DWI/DUI Defense Lawyer in Lee's Summit, Independence, Raymore & Blue Springs, MO
DWI/DUI Defense
Kelly & Jansen are the Best DWI Defense Lawyer Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, And Raymore MO
If you are looking for the best DWI defense lawyer serving
Independence,
Blue Springs,
Lee’s Summit, and
Raymore MO, look no further than the law offices of Kelly & Jansen. We are a DWI/DUI defense law firm in Lee's Summit, MO, defending drivers charged with drunk or impaired driving in Independence, Raymore, Blue Springs, and throughout Jackson and Cass Counties. Our DWI defense lawyers are well-versed in all aspects of local DUI/DWI laws and have successfully defended many individuals facing such charges.
Our team will work to ensure that your legal rights are respected while seeking a favorable outcome in your case. We understand that navigating the legal system can be intimidating, which is why we strive to provide comprehensive and courteous service. If you require assistance with a DUI/DWI offense, contact us now.
DWI/DUI Defense Services Kelly & Jansen LLC Provides
Kelly & Jansen LLC defends both halves of a Missouri DWI case: the criminal charge in court and the separate administrative action against your driver's license. Our DWI/DUI defense services include:
- First-offense and repeat DWI charges
- Missouri Department of Revenue license hearings
- Breath and blood test refusal cases
- Drug and prescription medication DWI charges
- Underage drinking and driving offenses
- Restricted driving privileges and ignition interlock requirements
What Are the Penalties Under Missouri DUI Laws?
Missouri DUI laws make it a crime to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, and drivers under 21 can lose their license at just 0.02%. A first DWI offense in Missouri is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Helping You Properly Address DUI/DWI Charges In Missouri
A driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction — also referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) — carries with it an automatic suspension of a person’s driver’s privileges, steep fines, potential jail time and a permanent police record in Missouri. Every time that you apply for a job, your police record will have to be revealed, allowing potential employers to see a conviction that could lead to them denying you employment.
Don’t let this be your future. Obtain experienced DWI/DUI defense as soon as you can after a drunk driving arrest.
The team of defense attorneys at Kelly & Jansen, LLC, has more than 50 years of combined legal experience. Let us defend your rights and protect your future.
Skilled, Thorough And Aggressive Defense
One of the many benefits of choosing our law firm is the fact that you will have a former Jackson County prosecutor on your side, attorney David A. Kelly. He has handled a significant number of DWI defense cases over the years for clients from every age, background and ethnicity. The rest of our team has an equally impressive portfolio, having clerked at the federal and state judiciary levels.
Our entire team can provide valuable insight into the thought processes of the prosecution and judges involved in your case. We understand how police and prosecutors view DWI/DUI cases. We know how to read between the lines of the police record, and how to elicit the entire story of what happened in the moments leading up to a drunk driving arrest:
- Was there a valid reason to stop your car?
- Was there a mistake in police procedure?
- Was there a problem with the breathalyzer?
We explain to our clients the possible legal options and what we believe are their realistic chances at trial. We give our clients the information they need to make an informed decision.
Kelly & Jansen, LLC, will aggressively pursue the option our client chooses, whether it is to seek a case dismissal, discuss the best plea option or proceed to trial.
Driver’s License Suspension After A DWI Arrest
After a DWI/DUI arrest, you have only 15 days to challenge your driver’s license suspension.
A 1st DUI license suspension in Missouri lasts 90 days: 30 days with no driving, followed by 60 days of restricted driving privileges, for drivers with no alcohol offenses in the past five years. If you refused the Breathalyzer test, you have 30 days to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license. The first and second DWI/DUI offenses carry suspension for up to five years. Subsequent offenses result in suspension from a year to 10 years.
We will explore options such as filing administrative petitions and looking into diversion programs to help you avoid these consequences.
Minor In Possession Of Alcohol Cases
We also represent young people charged with minor in possession of alcohol or drugs. Missouri has a zero tolerance law toward underage people with alcohol, even if they were not driving at the time of their arrest. If you are a parent of a child facing criminal charges for an alcohol-related offense, we can help protect your child’s best interests and future.
Best Defense Against DWI in Missouri
The best defense against DWI in Missouri depends on the evidence, but the strongest defenses usually challenge the traffic stop, the arrest, or the chemical test. The attorneys at Kelly & Jansen LLC examine whether police had a lawful reason to stop you, conducted field sobriety tests correctly, and maintained breath-test equipment properly.
What Changed Under Missouri's New DUI Laws in 2026?
Missouri's new DUI laws took effect on August 28, 2026, when House Bill 1740, known as Melanie's Law, expanded ignition interlock requirements to many first-time offenders. Drivers convicted with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, or whose offense caused property damage or injury, must now install a certified ignition interlock device to regain full or restricted driving privileges. Melanie's Law also sets mandatory minimum prison terms of five to 10 years before probation or parole eligibility for DWI offenses that cause a death.
Choose Kelly & Jansen LLC as Your DWI/DUI Defense Attorney in Lee's Summit, Independence, Raymore & Blue Springs, MO
- Former Prosecutor Insight: Attorney David A. Kelly is a former Jackson County prosecutor who knows how the state builds and negotiates DWI cases.
- Judicial Experience: Members of our team have clerked at the state and federal judicial levels.
- 50+ Years Combined: Our attorneys have defended DWI clients of every age and background.
- Local Presence: Our office at 114 SW Third Street in Lee's Summit serves clients in courts throughout Jackson and Cass Counties.
Free Initial Consultation — After-Hours Appointments
Multiple drunk driving offenses can wreak havoc on your driving privileges and your life. Don’t make the mistake of thinking everything will sort itself out. Let us defend your best interests and get you the best possible outcome after a drunk driving arrest.
Call 816-347-1818 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation. Appointments are available during regular business hours and evening appointments are available as needed. Contact our Lee’s Summit office today to get started with building a strong defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being arrested by a DWI/DUI Defense Lawyer in Lee's Summit, MO?
If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated, you must act quickly. You only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to file an administrative petition to challenge your driver’s license suspension. Contact an experienced DWI/DUI defense law firm like Kelly & Jansen LLC immediately at (816) 347-1818 or visit our office at 114 SW 3rd St, Lee's Summit, MO 64063, to protect your driving privileges and build a strong defense.
How can a DWI/DUI Defense Attorney in Independence, MO help fight my charges?
A skilled DWI/DUI defense attorney thoroughly investigates police records, questions the validity of field sobriety or breathalyzer tests, and evaluates whether proper protocols were followed during your traffic stop. At Kelly & Jansen LLC, our team—including former prosecutor David A. Kelly—scrutinizes every detail to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case, striving to minimize penalties, avoid jail time, or secure a diversion program.
What is the best defense against a DWI charge in Missouri?
The most effective defense against a Missouri DWI depends heavily on the specifics of your stop, but common strategies include challenging the reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop, questioning the accuracy or calibration of breath/blood alcohol testing equipment, and highlighting improper administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Working with a specialized DWI defense lawyer from Kelly & Jansen LLC ensures these angles are aggressively pursued.
What are the key elements of Missouri DUI laws regarding a 1st DUI license suspension?
Under Missouri DUI laws, a first-time DWI/DUI offense typically triggers an administrative suspension of your driver’s license. Specifically, failing a chemical test or refusing it can result in immediate license suspensions ranging from 30 days to 1 year, depending on prior history and administrative actions. Because timelines are strict—such as the 15-day window to appeal a suspension—consulting a qualified DWI/DUI defense law firm in the Lee's Summit and greater Kansas City area is critical.
Are there new DUI laws in Missouri that drivers should be aware of?
Yes, Missouri’s statutory framework surrounding driving under the influence periodically updates concerning ignition interlock device (IID) requirements, probationary terms, and administrative tracking for repeat offenders. To understand how recent legislative shifts impact a first, second, or subsequent offense, consult with Kelly & Jansen LLC, serving Lee’s Summit, Independence, Blue Springs, and Raymore, MO.
What areas do the DWI/DUI Defense Law Firm of Kelly & Jansen LLC serve?
Kelly & Jansen LLC proudly provides robust legal representation and aggressive criminal defense across the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, specifically serving clients in Lee’s Summit, Independence, Raymore, and Blue Springs, MO.
Who should I call for a DWI/DUI Defense Attorney in Lee's Summit MO, Independence MO, Raymore MO & Blue Springs MO?
Look no further than Kelly & Jansen LLC. As a dedicated DWI/DUI Defense Law Firm in Lee's Summit MO, we specialize in crafting the best defense against DWI in Missouri. We keep pace with Missouri DUI laws, new DUI laws, and 1st DUI license suspension updates to protect drivers across Independence MO, Raymore MO & Blue Springs MO. To speak with a top DWI/DUI Defense Lawyer in Lee's Summit MO, Independence MO, Raymore MO & Blue Springs MO, call 816-347-1818 or contact us.
What differentiates Kelly & Jansen LLC as a DWI/DUI Defense Attorney in Blue Springs, MO?
Kelly & Jansen LLC stands out due to over 50 years of combined legal experience, deep familiarity with local municipal and state courts, and insider perspective from former prosecutor David A. Kelly. This background allows our legal team to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and craft custom, aggressive defense plans tailored to secure the best possible outcome.
Can a DWI/DUI charge affect subsequent offenses like a 2nd or 3rd DUI in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri utilizes a look-back period for prior alcohol-related driving offenses. A subsequent conviction carries exponentially harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time, steep fines, long-term substance abuse treatment programs, and multi-year license revocations (up to 5 years for repeat offenses). Immediate legal representation by a seasoned DWI defense firm is essential to mitigate these severe consequences.
How can I schedule a consultation with Kelly & Jansen LLC in Lee's Summit, MO?
You can schedule a consultation with Kelly & Jansen LLC by calling our office directly at (816) 347-1818, visiting our physical office at 114 SW 3rd St, Lee's Summit, MO 64063, or submitting an inquiry via our official website at mokanlegal.com. We handle DWI/DUI defense, personal injury, family law, and criminal defense matters throughout Independence, Raymore, Blue Springs, and Lee's Summit.