Kimberly Kollmeyer • March 18, 2026
Not Guilty Chapter 8 | Other Consequences
OFTEN TIMES, CONSEQUENCES ARISE
from criminal charges that don’t directly relate to the pending criminal court case. For example, if a person picks up a criminal case for possession of drugs, his or her ex my decide to reopen their custody case, out of concern (or spite) (or both) for their joint children. Perhaps a person picks up a criminal case for possession of drugs and has their kids in the car. They may be charged with endangering the welfare of the children, and if arrested and their children have no where to go, Children’s Division and Social Services may become involved, leading to a potential juvenile court case. If there was a bad accident, in addition to a criminal charge for careless and imprudent driving, there may be a civil law suit for damages. In the example used in this book, the alleged DWI has led to a driver’s license suspension, and may create the need for a court case relating to the status of the defendant’s driver’s license.
Driving Privileges – The legal ability to drive.
This book is intended to address the criminal court process in simple and easily understandable terms; to reduce confusion, this book will not also address driving privilege issues. If you are facing issues associated with the legal status of your driver’s license, you need to consult an attorney. There are short suspensions, long suspensions, potential hardship privileges that can be requested of and approved by the court, reinstatements, and permanent suspensions. Much of the above requires court action. This creates a whole new set of court dates and court appearances, and additional expenses, from hiring another lawyer, to increased insurance costs, treatment, ignition interlock devices, etc. If a person is caught driving on a suspended license, that is a whole new criminal charge, more court dates, more attorney fees, and other potential consequences. Pleading guilty to driving while suspended will not only impact that criminal case, but also the current status of the person’s legal ability to drive.
As an aside, it is not a good idea for a defendant to drive him or herself to court if driving on a suspended license. From time to time, judges will ask how a person got to court. If your license is suspended, you must not be driving at all.
If you are facing a suspension of your drivers license, needing a reinstatement, or some other action relating to the legal status of your driving privileges, you need to consult an attorney concerning that issue.
*Disclaimer:
This book is intended as an informational resource regarding the criminal court process in the State of Missouri, not to advise you legally concerning your specific legal situation. This book is not intended to take the place of a skilled and competent attorney. If you or a loved one are facing charges in the criminal courts, you have potential rights at risk, and you need to get an attorney. The choice of an attorney is an important decision, not based on advertising alone. You are not represented by the writers of this book, and the writers of this book are not liable for any reliance on the information in this book. You need to get your own attorney to advise and assist you concerning the specific facts of your situation. This book was written in 2024 concerning Missouri law and does not apply to the laws of other States. Sometimes laws change. Different locations have different practices and local rules. This book is not intended to be exhaustive. If you are in need of an attorney, do not rely on this book, GET A LAWYER!
