I get asked a lot, how many points do we have on our licenses in Missouri? And let me tell you, this is one of the most complicated areas that I practice in, and let me tell you, it is not clear at all. And it isn’t complicated because it is hard, but because the Department of Revenue, who is in charge of all of these things, is not clear at all. If you go to their website, it makes no sense.
The easy answer is, you have 12 points on your license. And each violation that you incur that you have a conviction for, will reduce the points on your license. So if you get a speeding ticket, and you’re convicted, you’ll lose four points on your license.
Well, how long do you lose those points? Don’t go to the DOR website to try to figure it out. It gets too complicated. You start gaining points back after a period of time. You get so many points back after six months, and so many points back after 12 months. It makes no sense.
Here is the key though. If you are in danger of losing points on your license, STOP. Hire an attorney. Because an attorney who knows what they’re doing can help you avoid points being taken from your license. The majority of the time we can avoid this question entirely, so you don’t have to worry about it. But if you are worried about it, contact an attorney. It makes it easier, we worry about it for you.
You might be worried. You might say, “Matt, two years ago I got a speeding ticket I paid a fine for. A year ago I had a failure to yield. I don’t know how many points I have left on my license.”
I have handled cases for clients who have pleaded to three speeding tickets all within three months, and then the DOR saying they’ve lost their license because of points. We can help people with that.
Is it easy? No, not at all. But that is what we’re here for. We go to the courts that you pleaded guilty in and argue that you didn’t understand the full impact of what you pleaded guilty to. We are usually successful. And we renegotiate with the prosecutor so you don’t lose points on your license, and can get on with your life.