DWI Lawyer: Underage DWI laws and penalties. Getting pulled over for a suspected DWI is terrifying at any age—but for drivers under 21, the stakes are even higher. Missouri has some of the toughest underage DWI laws in the country, including a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold and penalties that can derail a young person’s future.
If you or your child has been arrested for underage drinking and driving, don’t assume a slap on the wrist is coming. You could be facing license suspension, fines, a criminal record, and long-term consequences that follow you into school, jobs, and adulthood. At Combs Waterkotte, our skilled DWI lawyers based in St. Louis understand what’s at stake—and we know how to fight for your future.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation with an expert underage DWI defense lawyer. The Combs Waterkotte attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and have successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in St. Louis and across Missouri.
Blog Summary
This blog breaks down Missouri’s strict underage DWI laws and the penalties young drivers can face if charged. From automatic license suspension and fines to mandatory treatment programs and criminal records, underage DWI consequences can be severe—even for first-time offenders. You’ll also learn how a skilled DWI lawyer can help reduce or eliminate charges by challenging traffic stops, breathalyzer results, and police procedure. If you or your child is facing underage DWI charges in Missouri, this article explains what to expect and why hiring the right legal defense is critical.
Don’t leave your future to chance. An experienced underage DWI lawyer can help protect your rights, your license, and your long-term opportunities.
Underage DWI Laws & Penalties in Missouri
What Missouri drivers under 21 need to know about drinking and driving:
Missouri’s Zero Tolerance Policy for Underage Drivers
In Missouri, drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a strict Zero Tolerance Law, as stipulated in Missouri Revised Statute § 302.400, for drinking and driving. Unlike the .08% legal limit for drivers over 21, anyone under the legal drinking age can be charged with a DWI with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) as low as .02%.
That’s roughly the equivalent of one drink—or less. In Missouri, even a trace amount of alcohol in an underage driver’s system can lead to arrest, criminal charges, and license suspension. These penalties can affect your driving privileges, academic standing, and employment prospects for years to come.
Underage DWI Penalties in Missouri
The penalties for an underage DWI offense are serious, and they escalate with each incident. Below are common consequences for first-time and repeat underage DWI convictions in Missouri:
First Underage DWI Offense
- Suspension of driver’s license for 90 days
- Possible jail time up to 6 months
- Fines up to $500
- Mandatory completion of the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
- Points added to driving record (can increase insurance rates)
Second or Subsequent Underage DWI Offenses
- Driver’s license revoked for 1 year or more
- Jail time up to 1 year
- Fines up to $1,000
- Installation of Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
- Mandatory alcohol education and/or rehabilitation
In some instances, your jail sentence could be replaced with a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) or probation, as well as substance abuse treatment and continuous BAC monitoring.
Penalties for a third offense in Missouri include:
- Up to 4 years in jail
- Licence revocation for 10 years
- Fines up to $10,000
- IID for at least 6 months
In addition to these legal penalties, a DWI conviction can stay on your criminal record, impacting future opportunities in education, employment, and even housing.
Why Underage Drivers Face Higher Stakes
For young drivers, a DWI charge isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a life-altering event. Colleges may take disciplinary action. Scholarships may be revoked. Employers may hesitate to hire. Insurance premiums can skyrocket, and your ability to drive to work or school could be severely impacted.
Missouri law enforcement takes underage drinking and driving seriously, and so should you. If you or your child is facing an underage DWI charge, the best step forward is securing representation from an experienced Missouri DWI defense attorney who understands how to challenge both the evidence and the process.
Can You Fight an Underage DWI in Missouri?
Absolutely. There are many strategies a skilled Combs Waterkotte underage DWI defense lawyer may use to fight underage DWI charges, including:
- Improper Traffic Stop — The officer lacked probable cause to pull you over.
- Faulty Chemical Test — Breathalyzer or blood test results can be flawed or misinterpreted.
- No Actual Impairment — BAC alone does not prove unsafe driving.
- Violation of Rights — Your constitutional rights may have been violated during the stop, questioning, or arrest.
Every case is different, but your future is worth defending.
Protecting Your Future Starts Now—Call Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys have helped countless clients—including underage drivers—minimize or avoid the consequences of DWI charges. We understand the fear and uncertainty that come with a criminal charge at a young age, and we’re here to fight for a second chance. Whether it’s your first offense or you’ve been charged before, we’ll review your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument, and push for a dismissal or reduction of charges.
Call our underage DWI defense attorneys now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your record, your license, and your future.
