Peak times for Underage DUIs in MO

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

June 5, 2025

Underage Drinking in Missouri: What Parents and Students Need to Know ï»¿

Each academic year brings milestones worth celebrating—homecoming, Halloween, winter break, prom, and graduation. Unfortunately, these high-spirited events often coincide with a spike in underage drinking incidents across Missouri. While young people may view underage drinking as a rite of passage, Missouri law takes these offenses seriously—and the consequences can be long-lasting.

Understanding Missouri's Underage Drinking Laws

In Missouri, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. This applies whether you're at a house party, in a parked car, or even holding alcohol for someone else. Additionally, providing alcohol to minors is a criminal offense, with parents and other adults potentially facing serious charges if they allow underage drinking on their property.


A first offense of Minor in Possession (MIP) can lead to:

  • A fine of up to $300
  • Suspension or revocation of a driver’s license
  • A permanent criminal record



Repeat offenses or situations involving driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) can bring more severe penalties, including jail time.

Key Risk Periods During the School Year

Certain times during the academic calendar consistently see higher incidents of underage drinking:

  • Back to School & Homecoming (August–October): The excitement of a new school year and social events can lead students to experiment with alcohol.
  • Halloween & Thanksgiving Break: Parties during these fall holidays often involve alcohol, sometimes supplied by older peers or even adults.
  • Winter Break & New Year’s Eve: Extended time away from school gives teens more opportunity—and often less supervision.
  • Spring Break: Whether traveling or staying local, underage drinking is a common concern during this time.
  • Prom & Graduation Season (April–June): These rites of passage often include celebrations that involve alcohol.

The Long-Term Consequences

Beyond legal penalties, an MIP or DUI charge can affect college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and future employment. In some cases, teens may also face disciplinary action from their schools or extracurricular programs.

How Finder Law, LLC Can Help

If your child or a loved one has been charged with underage drinking in Missouri, it's crucial to act quickly. These cases are not just about a night of poor judgment—they’re about protecting a young person’s future.



At Finder Law, LLC, our founding attorney, Daniel Finder, brings years of experience handling criminal defense cases, including those involving minors. He works to minimize the legal impact and explore every option to protect your child’s rights and record.

Don’t let one mistake shape the rest of your life.

Contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today for experienced and compassionate legal representation in Missouri underage drinking cases.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

Emotional and Psychological Damages in Missouri Personal Injury Claims

October 21, 2025
When most people think of personal injury claims, they picture physical harm—broken bones, surgeries, or lasting physical disabilities. But not all injuries are visible. Many accident victims suffer emotional and psychological damages such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In Missouri, these types of damages are recognized under personal injury law. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the mental and emotional toll it has taken on your life. At Finder Law, LLC, we know that emotional injuries are just as real—and just as life-altering—as physical ones. Here’s what you need to know about recovering for these damages in Missouri.

What to Look for in a Family Law Lawyer in Missouri

October 16, 2025
Choosing the right family law lawyer in Missouri can make all the difference when you are facing sensitive legal matters such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, or property division. Family law cases involve not only complex legal issues but also deeply personal and emotional challenges. That’s why selecting the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make.  At Finder Law, LLC, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. To help guide you, here are the key qualities and factors to look for when hiring a family law attorney in Missouri.

What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant in Missouri

September 24, 2025
Discovering that you have an active warrant in Missouri can be overwhelming and frightening. Whether it’s for missing a court date, unpaid fines, or a new criminal charge, ignoring the problem will only make matters worse. Warrants don’t go away on their own, and law enforcement can arrest you at any time—at home, at work, or even during a routine traffic stop. At Finder Law, LLC, we help clients throughout Missouri resolve active warrants and protect their rights. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing this situation.

Minor Injury Soft Tissue (MIST) Personal Injury Claims in Missouri: What You Need to Know

September 18, 2025
Not every personal injury case involves broken bones, surgery, or long hospital stays. Many accidents—especially car crashes, slips and falls, or workplace incidents—result in soft tissue injuries. These include sprains, strains, bruises, whiplash, and other injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. While some people assume these are “minor” injuries, soft tissue damage can still cause lasting pain, limited mobility, and lost wages. If you’ve suffered a soft tissue injury in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help injury victims understand their rights and fight for fair settlements—even in cases involving injuries that insurance companies try to minimize.

Are Traffic Tickets Public Record in Missouri? Who Can See Them?

September 16, 2025
Getting a traffic ticket in Missouri can be stressful—fines, possible court dates, and the risk of points on your license. But many people don’t realize that traffic tickets are also part of the public record. That means others may be able to see your driving history, which can have long-term consequences for your job, insurance, and reputation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help drivers across Missouri understand their rights and protect their records when facing traffic violations. Here’s what you need to know about how traffic tickets are recorded, who can see them, and why it matters.

What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Missouri

September 9, 2025
Workplace injuries can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a fall, a machinery accident, or a repetitive stress injury. In Missouri, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees in case of a job-related injury. But what happens if your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance and you get hurt on the job? At Finder Law, LLC, we often hear from injured workers in this exact situation. Here’s what you need to know if your employer is uninsured.

What Happens If You Violate Your Probation in Missouri?

September 4, 2025
Being placed on probation in Missouri often feels like a second chance. Instead of serving time in jail or prison, you’re given the opportunity to live in the community under certain rules and conditions. But what happens if you violate probation? The consequences can be serious—and in some cases, life-changing. At Finder Law, LLC, we represent clients facing probation violations throughout Missouri. Here’s what you need to know about how violations are handled, what penalties you could face, and why having an experienced defense lawyer matters.

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Missouri?

September 2, 2025
If you’re thinking about divorce in Missouri, one of the first questions you may have is: “Do I have to go to court?” The answer is yes—but how much time you spend in court depends on your situation.

The “Laughing Heirs” in Missouri: What Happens When Remote Relatives Inherit?

August 26, 2025
Estate planning often focuses on spouses, children, and grandchildren. But what happens when someone dies without a will and without any close relatives? This is where the concept of “laughing heirs” comes into play.

When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Missouri?

August 19, 2025
If you’ve been injured on the job in Missouri, you’re likely dealing with pain, medical treatment, and the stress of lost wages. While workers’ compensation benefits exist to provide financial and medical support after a workplace injury, navigating the system can be complex and frustrating. Knowing when to hire a workers’ compensation attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.