footage, arrest reports, and lab results
Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
Negotiate with the court for reduced charges or penalties
Guide you through treatment or diversion programs

An attorney can often help minimize the damage and, in some cases, help you avoid a conviction entirely.

HOW KITCHIN LAW FIRM CAN HELP YOU

Facing a first-time DUI charge can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Kitchin Law Firm, we specialize in defending individuals accused of DUI offenses in both Kansas and Missouri. Our team understands the stress, uncertainty, and fear that comes with an arrest—and we’re here to help you regain control of the situation.

From the moment you contact us, Kitchin Law Firm works quickly to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome. Whether it’s fighting to keep your license, negotiating for reduced charges, or exploring options like diversion or expungement, we stand by your side every step of the way. Let us help you move forward with confidence.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A first-time DUI doesn’t have to ruin your life—but how you respond matters. The steps you take after your arrest will determine the outcome of your case and the long-term impact on your record.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Kansas or Missouri, contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer immediately. They can help you navigate the process, fight the charges, and work toward the best possible outcome for your future.