We get it. Being arrested for DWI in Missouri is daunting, particularly for first-time offenders. Questions and uncertainties abound, such as: What’s this form for? and What date do I need to be where?
There are two sides to a DWI in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri—a criminal side and an administrative side. While the criminal side may seem a bit more cut-and-dry and less overwhelming, regardless of the term “criminal,” preparing for a DWI administrative hearing is critical if you want to keep your driving privileges. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) handles this process, which makes getting an experienced DWI administrative hearing lawyer that much more important.
Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an expert DWI/DUI defense attorney based in St. Louis. Here’s what you need to know to give yourself the best possible outcome:
How to Prepare for a DWI Administrative Hearing in Missouri
Being arrested for DWI in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri is a serious matter, whether this is your second or fourth time, and securing an experienced DWI/DUI lawyer should be your top priority. No matter if you were wrongly accused or just made an unfortunate mistake, having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can significantly impact both your criminal case and administrative hearing, getting you the best possible outcome in both.
As your DWI/DUI lawyer in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, our goal is to prevent your DWI from following you for life and to help you regain full driving privileges. This means fighting for your license reinstatement and making sure you have the freedom to move forward without unnecessary legal burdens.
What You Can Do to Prepare for a DWI Administrative Hearing
You only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing. If you don’t request one you could be facing automatic suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Once the hearing is set, the following are things you can do to prepare:
Document Your Version of the Events
Write down everything you remember about your arrest, focusing on facts rather than emotions. Instead of saying, “The officer was aggressive,” describe their specific actions or statements. The more details you have, the better prepared your DWI administrative hearing lawyer will be to challenge inconsistencies.
Gather Any Relevant Evidence
While evidence in Missouri DWI administrative hearings is limited, it can still include:
- Your own testimony
- The arresting officer’s report and testimony
- Witness statements
- Dashcam or bodycam footage
- Breath or blood test results
- Documentation of any preexisting medical conditions
Identify Possible Defenses
The Combs Waterkotte DWI administrative hearing legal team may challenge the DOR’s case by focusing on:
- Illegal Traffic Stop: If the law enforcement officer lacked reasonable suspicion, the entire case could be dismissed.
- Improperly Conducted Tests: Breathalyzers must be maintained, calibrated, and properly operated according to Missouri regulations. Any mistakes could make the results inadmissible.
- Violation of Your Rights: If law enforcement failed to inform you of your rights or violated protocol, our attorneys can use this in your defense.
- Gaps in the Evidence: If there was a significant delay between the time you were driving and when the officer administered a test, the results might not accurately reflect your level of intoxication while driving.
Know What to Expect During the Hearing
The administrative hearing is not a criminal trial. It’s typically held over video conference, phone, or in person at a local DOR office. A hearing officer—not a judge— will review the evidence and decide whether your license should be suspended or revoked.
Hire a Combs Waterkotte DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
Because the burden of proof is low in administrative hearings, the DOR needs only a preponderance of the evidence, fighting the suspension on your own is a risky move. A skilled Missouri DWI administrative hearing lawyer can:
- Identify weaknesses in the DOR’s case
- Challenge field sobriety, breathalyzer, and blood test results
- Cross-examine officers to expose procedural errors
- Present a compelling defense to protect your license
Take Action Now—Call Combs Waterkotte
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri, the 15-day deadline to request an administrative hearing is fast approaching. Failing to act means an automatic suspension or revocation, severely impacting your ability to work, run errands, and take care of daily responsibilities.
Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Call one of our DWI administrative hearing lawyers as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a confidential, no-obligation case review.
