A DUI in Missouri is already a serious offense. But if you’re caught driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, you’re facing much harsher penalties.

Missouri treats DUI with a child in the car as child endangerment—a separate crime that can add significant fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City DUI/DWI defense lawyers help drivers in Kansas City and across Missouri understand these charges, fight back in court, and protect their rights and futures.

DUI BASICS IN MISSOURI: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

First, remember that Missouri law (RSMo 577.010) makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while:

Intoxicated (alcohol, drugs, or a combination)
With a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher

A standard DUI/DWI can lead to:

Up to 6 months in jail (first offense)
Fines up to $1,000
License suspension
Ignition interlock requirements

But adding a child in the car escalates the crime.

WHAT ARE CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES IN MISSOURI?

Missouri law (RSMo § 568.045) specifically defines child endangerment as:

“Knowingly acting in a manner that creates a substantial risk to the life, body, or health of a child less than 17 years old.”

Driving drunk with a child passenger meets this definition automatically.

That means you’re not just facing DUI penalties, you’re also facing child endangerment charges.

PENALTIES FOR DUI WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN MISSOURI

Depending on the circumstances, child endangerment can be charged as:

Class A Misdemeanor

Up to 1 year in jail
Up to $2,000 fine

Class D Felony (if the child is injured)

Up to 7 years in prison
Higher fines

Class C Felony (if the child is seriously injured or dies)

3 to 10 years in prison

These penalties are in addition to any DUI sentence.

REAL-LIFE CONSEQUENCES FOR DWI WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN MISSOURI

If convicted, you’re looking at:

Jail or prison time
Hefty fines and court costs
Mandatory alcohol treatment or education
Loss of driver’s license (including long-term revocation for repeat offenders)
Permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses
Potential loss of child custody or visitation rights in family court

COMMON DEFENSES AGAINST THESE CHARGES

Just because you’re charged doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. A skilled Missouri DUI defense attorney can:

Challenge the traffic stop (was it legal?)
Dispute BAC test accuracy (breathalyzer errors are common)
Question field sobriety test procedures
Highlight lack of evidence about impairment
Argue lack of intent or knowledge about the child’s risk

At KC Defense Counsel, we use every legal strategy to protect your rights, reduce charges, or even get cases dismissed.

Why You Need an Attorney

Prosecutors take DUI with child endangerment extremely seriously. Judges often want to “send a message” with harsh sentences.

You can’t afford to go it alone. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can:

Fight to reduce charges or penalties
Negotiate for probation or diversion programs
Challenge evidence in court

TALK TO KC DEFENSE COUNSEL ABOUT A FREE CASE EVALUATION

A DUI in Missouri is bad. A DUI with a child in the car is much worse. Don’t risk your freedom, your record, or your family.

If you’re facing DUI with child endangerment charges in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, call KC Defense Counsel for a free case evaluation. Our knowledgeable and affordable Missouri DWI lawyers will explain your options, fight the charges, and protect your future.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri can be of assistance.