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Under 21 DWI Charges in Jefferson County, MO

Trusted Attorneys Working Hard to Protect Your Child’s Future

Learning that your child was arrested for underage drinking and driving can be devastating. You might worry about how a criminal conviction so early in life will affect their future. It’s important to know that you and your child don’t have to deal with this legal issue alone, as you can hire an attorney to walk you through the criminal justice system.

At Grafe & Batchelor, P.C., Attorneys at Law, our legal team has assisted several families with complex cases involving teens and young adults. If you’re concerned about how criminal accusations will affect your child’s life, call our law office for a free consultation with a compassionate DWI lawyer.

What Are Missouri’s Underage DWI Laws?

Like many states, Missouri has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking. For this reason, the legal limit for the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers under 21 is 0.02%. This is lower than the legal limit of 0.08% for drivers who are 21 and older.

The 0.02% limit means that if a driver under 21 has even one drink and then drives, they could be arrested for drunk driving. They don’t even need to be visibly impaired for police officers to arrest them once the chemical test shows any alcohol in their system. If you’re unsure how to defend your child from DWI charges, call our office to speak with an experienced lawyer about the case.

What Penalties Do Minors Face for Underage Drinking and Driving

If your child is convicted of underage DWI in Jefferson County, Missouri, they face serious penalties. These can vary depending on their age, BAC, and any other criminal charges on their record, but they generally include:

  • Fines from $250 to $1,000
  • Up to six months of jail time or probation
  • Driver’s license suspension for 90 days

The state’s zero-tolerance suspension laws typically result in driver’s license suspension for a period of time, but drivers may be eligible for restricted driving privileges after the first 30 days. So, if your child is concerned about getting to work or school after a conviction, they may be granted restricted driving privileges for the remaining 60 days of the zero-tolerance suspension period.

As with most other laws, first-time offenders usually face less severe penalties for underage DWI charges than repeat offenders. So, while jail time isn’t always required for a first-offense DWI in Missouri, a second offense could result in a jail sentence of one year, along with a one-year suspension of the driver’s license.

While a second offense underage DWI is a Class A misdemeanor, a third or fourth offense is a felony, which can lead to years in prison and driver’s license revocation. A DWI lawyer in the St. Louis area will make sure you know which penalties your child is facing and how to fight the DWI charges, so call our firm for a free consultation.

What Defense Options Can Be Used in Missouri DWI Cases?

If your child is facing charges for driving under the influence as a minor, it’s important to know the possible outcomes and how to avoid them. A skilled attorney will be fully prepared to use their legal knowledge to protect your child’s driving record and keep them out of jail. Some possible defense options for a DWI in Missouri include:

  • The police officer did not have probable cause to arrest the driver
  • The chemical test results were inaccurate due to faulty testing equipment or improper storage procedures
  • The high BAC was a result of medical conditions or medication that can be mistaken for alcohol in the system
  • The police officers involved in the arrest did not read the driver their Miranda rights

Once we understand the details of the case, we’ll decide which defense approach is most likely to keep our client from being found guilty. If you’re concerned about your child facing fines, jail time, license suspension, and other penalties for a DWI, contact our firm for criminal defense assistance.

Are You Ready to Hire a Lawyer to Fight Under-21 DWI Charges in Jefferson County, MO?

If you’re seeking peace of mind regarding your child’s case, it’s essential to obtain quality legal advice before the first court date. When you hire Grafe & Batchelor, P.C., Attorneys at Law, you’ll have trusted DWI lawyers prepared to help you and your family navigate the legal process from beginning to end.

We’ll be happy to answer your questions and tell you what to expect from every step of the DUI case when you hire our team. Call (636) 220-5934 to discuss your child’s legal rights after an arrest.