What To Do if Your Child Has Been Charged with a First-Time DWI in Columbia, MO

A DWI Charge Is a Serious Offense in Boone County–Learn How to Support Your Child in This Situation From the Criminal Law Attorneys at Haden & Colbert

Have you just received news that your child is facing a DWI charge? As a parent, you fear for your children’s safety and well-being. If you or your child have never had experience with Missouri’s DWI laws, it’s even more unfamiliar and daunting. What are the consequences of a DWI for a minor? Will this impact your child’s prospects for the future? These are all important questions to ask as you search for legal defense. The DWI attorneys at Haden & Colbert can prepare you and your child for this situation in Columbia, MO. Continue along for insight and recommendations after a charge is given.

What You Need to Know About DWI Charges Before Hiring an Attorney in Mid-Missouri

The term “DWI” means “driving while intoxicated” and is used interchangeably with “DUI”, or “driving under the influence”, in the state of Missouri. This type of charge occurs when a person is caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If the driver fails a sobriety test with the police officer who pulled them over, they will be placed under arrest. Roughly one million arrests are made a year in the United States for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, despite the dangers they present to others on the road. Before calling a DWI lawyer in mid-MO, learn more about the essential details and be aware of the outcomes that are possible for your child. 

DWI laws for minors in the Boone County area

While the blood alcohol content requirement is over 0.08% for adults older than 21, the rules are much stricter for minors, who can be charged with a DWI for 0.02% or higher. Missouri has a zero-tolerance policy compared to other states, meaning your child can face legal repercussions if found to have alcohol in their system while behind the wheel. In addition to a DWI charge, your child could face other consequences such as a minor in possession charge or a fake ID charge in Columbia, MO. Once a minor is arrested for driving while intoxicated, their license can be suspended for up to 90 days for the first offense. 

The consequences of being charged with a DWI in Boone County

What are the challenges your child can face as a result of a DWI charge? Even if it is their first offense, they could be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor with expensive fines up to $1,000. Some people are even sentenced to jail for up to six months and put on probation. Minors charged with a DWI in Missouri may also need to take educational classes or complete some hours of community service. Everything depends on the final decision made when your child’s case is on trial. You will need a defensive lawyer if you want a chance to reduce your child’s DWI charge in front of a Boone County judge. 

Does a DWI sentence stay on my child’s record in Columbia, MO?

Since this would be your child’s first offense as a minor in the Boone County area, a DWI charge doesn’t have to stay on their public record permanently. If they are facing their first DWI and have no other offenses involving illegal use of alcohol or substances, minors become eligible to have it expunged from their record two years after the conviction or once the child reaches 21 years of age. As an adult, the wait is ten years regardless of any jail time or required programs. This can make your child’s path of education substantially more difficult and possibly prevent them from finding certain career options in the future. 

Stay calm & know what to do following your child’s first DWI arrest in Columbia, MO

During an uncertain time like this, your child is probably scared and upset. Before you do anything else, make sure to get all the important details about their arrest, from court dates to location. It’s understandable to feel anger, but it’s best not to take it out on your child and instead have an open conversation with them about their decisions. Many parents recommend trying counseling or therapy to emotionally support their children and work through potential problems. If your child is charged with a DWI in Columbia, MO while attending a university, gathering information about housing, financing, or other academic changes from the school is essential as well. 

Consult a practiced DWI attorney in Boone County to protect your child’s rights 

After you’ve communicated with your child about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving, it’s time to appoint legal assistance for your DWI case in Columbia, MO. You need an attorney who specializes in the state’s criminal laws and has experience advocating for first-time offenders. At Haden & Colbert, our DWI lawyers will carefully review your case and come up with an effective strategy to affect your results in a trial. We understand how precious your child’s future is, and we will work hard to improve your results. 

Get in touch with Haden & Colbert today. Our criminal lawyers have experienced countless DWI cases in Columbia, MO & we’re willing to help your child

If your child attends The University of Missouri, Stephens College, Columbia College, or any other local schools in Columbia, MO, you need to be prepared for their DWI charge or it could all go downhill. Choose the DWI attorneys with over 25 years of criminal law experience in Boone County. Choose Haden & Colbert. Reach out and get started on your child’s case today.