How to Prepare for a Court Hearing After Your First DUI Arrest
July 9, 2025
Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life—especially if it's your first offense. In Missouri, a first-time DUI (legally referred to as DWI: Driving While Intoxicated) is taken seriously and can have lasting consequences on your driving privileges, criminal record, and even your job.
If you're facing your first DWI charge in Missouri, it's important to know what to expect and how to prepare for your upcoming court hearing. Here, Walker Law LLC will walk you through the key steps to take after a first-time DUI arrest in Chesterfield, Missouri, so you can be prepared and make informed decisions throughout the process.
Understand the Charges Against You
Firstly, it’s important to understand what the charges against you mean. In Missouri, a first-time DUI/DWI offense is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor. According to the Missouri Revisor of Statutes, this means you could be facing:
Up to 6 months in jail
A fine of up to $1,000
A 30-day license suspension, followed by a 60-day restricted license period
Court costs and fees
Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs
Possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
The court takes impaired driving seriously, even for first-time offenders. Your penalties can vary depending on factors such as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), whether you were involved in an accident, or if there was a minor in the vehicle at the time of arrest.
Hire an Experienced DUI Attorney
Additionally, one of the most important steps you can take after a DUI arrest is hiring a qualified DUI attorney who practices in Missouri. Our skilled lawyer at Walker Law LLC can help you with the following:
Understand the legal process and potential consequences
Challenge the legality of your traffic stop or arrest
Review and contest evidence like breathalyzer or field sobriety tests
Negotiate plea deals, if appropriate
Represent you in court and DMV hearings
Even if you think the evidence is stacked against you, a good attorney might identify legal issues in your case that can result in reduced penalties—or even dismissal of charges. Don’t delay; the sooner you hire a lawyer, the better prepared you'll be for your court hearing.
Request an Administrative Hearing (If Applicable)
Furthermore, when you're arrested for DUI in Missouri, the arresting officer will likely take your driver’s license and issue a Notice of Suspension/Revocation. This starts a 15-day countdown before your license is automatically suspended.
You have the right to request an administrative hearing through the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) within those 15 days. This hearing is separate from your criminal court case and focuses on whether your license should be suspended.
An attorney can help you file this request and represent you at the hearing. Winning your administrative hearing may allow you to keep your license while your criminal case moves forward.
Begin Gathering Evidence and Documentation
To help build your defense, your attorney will need access to all available evidence. This may include:
Police reports
Dashcam or bodycam footage
Breathalyzer calibration records
Witness statements
Medical records, if health issues may have affected your behavior or BAC results
Start a folder with any documents you receive, and make note of everything you remember about the traffic stop and arrest. Even small details—like what the officer said or whether you were read your rights—can become relevant in court.
Attend All Court Dates
After your arrest, you’ll receive a notice of your arraignment date—your first court appearance. Missing court dates can lead to additional charges or a bench warrant for your arrest.
Here’s what to expect at each stage of the court process:
Arraignment: You’ll be formally charged and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
Pre-trial hearings: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or negotiate a plea deal.
Trial: If you plead not guilty and no plea deal is reached, your case may go to trial.
Sentencing: If you plead or are found guilty, the judge will issue a sentence.
Dress appropriately, arrive early, and be respectful to the judge and court staff. Showing that you take the process seriously can work in your favor.
Take Voluntary Steps to Show Responsibility
Moreover, taking proactive steps before your court hearing can help demonstrate that you're taking the charge seriously and are committed to preventing future incidents. These actions may include:
Enrolling in an alcohol education or treatment program
Attending a victim impact panel, such as one hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Installing an ignition interlock device, even if not required yet
Writing a letter of apology to the court
Completing community service
These steps may influence the judge’s decision and result in reduced penalties or a more favorable plea deal.
Understand Potential Outcomes
Depending on the circumstances of your case and the quality of your legal representation, several outcomes are possible:
Dismissal
If there were procedural errors or lack of evidence, your attorney may be able to get your case dismissed.
Plea Deal
You may plead guilty to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, in exchange for reduced penalties.
Diversion Programs
In some counties, you might be eligible for a diversion or deferred prosecution program, which can lead to charges being dropped if you meet certain conditions.
Conviction
If convicted, you’ll face the court’s sentence and a permanent criminal record unless you qualify for expungement after a waiting period.
Prepare for Life After Court
Whether you’re convicted or accepted into a diversion program, you’ll still need to comply with all court-ordered conditions. These may include:
Paying fines and court costs
Completing community service
Complying with probation
Installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device
Attending treatment or education classes
Avoiding any further legal trouble
Failure to follow these conditions can result in harsher penalties, including jail time.
Know Your Expungement Rights
Missouri law allows for the expungement of a first-time DUI offense under certain conditions:
10 years have passed since the conviction
You have no other alcohol-related convictions or pending charges
You have not been issued a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
While this doesn't help immediately, it’s important to be aware that you may be able to clear your record in the future.
Take Steps to Prevent Future Incidents
A DUI arrest is often a wake-up call. Whether or not you're convicted, it’s crucial to change your habits to avoid future legal issues. Some tips include:
Always use a designated driver or rideshare app
Avoid driving if you’ve had any alcohol
Seek help if you suspect you have a drinking problem
Understand Missouri’s implied consent law, which can result in automatic license suspension for refusing a breath test
Taking your experience as an opportunity to make positive changes can protect your future and keep others safe on the road.
Contact Walker Law LLC
Facing a first-time DUI charge in Missouri is a serious legal matter, but it doesn’t have to define your future. By understanding the process, hiring the right attorney, and taking proactive steps before your court hearing, you can minimize the consequences and start moving forward. At Walker Law LLC, I serve clients in Chesterfield, Missouri; Town and Country, Missouri; Cottelville, Missouri; St. Louis County; and St. Charles County. Contact my firm today.