Category: DUI Case

DOES AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE AFFECT MY MISSOURI DUI CASE?

August 16, 2025

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device and How Does It Affect My Missouri DUI Case?

If you’ve been arrested for DUI/DWI in Missouri, one of the conditions for keeping or regaining your driver’s license may be installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle.

This small device has a big impact, it can mean the difference between being able to drive and being stuck on the sidelines for months or years.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Missouri DUI and DWI defense lawyers in Kansas City help clients navigate Missouri’s DUI laws, including the IID requirement, so they can get back on the road legally and quickly.

WHAT IS AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE?

An Ignition Interlock Device, or IID, is a breath-testing unit installed in your car that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.

Here’s how it works:

Before starting your car: You must blow into the device. If your BAC is above the preset limit (usually 0.025%), the engine won’t start.

Rolling retests: While driving, you may be prompted to blow into the device again to ensure you haven’t consumed alcohol after starting the car.

Data recording: The IID logs every test, pass/fail result, and any attempt to tamper with the system. This data is reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue and sometimes the court.

WHEN IS AN IDD REQUIRED IN MISSOURI?

Missouri law may require an IID for:

First-time DUI offenders seeking Limited Driving Privileges (LDP) during suspension
Refusal cases (refusing a breath/blood test) when applying for LDP
Repeat DUI offenders
High BAC offenders (0.15% or above)
Cases where the court orders IID as a condition of probation

The length of the IID requirement depends on your offense and history, anywhere from 6 months to several years.

HOW LONG WILL HAVE TO USE AN IID?

Typical timelines:

First Offense DUI/DWI: 6 months to 1 year

Refusal or Repeat Offenses: 1 to 2 years (sometimes longer)

Serious Cases: Can extend up to 5 years in rare situations

HOW MUCH DOES AN IDD COST AND DOES THE STATE OF MISSOURI PAY FOR IT?

Unfortunately, the costs are entirely your responsibility and usually include:

Installation fee ($75–$150)
Monthly rental fee ($60–$90)
Calibration and maintenance costs

Over a year, IID costs can add up to $1,000 or more — one of the many reasons fighting a DUI charge early is so important.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU VIOLATE IID RULES IN MISSOURI?

Violations can include:

Attempting to start your car after drinking
Missing rolling retests
Tampering with the device
Failing to report for scheduled calibration

Penalties for violations can include:

Extension of your IID period
License suspension or revocation
Probation violations and possible jail time

HOW AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY DUI/DWI ATTORNEY CAN HELP

If you’re facing DUI/DWI charges in Missouri, call KC Defense Counsel immediately. Our skilled and affordable Kansas City DUI lawyers can:

Fight to avoid an IID requirement altogether by challenging your DUI case
Help you apply for Limited Driving Privileges as soon as possible
Guide you through compliance so you don’t risk losing your driving rights
Defend you against alleged IID violations

CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL AND LET US BEGIN BUILDING YOUR DEFENSE

An IID may be better than not driving at all, but it’s still expensive, restrictive, and embarrassing. With the right defense strategy, you may be able to avoid it entirely.

If you’re facing criminal DUI charges in Missouri, don’t leave your future to chance. The stakes are too high and the legal system too complex — to navigate alone. An experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a conviction and a second chance.

At KC Defense Counsel, we bring the knowledge, strategy, and relentless advocacy you need to protect your rights and your freedom.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.

What Is the Average Settlement for A Drunk Driver Case? – Guest Post

October 23, 2023

Accidents caused by drunk drivers are not just statistics; they are actual tragedies that have a huge impact on many lives. Such accidents can leave victims dealing with injuries, property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, which can make recovery from them incredibly difficult. A fair settlement is frequently a lifeline for victims, but due to the complexity of these cases, figuring out the typical settlement is a difficult task.

The sheer complexity of these cases defies simple classification, even though an “average” settlement in drunk driving accident cases may be intriguing. Each case has its own set of factors, difficulties, and emotions, making it as unique as the people involved. Securing a settlement that fairly compensates victims for their injuries, losses, and suffering is crucial in a drunk driving accident.

The Role of Legal Counsel in Drunk Driving Accident Settlements

Average settlement for DWI case caused by drunk drivers is crucially dependent on legal counsel. Lawyers are more than just legal professionals; they are also defenders, mediators, investigators, and sources of emotional support. Making sure their client’s rights are upheld and they receive the just compensation is their main duty. Lawyers assist in navigating the complex web of:

Liability
Insurance claims
Medical expenses
Legal processes

Their knowledge of the nuances of the legal system, insurance policies, and the strategies used by insurance companies makes them frequently the key to obtaining a fair settlement.

Challenges in Determining an Average Settlement

Determining an average settlement amount is difficult due to the complexity of settlements for drunk driving accidents. Because every case is different, there can be a wide range of factors at play. Different insurance policies, attorneys, and juries can result in dramatically different settlement amounts, even in cases with comparable injuries and circumstances. In these situations, there is not a single, universal solution.

Beyond just physical harm, drunk driving accidents frequently result in emotional and psychological trauma. These subjective emotional factors can have a big impact on the settlement. It can be difficult to put a dollar value on suffering, fear, post-traumatic stress, and other emotional effects.

The Factors Affecting Settlements for Drunk Driving Accidents

Injury Amount

The severity of the injuries is a key factor in determining the settlement sum. While severe injuries with long-term effects frequently result in significantly higher compensation, minor injuries may yield a lower settlement.

Medical Costs

Exorbitant medical expenses may be incurred in treating injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident. The settlement amount for these costs should be higher the more extensive the medical bills.

Property Damage

Settlements take into account property damage to vehicles and personal property in addition to injuries. If the accident causes significant damage, it will be taken into account when determining the award.

Lost Wages

Due to time away from work, injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident frequently result in lost wages. An important factor in determining the settlement amount is the amount of lost income.

Suffering and Pain

A drunk driving accident takes a heavy emotional and psychological toll. Despite being difficult to measure, pain and suffering are taken into account when calculating the settlement. The settlement amount may be higher the more severe the emotional impact.

Fault and Liability

It is crucial to determine who was at fault for the accident. The settlement may be higher if it is obvious that the drunk driver was solely to blame. The settlement amount may be modified in cases of shared liability.

Insurance Policy Limits

There are coverage limits in insurance policies that set a maximum amount that can be claimed. The potential settlement amount may be constrained if the drunk driver only has minimal insurance coverage.

Several Parties

Accidents involving drunk driving occasionally involve multiple parties, which complicates liability issues and settlement negotiations. The final settlement may vary depending on the number of parties involved and their insurance policies.

Pre-Existing Conditions

The evaluation of injuries and associated medical costs can be made more difficult by pre-existing medical conditions. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist in separating injuries related to the accident from those linked to pre-existing conditions.

Negotiation Techniques

The victim’s lawyer’s negotiation skills can have a significant impact on the Average settlement for DWI case. Attorneys with experience know how to fight for their clients’ rights and obtain the best result.

Future healthcare expenses

Future medical costs must be taken into account in cases involving long-term or permanent injuries. In order to estimate these future costs and factor them into the settlement amount, legal counsel consults with medical experts.

Why You Should Never Self-Represent In a DUI Case – Guest Post

August 14, 2023 (updated October 5, 2024)

Getting a DUI charge can have a significant impact on your life. A conviction can lead to jail time, hefty fines, license suspension, and other unpleasant consequences. If you’re facing a DUI charge, it might be tempting to represent yourself in court to save money. However, this can be a grave mistake that could cost you more in the long run. In this article, we’ll explore the risks of self-representation in a DUI case and why it’s always better to hire a DUI defense lawyer.

Lack of Legal Knowledge and Expertise

The DUI law is complicated and varies from state to state. If you’re not a lawyer, you might not have the legal knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system. A DUI attorney understands the law, both the state and federal laws and has the experience to help defend your charges. They know what to look for to challenge the laws in terms of evidence, potential defenses, and how to negotiate with prosecutors.

Emotional Attachment to the Case

If you represent yourself, you might be emotionally attached to the case, making it challenging to see the bigger picture. A DUI attorney is objective and able to see what aspects of the punishment can be worked on to achieve the best outcome for you. They can look at your case from different angles to come up with the best defense strategy and also provide emotional support, advice, and guidance during this stressful time. Additionally, a DUI defense lawyer can protect your rights, ensuring that law enforcement doesn’t violate them while gathering evidence.

Potential Mistakes and Errors

If you represent yourself, you might make mistakes and errors that could hurt your chances of getting a favorable outcome. For example, you may overlook crucial evidence, misinterpret the law, or fail to meet deadlines. A DUI attorney has the attention to detail and knowledge of procedural rules to ensure that your case goes smoothly. Hiring a DUI defense lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and provide you with the best fighting chance.

Prosecutors and Judges

DUI cases can be challenging to negotiate, particularly with the prosecutor or judge. When you engage a DUI attorney, you delegate the task of dealing with these parties to them. They know how to communicate with prosecutors and judges, building a persuasive case in your favor. Using their experience and negotiating skills, they can explore plea deals, dismissals, or reduced charges.

Saving you money and time

Finally, hiring a DUI defense lawyer can save you money and time in the long run. An experienced attorney is used to handling DUI cases, so they know what to expect, how to prepare, and can reasonably predict the outcome of your case. They can help you avoid fees, fines, and even jail time. Additionally, they can minimize the time spent on your case, ensuring a speedy resolution and allowing you to move on with your life.

In conclusion, if you’re facing a DUI charge, it is never advisable to self-represent your case. Hiring an attorney is crucial to getting the best possible outcome. They can help you navigate the legal system, provide support, and guide you through the entire process. A DUI defense lawyer can help you save money and time, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your rights. Don’t hesitate to seek the services of a qualified lawyer to help you through this challenging time.