WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET A DUI/DWI IN MISSOURI AND YOU’RE UNDERAGE?

Getting a DUI is serious. But getting a DUI when you’re under the legal drinking age of 21 in Missouri? That’s a whole new level of trouble.

Whether you’re a college student, a recent high school grad, or a worried parent searching on your teen’s behalf — this post breaks down exactly what you need to know about Missouri’s underage DUI laws, the penalties, and what steps to take next to protect your future.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City DUI attorneys near you have helped countless young people in Kansas City navigate DUI charges. With the right legal strategy, a single mistake doesn’t have to define your life.

MISSOURI’S “ZERO TOLERANCE” DUI LAWS

In Missouri, anyone under 21 is held to a stricter standard when it comes to driving after consuming alcohol. This is called the Zero Tolerance Law. If you’re under 21 and have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of just 0.02% or higher, you can be charged with an underage DUI (also called “Minor in Possession by Consumption”).

To put that in perspective: one drink can put you over the limit.

If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you’ll be charged with a standard DUI (Driving While Intoxicated, or DWI) — the same as any adult — with harsher penalties because you’re underage.

WHAT HAPPENS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DUI/DWI STOP?

When you’re pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence, police may:

Administer a breathalyzer test
Conduct field sobriety tests
Arrest you on suspicion of DUI
Temporarily seize your driver’s license
Give you a Notice of Suspension/Revocation and instructions for requesting a hearing

You only have 15 days to request a hearing to challenge your license suspension.

If you miss this window, your driving privileges may be automatically suspended — even before your court case is resolved.

PENALTIES FOR UNDERAGE DUI/DWI IN MISSOURI

Missouri takes underage drinking and driving very seriously. Depending on your BAC, prior offenses, and whether anyone was injured, you could face:

For BAC between 0.02% and 0.08%:

30-day driver’s license suspension (first offense)
90-day suspension or longer for repeat offenses
Possible alcohol education or treatment programs
Court fines and fees
Points added to your driving record

For BAC over 0.08% (standard DUI/DWI):

Up to 6 months in jail
Fines up to $1,000
Driver’s license suspension or revocation
Mandatory ignition interlock device
Permanent criminal record
Higher insurance rates

And if you’re under 18, the case may also involve juvenile court or additional penalties from school or your parents’ auto insurance provider.

LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF AN UNDERAGE DUI/DWI IN MISSOURI

The consequences don’t stop after court. A conviction can affect:

College admissions and scholarships
Employment opportunities
Car insurance premiums
Professional licenses
Your criminal record (which can follow you for life)

That’s why it’s so important to treat this charge seriously from day one and to speak with an experienced Missouri DUI attorney as soon as possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN UNDERAGE DUI ARREST IN MISSOURI

Don’t Panic, But Don’t Wait: You have rights, but you must act quickly. Especially with the 15-day deadline to request a license hearing.

Call an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney: The smartest move you can make is to hire a local, knowledgeable Missouri DUI attorney. At KC Defense Counsel, we’ve helped countless young clients avoid convictions, reduce charges, or qualify for diversion or expungement programs.

Request a Hearing with the Missouri Department of Revenue: This is your chance to fight the automatic license suspension. We can represent you during this administrative process.

Prepare for Court: If you’re charged criminally, you’ll have court dates ahead. We’ll build your defense, review the evidence (including breathalyzer results and police procedure), and explore options like:

Dismissal
Charge reduction
Deferred adjudication
Alcohol education programs
Record expungement eligibility

CAN AN UNDERAGE DUI/DWI BE EXPUNGED IN MISSOURI?

Yes — in some cases. If this is your first offense, you may be eligible to have your record expunged (erased) after a certain period of time, assuming:

You completed all court requirements
You had no additional criminal charges
Enough time has passed since the conviction or completion of your sentence

Our team at KC Defense Counsel can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the expungement process.

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI DUI/DWI ATTORNEY TODAY

Everyone makes mistakes, especially when they’re young. But a single DUI shouldn’t derail your future. At KC Defense Counsel, we take underage DUI cases seriously and fight aggressively to protect your rights, your license, and your reputation.

Whether you need representation in Jackson County, Clay County, Platte County, or anywhere in the Kansas City area, we’re here to help you get back on track.

CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY

If you or your child has been charged with underage DUI in Missouri, don’t wait. The clock is ticking, and the consequences are real.

Call KC Defense Counsel now for a free consultation with a top-rated and affordable Kansas City DUI defense attorney near me. We’ll walk you through the process, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.

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.