Careless and Imprudent Driving in Missouri
One Ticket. Big Consequences. Let's Fight It.
Careless and Imprudent (C&I) driving tickets in Missouri are more than just a citation — they can be charged as a criminal misdemeanor, carry 4 points, and damage your driving record permanently.
At Higher Level Legal, we often help Missouri drivers resolve C&I tickets by reducing them to lesser offenses — or in some cases, getting them dismissed entirely.
.👉 Start Your C&I Ticket Defense Now
⚖️ What Is Careless & Imprudent Driving?
Missouri's C&I law is defined under:
📘 RSMo § 304.012 – Prohibits operating a vehicle in a careless or imprudent manner “without the highest degree of care.”
It's a vague law, and that's exactly why it's often overcharged or misapplied.
Common situations that result in a C&I ticket:
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Excessive speeding (20+ mph over)
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Aggressive lane changes
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Following too closely
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Causing or narrowly avoiding an accident
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Racing or reckless maneuvers
🚨 Penalties for a C&I Conviction
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Summary of Penalties (based on statute and case law):
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4 points on your Missouri license (per DOR point system)
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Class B misdemeanor → If no accident occurred
➤ Up to 6 months in jail -
Class A misdemeanor → If the offense involved an accident
➤ Up to 1 year in jail -
Fines up to $1,000 depending on the class of misdemeanor
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A criminal conviction may impact:
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Employment opportunities
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Professional licenses
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Auto insurance premiums
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Custody disputes (in family law cases involving driving records)
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✅ What We Can Do for You
✔️ Negotiate amendments to non-moving violations (no points or criminal record)
✔️ In some cases, secure dismissal with driving school or probation
✔️ Help you avoid court in most cities
✔️ Keep the charge off your public record and insurance profile
📍 Where We Defend C&I Tickets
We appear in:
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Lee's Summit, Independence, Grandview, Raymore, Belton, Harrisonville, and more
We know which prosecutors are flexible — and how to present your case effectively.
📲 Easy Online Process
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Upload your C&I ticket through our secure intake form
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We evaluate your court, driving history, and options
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You approve your quote — we handle the rest
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We keep you updated while resolving the charge, often 100% online
⭐ Missouri Clients We've Helped
“Clocked at 92 in a 65. Got hit with C&I. They negotiated it down to a no-point infraction. No court. No stress.”
— Client, Lee's Summit, MO
“Caused a minor accident and got charged with C&I. They kept it off my record.”
— Client, Harrisonville, MO
📞 Protect Your Record. Defend Your Future.
A careless and imprudent driving charge can follow you for years. But with the right defense, it doesn't have to.
We've helped hundreds of Missouri drivers clean up C&I tickets quickly and affordably