Missouri DWI Diversion: SIS Probation for First Time Offenders

You’re out with your friends, having a good time, and you lose track of how many drinks you’ve had. What do you do? Based on the way you feel, you think you’re just fine to drive, so you get in the car to go home. But, it turns out that you’re not. The next thing you know, you’re being arrested for a DWI and you might have just changed your life forever.

However, there are many programs available for those first-time offenders who may have just made a mistake that will never be repeated. Missouri first time DWI offenders have the option of SIS (Suspended Imposition of Sentence) probation offered to them if they meet certain conditions. SIS probation occurs when a defendant either pleads guilty or is found guilty of a criminal offense then is placed on SIS probation for a fixed period of time. If the offender successfully completes the probation requirements and time period with no new criminal charges, an SIS will not result in a conviction that shows on a criminal record.

Once a Missouri DWI offender pleads guilty to the misdemeanor charge, they may be placed on two years of SIS probation. This probation may be a bench probation which is supervised by the state or supervised by a private probation agency. In most cases, the court will also require that the offender completes certain programs and requirements by specified dates. In the case of a Missouri DWI, the requirements can include things such as SATOP (Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program), VIP (Victim Impact Panel), ADEP (Adolescent Dependency Education Program) for those that are underage, installation of an ignition interlock device, driving school, or many other options that are available to the court.

If you are a first time Missouri DWI offender, checking out your options for SIS probation is essential. This type of probation allows you to move forward with your life with a clean record and to remain a law-abiding citizen. The best scenario is to avoid needing such assistance by calling for a cab, but if the worst occurs, be sure you are aware of all of your options when convicted of Missouri DWI.