Being charged with an underage DUI is scary. Your life has barely started, but now you could be facing jail time. As a teen or young adult, you still have rights when it comes to defending yourself against these charges. Drivers under the age of 21 have more stringent DUI laws to follow, given that the legal drinking age is 21 in Missouri, just like the rest of the U.S.
If you or your child has been arrested for an underage DUI in Missouri, KC DUI & Defense Counsel is ready to fight for your future.
Understanding Underage DUI Laws in Missouri
Missouri takes underage DUIs seriously, maintaining a strict stance to protect young drivers and the public. While sharing similarities with adult DUI laws, significant distinctions exist for those under 21.
Zero Tolerance Laws for Underage DUI
Like many states, Missouri operates under implied consent laws. This means anyone driving in Missouri, including those under 21, automatically agrees to submit to chemical testing (such as a breathalyzer) if a law enforcement officer suspects impaired driving. Refusal to comply results in automatic penalties.
These "zero tolerance" laws mean that even a minimal amount of alcohol in an underage driver's system can lead to severe consequences. Penalties may include driver's license suspension, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), potential jail time, increased insurance premiums, and hefty fines.
BAC Limits for Under 21 Drivers
While the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for adults in Missouri is 0.08%, the standard is significantly lower for drivers under 21. The legal limit for BAC in Missouri for minors is 0.02%. This lower threshold reflects the state's commitment to preventing underage drinking and driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can push a minor over this limit, resulting in a DUI arrest and the associated penalties. This significant difference in BAC limits underscores the importance of complete abstinence from alcohol for underage drivers.
DUI Penalties for Minors in Missouri
Teens and young adults facing DUI charges often receive lesser penalties than adults facing the same charge. However, that does not mean you can get away scot-free. Alongside the mandatory suspension of their driver's license, most underage offenders are required to complete alcohol education programs. In certain cases, particularly those involving high BAC levels or repeat offenses, jail time may be imposed. While less common, jail time is a very real possibility in underage DUIs, and is more likely if the DUI resulted in a fatality or serious injury.
Additional Consequences of an Underage DUI
Beyond the immediate legal penalties, an underage DUI conviction can have long-lasting and far-reaching effects on a young person's life. These consequences can significantly impact their future opportunities:
- College Admissions & Scholarships: Many colleges and universities conduct background checks on applicants. A DUI conviction can negatively affect admission chances, particularly for competitive programs. Similarly, scholarship eligibility may be compromised due to a criminal record.
- Employment Background Checks: As with college admissions, employers routinely conduct background checks. A DUI conviction can create obstacles in securing employment, especially in fields requiring driving or positions of responsibility.
- Insurance Rate Increases: Even after a license suspension period ends, obtaining affordable car insurance becomes significantly more challenging. Insurance companies view DUI convictions as high-risk indicators, leading to substantial premium increases. In some cases, insurers may refuse coverage altogether.
- Criminal Record: A DUI conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can impact various aspects of life, including travel, housing applications, and professional licensing.
- Social Stigma: A DUI conviction can lead to social stigma and damage to reputation, affecting personal relationships and community standing.
- Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs): Courts frequently order the installation of IIDs in vehicles, requiring the driver to pass a breathalyzer test before the car will start. This can be a significant inconvenience and expense.
- Community Service: Courts may require the completion of community service hours as part of the sentence, which can interfere with school or work schedules.
- Parental Consequences: Parents may face increased insurance premiums, and in some cases, legal consequences depending on the specific circumstances.
How an Experienced Kansas City Underage DUI Lawyer Can Help
Facing an underage DUI charge can be overwhelming for not just the driver, but for the whole family. The legal system is complex and the consequences can be severe. Having an experienced Kansas City underage DUI lawyer can provide invaluable legal guidance and representation, effectively protecting your rights and working towards the best possible outcome.
Potential Defenses Against Underage DUI Charges
A skilled DUI attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest to identify all potential defenses. These may include:
- Challenging the initial stop
- Questioning the validity of the chemical tests
- Disputing the BAC readings
- Violation of implied consent laws
- Insufficient evidence
- Challenging the field sobriety tests
- Negotiating with prosecutors for a lesser charge
KC DUI & Defense Counsel understand the importance of protecting your child from legal battles. We have a vast wealth of knowledge surrounding DUI laws in Missouri and are prepared to aggressively fight for you or your child’s rights. Our team will be an invaluable resource for your defense.
Contact an Underage DUI Attorney in Kansas City Today
If you or your child has been arrested for an underage DUI in Kansas City, it's crucial to seek legal representation immediately. Time is of the essence, as deadlines for certain legal actions are strict. An experienced attorney from KC DUI & Defense Counsel can explain your rights and options clearly while building a strong defense tailored to the specific circumstances surrounding your arrest.
Your future is at stake. Contact KC DUI & Defense Counsel today.
