DWI Lawyer in Springfield, MO
DWI Lawyer in Springfield, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, particularly considering the potential repercussions for Springfield, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance premiums, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your Springfield community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be constrained, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for individuals with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Springfield, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so that we can get to work building your defense right away. Our attorneys are available for free, no-strings-attached consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.
Article Summary
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Springfield, MO area, the consequences can be severe—license suspension, steep fines, a criminal record, and even jail time. But a charge is not a conviction, and with the right legal team, you may be able to avoid the most damaging outcomes. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Springfield, MO DWI lawyers fight aggressively to protect your rights, reputation, and future. This in-depth page covers everything you need to know after a DWI arrest in or around Springfield, MO: what to do at a traffic stop, the criminal and administrative penalties involved, first-time and repeat offense consequences, and how to challenge breath tests, field sobriety evidence, and police procedures. Whether this is your first DWI or a subsequent offense, our Springfield, MO attorneys create strategic defenses built to win—often securing dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing.
Legal Videos
DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …
Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.
Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …
Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.
Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Springfield, MO Area?
Having a tenacious and effective Springfield, MO DWI lawyer on your case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and reaching a more favorable outcome such as reduced or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Springfield, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our clients throughout the Springfield, MO area facing DWI charges. Whether this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm will give your Springfield, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.
Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Springfield residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring complete client satisfaction in every facet of our service. When facing DWI charges near Springfield, MO, prioritize making (314) 900-HELP your initial contact. We provide free case reviews and, at Combs Waterkotte, we are devoted to working with you, accommodating any financial hardships you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Springfield, MO.
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Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Springfield, MO?
If you’ve been charged with DWI in the Springfield, MO area, don’t face the legal system alone. A skilled DWI lawyer can be the difference between a conviction and a second chance. From protecting your driving privileges to challenging weak evidence, the right legal team in Springfield, MO helps you take control of your case.
{How Combs Waterkotte Protects You in Springfield, MO
- Investigate whether your traffic stop and arrest followed the law
- Challenge questionable breath or blood test results
- Build a strong constitutional defense, including probable cause issues
- Represent you at both your court trial and administrative hearing
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Springfield, MO?
After you have been pulled over by a police officer who suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs near Springfield, MO, it’s natural to feel nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for any moving violation is something that can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is amplified when you’re facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Springfield, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:
- Pull over safely. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, choosing a well-lit location on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. Try to avoid parking on grass.
- Remain calm and cooperative. Remain calm and composed. Being hostile to a police officer will only make them more likely to search your car or subject you to increased scrutiny. Being polite goes a long way when being pulled over for DWI in the Springfield, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary data. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by stating that you prefer not to respond without legal advice.
- Do not take a portable breath test. While Missouri does have an implied consent law that automatically revokes your driver’s license for one year if you refuse a breathalyzer or a blood test, this only applies after you have been placed under arrest for DWI. Portable breathalyzers are frequently deemed unreliable and are primarily used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
- If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Springfield, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing your driving privileges for months and your case potentially being dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Springfield, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Springfield, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique situationDriving under the influence has severe legal consequences in Springfield, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Springfield, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.
Greene County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Greene County and Missouri.
Fighting Both Sides Of Your Springfield, MO DWI Case
DWI cases in Missouri have two components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri are undeniably severe, with even a first DWI offense possibly resulting in significant consequences as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, defining it as a class B misdemeanor:
- 8 points on your driving record
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to a $500 fine
- A 90-day drivers’ license suspension, the last 60 of which can be restored to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
- Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program called Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22
Our experienced Springfield, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Springfield, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. In addition to DWI defense in Springfield, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many forms of law, like:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Springfield, MO?
Yes, many Springfield, MO residents charged with DWI can get those charges reduced, depending on the facts of the case and the strength of their legal defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve successfully reduced DWI charges in Springfield, MO and across Missouri to lesser offenses like reckless driving or a traffic violation when:
- First-time offense with no prior criminal record
- Your BAC was close to the .08% limit
- No accident, injury, or property damage involved in Springfield, MO
- Police violated protocols during the stop or testing
- Strong legal defense that challenges probable cause, test accuracy, or arrest procedure
How Does It Work?
With a skilled DWI defense attorney in Springfield, MO on your side, we may be able to:
- Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges
- Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
- Challenge improper searches or roadside procedures
- Present mitigating circumstances or lack of evidence to pressure the state into reducing charges
Why it Matters
A reduced charge in Springfield, MO can help you:
- Reduced or no jail time
- Less impact on your driver’s license
- Protects your permanent record
- Helps you keep your job or professional license
- Minimizes insurance hikes
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Springfield, MO?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Springfield, MO, you will likely be facing class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing possible penalties like:
- No more than one year in jail (any jail sentence for a second DWI must include a minimum of 10 days of “shock time” in jail before possible suspension of sentence or probation)
- Maximum two years probation
- Fines of no more than $1,000
- The suspension of your driving privileges, which ranges from one to five years
- You must install and maintain, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This prevents someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Continuous, trackable alcohol monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
- Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)
The administrative facet of a DWI case in Springfield, MO relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles the revocation or suspension of your license. Many drivers in the Springfield, MO area may not be aware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Springfield, MO.
When you hire the Springfield, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will tackle both components of your DWI case as soon as possible and strive to mitigate the impact of a DWI arrest on your life. We will compile evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential holes in the Springfield police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built to win. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Contact a Springfield, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Today at Combs Waterkotte
If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Springfield, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Springfield, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Springfield DWI arrest will be greatly mitigated or even eradicated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Springfield, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm combines top-notch legal expertise and assertive litigation with a commitment to personal service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Springfield, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, they will swiftly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Springfield, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free initial .
