Kansas City Underage DWI Defense Attorneys

Will I Automatically Lose My License After an Underage DWI?

For drivers under 21, a DWI charge can affect more than just your criminal record. Missouri’s “abuse and lose” law allows the state to suspend your license after an underage DWI offense (RSMo § 302.400). A first offense can result in a 90-day suspension, while repeat violations can lead to a full year or more. 

Restricted driving privileges can make it harder to manage school, work, and other daily responsibilities. Our firm can evaluate every angle of your case, identify opportunities to limit license consequences, and help you pursue options that keep you on the road when possible.

What Are the Penalties for an Underage DWI Conviction?

An underage DWI conviction can carry repercussions that extend beyond the courtroom. Some potential penalties include fines, jail time, probation, and a criminal record that can follow you into future employment and educational opportunities. In addition to criminal penalties, drivers under 21 face administrative consequences under the state’s “abuse and lose” law, which are separate from the criminal case.

Some first-time DWI cases may be eligible for alternatives, such as probation, fines, or alcohol education programs. How the case is handled early on can make a meaningful difference. We focus both on criminal and administrative repercussions to mitigate the long-term impacts of a conviction and help you move forward with as little disruption as possible.

Can I Go to Jail for a First-Time Underage DWI?

Yes. A first-time underage DWI is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and $500 in fines. A second DWI offense can lead to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines. We understand how the criminal justice system can overlook the human being behind the charges and are dedicated to safeguarding young people’s futures by challenging the prosecutor’s narrative and fighting to keep our clients’ futures intact.

How We Protect Your Driving Privileges

Losing the ability to drive can make it impossible for young defendants to attend classes or maintain a part-time job. We prioritize keeping young adults legally on the road so their daily lives are not upended. Here is how we actively combat license suspensions and revocations:

• Early review of the stop and BAC evidence. We examine the basis for the traffic stop and how your BAC was measured to identify issues that may affect the state’s ability to move forward with a suspension.
• Coordinating the criminal and administrative timelines. Underage DWI cases often involve parallel proceedings. We take a coordinated approach to handle timing, filings, and other decisions as the case moves forward.
• Representing you in the administrative license hearing process. We present legal arguments that challenge the basis for suspending driving privileges under the state’s “abuse and lose” framework. 
• Guidance on restricted driving options. When available, we help you understand and pursue limited driving privileges so you can continue getting to school, work, and essential obligations.
• Identifying procedural errors early. Administrative suspensions must follow specific legal steps. We review notices, timelines, and documentation to determine whether the process was handled correctly.

What Sets Us Apart

Advanced Knowledge of DWI Laws

Our lead attorney is a faculty member at the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) and regularly teaches other lawyers across the state and nation. Our lawyers also receive additional training through the Trial Lawyers College, empowering us to approach even the most complex DWI cases from a position of strength. 

Former Public Defender

Our firm was founded by a former public defender who began her career in the trenches at the Missouri State Public Defender’s office. This gives us a deep understanding of the inner workings of the local criminal justice system, how prosecutors build their cases, and how evidence is actually developed, challenged, and tested in courtrooms.

Focused Defense for Underage DWI Cases

Underage DWI cases move quickly and involve both criminal charges and administrative license action. Our attorneys prepare every case with a trial-ready mindset and focus on the points that matter most in underage cases, including the legality of the stop, the accuracy of testing, and how license consequences are applied. 

Don’t let an underage DWI charge upend your life. Our attorneys can work tirelessly to protect your future. Contact us online to discuss your case.