Are unlicensed drivers in Missouri a
significant problem?
A study by the Kansas City Star found that about 1/3 of all fatal accidents
in Kansas City involved unlicensed drivers who were at fault for an accident.
Under Missouri law, is it
illegal to operate a motor vehicle on any road or highway without license,
including a license that has been suspended?
- For a first time offender it is a class A misdemeanor; the
most severe misdemeanor.
- 3 or more convictions, can result in a Class D felony which can carry
of sentence of up to 4 years in prison?
- Penalties can be up to a year in jail and a thousand dollar fine.
We have heard of cases where a drunk driver kills another driver
and is charged with manslaughter. What if someone has a record
of driving without a license and he is involved in an accident that
kills someone else, can charges be brought for felony murder?
- In a case of 1st impression, Kevin S. Fisher is facing charges of
felony murder in Jackson County.
- In 2005, he caused an accident that killed the passenger of his vehicle.
- The charges are based on a history of reckless driving convictions,
a suspended license, and the allegation that Fisher knew there
was a good chance he could cause an accident if he drove.
In this case of first impression, what has the court said on
the matter?
The appeals court stopped proceedings in Fisher's trial until
it can be determined if the felony murder charge is appropriate.
What can people do to protect themselves?
- Several unlicensed drivers are also uninsured drivers.
- Everyone needs
to review their auto policy and make sure that they have adequate uninsured
and underinsured coverage.
