Hiring a drunk driving lawyer in Missouri is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after a DWI arrest. In this blog, we’ll break down 7 clear signs you may have hired the wrong attorney — including poor communication, lack of DWI experience, billing issues, and unprofessional behavior — plus how to switch lawyers if needed.
When you’re facing a DWI or DWI charge in Missouri — whether in St. Louis or anywhere statewide — you need legal representation that gives you confidence, not stress. But what if your lawyer isn’t communicating? What if they’re pushing you into a guilty plea without even reviewing your case? If any of this sounds familiar, you might have hired the wrong attorney.
What You’ll Learn in This Blog
- The top signs your drunk driving lawyer isn’t doing their job
- What poor communication really looks like (and why it matters)
- Why aggressive plea deals can be a red flag — not a strategy
- Billing issues, lack of transparency, and other professional failures
- What to do if you need to change lawyers mid-case
- hen it’s worth seeking a second opinion — and how to get one
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7 Signs You Hired the Wrong Missouri Drunk Driving Lawyer
1. They Don’t Communicate — Or Don’t Care To
One of the most common complaints people have after hiring a drunk driving lawyer is feeling completely left in the dark. Maybe they don’t return your calls. Maybe they send one-line emails with no real explanation. Or maybe they just don’t seem interested in your questions — or your case.
Red flags to look for:
- They don’t return your calls or emails within a reasonable time.
- You’re constantly chasing them for updates.
- They don’t update you on court dates, filings, or stategies.
- They avoid explaining your legal options or next steps.
- They act like you’re annoying them for simply asking what’s happening.
- You’re consistently stonewalled by a paralegal instead of being able to talk to the drunk driving lawyer handling your case.
A good drunk driving lawyer in Missouri — whether you’re in St. Louis or any other part of the state — will take time to walk you through your case, answer your questions, and keep you in the loop. You’re not expected to know how DWI cases work in Missouri; that’s their job. But if they can’t be bothered to communicate, it’s a clear sign they aren’t taking your defense seriously.
In summary: If your lawyer makes you feel like an inconvenience, it might be time to find someone who values your case — and your peace of mind.
2. They Push You to Plead Without a Fight
If your drunk driving lawyer immediately recommends pleading guilty without thoroughly reviewing your case, that’s a problem. While a plea deal is sometimes the right move, it should only come after your lawyer has examined the evidence, evaluated possible defenses, and explained all your options.
Warning signs include:
- No effort to challenge the traffic stop, breath test, or field sobriety test
- Little or no discussion of potential defense strategies
- Vague explanations for why pleading guilty is supposedly your best option
An experienced drunk driving lawyer should approach your case with a defense-first mindset. Even if the evidence seems stacked against you, a strong attorney will explore every angle before advising you to accept a deal. If they’re pushing a plea as the default — or seem uninterested in building a defense — they’re not advocating for your best interests.
Key takeaway: A drunk driving lawyer should explain your options, not just rush you toward the path of least resistance.
3. They Lack DWI Experience in Missouri
Drunk driving cases are not general criminal cases — they require specific knowledge of Missouri’s DWI laws, local court procedures, and administrative license rules. If your lawyer doesn’t regularly handle DWI cases, they may miss critical opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s evidence or protect your license.
Common signs of inexperience include:
- Struggling to explain how your license suspension can be appealed
- Not knowing how local judges or prosecutors typically handle DWI cases
- Failing to address key elements like probable cause, BAC procedures, or field sobriety protocols
Every county — and even every courtroom — has its own rhythm. A lawyer who knows the local system can anticipate how things are likely to play out and tailor your defense accordingly. Without that familiarity, you’re at a disadvantage.
In summary: If your lawyer seems unfamiliar with Missouri DWI laws or local court expectations, your defense may already be on shaky ground.
4. They Seem Checked Out or Unprofessional
A drunk driving lawyer doesn’t have to be your best friend — but they should act like a professional who takes your case seriously. If they’re consistently late to meetings or court, show up unprepared, or display a general lack of interest, those are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
What this might look like:
- Arriving late or unprepared for court appearances
- Forgetting details you’ve already discussed
- Making careless errors in documents or filings
- Giving off the impression they’re just going through the motions
This kind of behavior isn’t just frustrating — it can have real consequences. Missed deadlines, sloppy filings, or a poor courtroom presence can affect the outcome of your case. You’re paying for more than just their name; you’re paying for their focus and preparation.
Most common mistake: Assuming that apathy is just their personality, when in fact it may be putting your entire defense at risk.
5. You’re Seeing Sketchy Billing Practices
A good lawyer is upfront about how they charge — and what you can expect to pay. If your drunk driving lawyer seems vague, evasive, or confusing when it comes to billing, that’s a red flag. Unclear or deceptive billing practices can create major problems down the line.
Look out for:
- Unexplained or inflated charges on invoices
- “Rounding up” billed hours without justification
- Refusing to provide itemized statements
- Surprising you with extra fees that were never discussed
You have the right to know what you’re paying for. Legal representation is a major investment, and transparency should be the baseline — not a bonus.
Key takeaway: If you don’t understand your bill or feel like you’re being taken advantage of, that’s a sign your lawyer doesn’t respect you as a client.
6. They Lack Compassion or Respect for Your Situation
Being charged with drunk driving can be overwhelming, embarrassing, and stressful — and the last thing you need is a lawyer who makes you feel worse. If your attorney seems cold, dismissive, or indifferent to what you’re going through, that’s not just unpleasant — it’s unprofessional.
This can show up as:
- Acting judgmental or disinterested in your side of the story
- Talking down to you or ignoring your input
- Failing to acknowledge how the case affects your job, family, or future
- Making it clear they care more about their fee than your outcome
Your lawyer doesn’t have to coddle you, but they should treat you with empathy and respect. This is your life, your record, and your future on the line — you deserve someone who gets that.
To compare: A strong drunk driving lawyer doesn’t just fight your legal battle — they understand the human impact and guide you through it.
7. Bad Reputation, Bad Reviews, or Ethical Red Flags
If your drunk driving lawyer has a history of complaints, poor online reviews, or disciplinary actions, those are signs that others have had serious issues with their performance or conduct.
Watch for:
- A pattern of negative client reviews mentioning the same problems
- Lack of any visible reputation, especially for someone claiming years of experience
- Disciplinary history with the Missouri Bar or other formal complaints
- Poor standing or lack of respect among other legal professionals
Reputation matters in the legal world. Judges, prosecutors, and other attorneys take notice of who consistently shows up prepared — and who doesn’t. If your lawyer’s reputation is a liability, it can affect how your case is treated.
In summary: A lawyer’s track record with clients and the legal community often says more than their sales pitch ever will.
What to Do If You Hired the Wrong Missouri Drunk Driving Lawyer
If you’ve read this far and feel like your current lawyer checks one (or more) of these boxes, you’re probably wondering: can I switch lawyers now?
The answer is yes — in most cases, you can change attorneys even if your case is already in progress. In fact, making a change early could improve your outcome and peace of mind.
Here’s how to do it:
- Review your current agreement. Look for any terms about termination or refunds. Many lawyers allow you to end the relationship with written notice.
- Consult a new attorney before making the switch. This helps ensure continuity and that you’re making a smart move, not just reacting emotionally.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Switching counsel days before trial or a license hearing can hurt your case more than help it.
You deserve legal representation that’s competent, professional, and genuinely invested in helping you move forward. If you’re not getting that, it’s okay to start fresh — and it might even be the smartest decision you make in your entire case.
Call the Missouri Drunk Driving Lawyer You Deserve Today
If your drunk driving lawyer is unresponsive, inexperienced, unprofessional, or simply not giving your case the attention it deserves, you have options. Trust your instincts — and remember that the right legal representation can make a real difference in how your case ends and how your life moves forward.
At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve helped thousands of people across Missouri — including in St. Louis — get real results in drunk driving cases. Whether you’re looking for a second opinion or ready to switch lawyers, we’re here to help you take back control.
Reach out today for a confidential case review — and get the defense you deserve. You can call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
