St. Louis Underage DWI Attorney

Protecting Your Child’s Future After A DWI

A juvenile or underage DWI charge can threaten a young person’s license, education, and future plans. If your teenager or college student was accused of drinking and driving in the St. Louis area, you are likely worried, confused, and trying to figure out what comes next. You do not have to sort this out on your own.

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we represent young people and families facing alcohol related driving charges in Missouri. Our attorneys draw on decades of criminal defense experience to guide clients through the court system and related license proceedings. We work to protect both immediate legal rights and long-term opportunities for school, work, and life.

Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how these cases are charged and negotiated, as well as adjunct professors who teach criminal law at a local law school. When your child’s future is on the line, you deserve a firm with deep criminal defense experience and a commitment to personal support from a juvenile DUI attorney St. Louis families can turn to for guidance.

Call (314) 334-3807 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

What is Considered an Underage DWI in Missouri?

In Missouri, an underage DWI occurs when a person under the age of 21 operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. Unlike adult DWI laws, Missouri’s underage DWI statutes are designed to be stricter because of the heightened risks associated with young drivers and alcohol consumption.

Key points to note:

• Zero-tolerance policy: Missouri enforces a zero-tolerance standard for drivers under 21. Even a small amount of alcohol can trigger an underage DWI charge.
• Impairment: A driver may also be charged if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances, regardless of BAC.
• Aggravating factors: In some cases, additional penalties apply if the underage driver is involved in an accident, refuses a BAC test, or has prior alcohol-related offenses.

Because underage DWI charges carry serious consequences for your driving privileges and criminal record, hiring a St. Louis underage DWI attorney early in the process can make a significant difference.

Missouri Underage DWI Penalties

Penalties for underage DWI in Missouri can vary depending on the circumstances of the offense and any prior convictions. Common consequences include:

• License suspension: First-time offenders may face a driver’s license suspension of up to 90 days, while repeat offenders could lose driving privileges for a year or longer.
• Fines: Monetary fines can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
• Alcohol education and treatment programs: Courts often require participation in alcohol education or substance abuse programs.
• Community service: Many underage offenders must complete a designated number of community service hours.
• Probation: Depending on the case, probation may be imposed, which can include strict conditions and regular reporting to a probation officer.

It’s important to understand that even a first-time underage DWI can impact your insurance rates, future employment opportunities, and college admissions. Having a knowledgeable St. Louis underage DWI attorney can help reduce or even avoid some of these consequences.

Legal Defenses for Underage DWI Charges

Experienced attorneys at The Hammer Law Firm, LLC know that underage DWI charges are not always straightforward. Several legal defenses may apply, including:

• Challenging BAC accuracy: Breathalyzer and blood test results can be challenged if the equipment was faulty or improperly maintained.
• Improper traffic stop: If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle, evidence obtained may be inadmissible.
• Field sobriety test issues: Poorly administered field sobriety tests or improper officer procedures can be contested.
• Medical conditions or medications: Certain conditions or medications can affect test results, providing a possible defense.

Our team will examine every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and pursue the most effective defense strategy.

Underage DWI FAQs

Q: Can I get a license suspension even if it’s my first offense?

A: Yes. Missouri enforces strict penalties for underage drivers, including license suspension, even for first-time offenders.

Q: Will an underage DWI go on my permanent record?

A: Underage DWI convictions can appear on both your driving and criminal records, potentially affecting employment and insurance rates.

Q: Can a parent be held responsible for my underage DWI?

A: Parents are generally not criminally liable, but they may be required to attend court proceedings if you are a minor.

Q: Is jail time required for underage DWI?

A: Jail time is not guaranteed, but it may be imposed in cases with aggravating factors or repeat offenses.

Q: How can a lawyer help with my case?

A: A skilled St. Louis underage DWI attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, and guide you through court procedures to protect your rights and future.

Why Families Choose Our DUI Defense

When a young person is arrested on suspicion of DWI, parents often search for a lawyer who is both highly experienced and approachable. Families choose our firm because we focus on criminal defense in Missouri and regularly represent teenagers and young adults who are facing drinking and driving allegations. We understand that this may be your family’s first contact with the criminal justice system, and we take time to explain every step.

Our attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined criminal defense experience to each case. Both Mark Hammer and Nicole Chiravollatti previously served as prosecutors, so we have seen how the state builds DUI cases and how charging and plea decisions are made. This perspective helps us evaluate the strength of the evidence, anticipate the prosecutor’s concerns, and look for paths to better resolutions in juvenile and underage DUI matters.

We are also deeply rooted in the St. Louis legal community. Mark Hammer and Nicole Chiravollatti serve as adjunct professors at Saint Louis University School of Law, where they teach and mentor future lawyers in criminal law and procedure. Mark Hammer’s role as a Lead Panel Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri's Criminal Justice Act Program reflects the trust that federal courts place in his judgment and skill in serious criminal cases. These roles show our ongoing commitment to thoughtful, high level criminal practice, which benefits families who come to us for help with a young person’s DUI case.

Most importantly, we work closely with both parents and young clients. We know that communication is critical, so we strive to be accessible, return calls, and provide clear updates. When a family hires a juvenile DUI lawyer St. Louis families can rely on, they want someone who listens, answers questions in plain language, and treats their child with respect. That is how we approach every case.

To discuss your child’s situation confidentially, call (314) 334-3807 today.