Underage or juvenile DUIs in Missouri can be met with some of the same harsh penalties that adults face if the case ends in conviction. While that can have punishing and lasting consequences for minors, it doesn’t have to—especially if the accused has the representation of a skilled defense attorney.
At the Law Office of Denise Kirby, we are dedicated to defending minors accused of drunk driving in Missouri. Kansas City DUI Lawyer Denise Kirby knows how serious these charges can be, and she knows how to fight them to help her clients win.
Call 816-221-3691 or email our firm for a confidential DUI defense consultation.
We are ready to give you important answers about your rights and legal options so that you have a better chance of defending yourself as you move forward.
In Missouri, minors can face DUI charges with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) as low as 0.02. When their BACs are elevated to 0.08 (the legal limit for adults), minors can be the same charges and consequences as adults, the eyes of Missouri laws. That can mean minors have to face the real possibility of jail time, driver’s license suspensions, and other penalties.
Here, it should be noted that how minors’ BACs are established during a traffic stop matters. The type of testing done, as well as the way in which breath or blood samples are handled and analyzed, can all open up opportunities for the defense in a juvenile DUI case.
Minors who have lower BACs may face lesser penalties when it’s time for their case to go to court. That can be especially true when minors don’t have prior alcohol offenses or any criminal record. When juveniles have elevated BACs or prior convictions for alcohol offenses, the penalties they can face tend to be far more severe, as outlined in the table below.
| Offense | Charges | Incarceration | Fines | Other Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail | Up to $500 | 2 years of probation, with alcohol education, community service & drug testing requirements30-day driver’s license suspension |
| 2nd DUI | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail | Up to $1,000 | 2 years of probation, with the same terms as a 1st DUI90-day driver’s license suspension |
Minors can also face criminal cases and penalties for possession of alcohol, attempt to purchase alcohol, and possession of a fake ID. When those and/or other criminal charges are involved in juvenile DUI cases:
DUI charges can be scary no matter what age you are. For juvenile DUI cases, just like those adults face, the best defense will depend on the specifics of the case and the evidence that’s available. Still, some options for challenging prosecutors in these cases can include:
When juvenile DUI charges are filed, the sooner you contact Kansas City DUI Lawyer Denise Kirby, the better. Known for excellence and deep experience in DUI defense, Attorney Denise Kirby and her team highly effective at helping our clients protect their rights and interests both inside and outside the courtroom.
The truth is that juvenile DUI laws and cases can be complex—and that you may only have one chance to defend yourself. Make sure you are ready with the strongest defense. Make sure you have Kansas City DUI Lawyer Denise Kirby in your corner.
Call 816-221-3691 or email our firm for a confidential consultation and important answers about your rights and legal options.
Recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in DUI/DWI defense, Denise Kirby has the knowledge, strategies, and resources you can rely on for exceptional defense advocacy and client-focused service. She tailors her approach to the unique circumstances of every case, and she is diligent about achieving the best outcome possible, including dismissals, acquittals, and alternative sentencing.
Don’t gamble your future by facing DUI charges alone. Contact Kansas City Lawyer Denise Kirby now to get 5-star DUI defense that can set your case up for better resolutions.
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All information provided by this site is general in nature and provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as legal advice, and should not be taken as such. I would have to know the specific facts and evidence in your particular case in order to give you legal advice. You should not draw conclusions about your case based solely on general sources of legal information. Instead, you should seek legal advice specific to your particular case.
The information on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments, and is not guaranteed to be correct or up-to-date. DWI law changes frequently, sometimes several times per year. While I work hard to stay very current with the law, that knowledge may not be reflected in my website (because…time).
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