How Can a DWI/DUI Lawyer Help Me in St. Louis, MO?

How Can a DWI/DUI Lawyer Help Me in St. Louis, MO? We understand that good people find themselves in unfortunate situations. Combs Waterkotte's St. Louis DWI defense team is dedicated to defending our clients' rights and achieving the best possible solution for them. What Combs Waterkotte does for you: Listens to your story and investigates charges Helps you understand charges and evidence Develops a tailored legal defense strategy Negotiates with prosecutors and defends at trial What Happens Without Combs Waterkotte: Lack of professional legal guidance Limited knowledge of legal procedures and evidence Extremely limited negotiation and defense skills Risk of harsher penalties, fines, and long-term consequences

What Should I Expect When Hiring a St. Louis or Missouri DWI/DUI Lawyer?

Combs Waterkotte has an impressive track record of experience and success in all areas of Missouri's DWI laws. When you come to Combs Waterkotte, our initial consultation about your DWI/DUI case will ask you questions such as: What was the reason for which the arresting officer pulled you over? Did the arresting officer violate your rights in any way? Did the officer perform field sobriety tests appropriately and adequately? Were there any issues with the breathalyzer testing procedure? Are there any issues with the police report?

What Are Some Defense Strategies a St. Louis DWI/DUI Lawyer Can Use?

The Combs Watterkotte DWI defense team frequently sees a system wrought with errors. Exposing these type of errors could make a difference in your case, although every case is different: Investigating Your Arrest: Our DWI/DUI lawyers will look through your arrest reports to see if the officer(s) followed the law properly. Improperly pulling over your vehicle or even not following the proper procedure for arresting you can lead to a dismissal of your case. If an officer didn’t tell you that it was a crime to refuse a breathalyzer after your arrest can lead to the dismissal of those additional charges. Flaws in Chemical Tests: We will also look at the results of any breath or blood test that was taken at the time of your arrest. If a breathalyzer isn’t properly maintained or proper procedures weren’t followed at a lab, your test results may not be admitted as evidence. Similarly, your blood alcohol content (BAC) rises naturally over time. Other Defenses: As a general example, an intoxicated person found alone in a car is usually assumed to have been driving the vehicle, even if they are found sitting in the passenger seat. However, the prosecution must be able to prove that person was driving the vehicle while having a BAC of .08% or more.

DWI/DUI Lawyer in St. Louis

Protect Your License. Stay Out of Jail. Move On With Your Life.

Last Updated: June 3, 2025

DWI Defense Lawyer
St. Louis, MO

A DWI arrest in St. Louis doesn’t mean a conviction. Our criminal defense lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience fighting DWI charges in Missouri courts. We move fast to protect your driver’s license, challenge the stop, field sobriety tests, and breath or blood results, and build the strongest defense possible. Our St. Louis DWI attorneys offer 100% free consultations. If you choose to hire us, we can setup a custom payment plan that allows you to get the legal help you need now without stressing over money. A DWI charge mistake does not have to ruin your life.

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DWI/DUI Defense in St. Louis, MO

DWI Defense Lawyers in St. Louis, MO

If you've been charged with a DWI, you will be facing a driver's license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. A DWI in St. Louis can result in unimaginable costs – but you could avoid them, with the expert help provided by an effective St. Louis DWI attorney. You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our DWI lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your future.

Our firm begins all our DWI cases in St. Louis with a personal, one-on-one conversation with clients. We will go over all the facts of the case with you, workshop an effective defense and legal strategy, and answer any questions you might have about the DWI legal process. Our St. Louis DWI defense attorneys will listen to your ideas of how to proceed, and after this meeting we will present you with a strong, proven plan of attack, along with what outcomes you can expect.

Combs Waterkotte stops at nothing to get a favorable outcome for their clients: we review every evidence file, look for extenuating circumstances, and are experts at finding flaws that can change the outcome of your case.

A Full St. Louis DWI Defense Team to Support You

When you hire Combs Waterkotte, you get an entire team of attorneys, paralegals, and staff working together on your case. From experienced trial lawyers to friendly, compassionate, and client-focused support staff, every member of our office is dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you move forward with confidence.

St. Louis DWI Lawyer | Best DWI Attorney St. Louis, MO

Our firm has handled thousands of DWI cases in jurisdictions throughout the St. Louis area, ranging from first-time DWI offenders to those who caused an accident or injury while under the influence. We are confident in our capability to defend you if you are facing any DWI related legal issues in St. Louis.

See below to learn more about our DWI defense and some of the types of cases we've handled:

What to Do if You're Pulled Over for DWI in St. Louis

Being stopped by police is nerve-wracking—especially if an officer suspects you of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The stress of a routine traffic stop intensifies when it becomes a DWI investigation. However, staying calm and knowing your rights can make a significant difference in how the situation unfolds. With extensive experience handling DWI cases throughout the St. Louis area, our legal team strongly advises you to follow these critical steps:

Pull Over Safely: As soon as you notice flashing lights behind you, find a safe place to stop. If possible, pull over on a road shoulder or into a nearby parking lot—avoid stopping on grass or in unsafe areas. Keep your hands visible, follow the officer's instructions within reason, and remain respectful.

Have Your Paperwork Ready: It's natural be nervous during a traffic stop, even if you're stone cold sober. If an officer sees you fumbling with your insurance, license, and registration after they ask for it, they may mistake your nerves for intoxication. Having your documents ready before the officer comes to your car door can help not add any suspicion.

Stay Calm and Cooperative: The way you interact with an officer matters. Remaining composed and courteous can prevent unnecessary complications. Arguing or acting aggressively will only raise suspicion and could lead to additional scrutiny, vehicle searches, or an escalated encounter.

Know Your Rights — Avoid Self-Incrimination: You are not required to answer questions that could be used against you. While you must provide your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance, you are under no obligation to disclose where you have been or whether you have consumed alcohol. If asked, politely assert your right to remain silent. Officers are trained to gather evidence against you—don't give them more than they already have.

Refuse Field Sobriety Tests and Breath or Blood Tests: Missouri's implied consent law applies only after an arrest. Field sobriety tests and roadside breathalyzers are unreliable and serve only to justify your arrest. Politely refuse these tests.

Call Combs Waterkotte Immediately if Arrested: If you are taken into custody, do not answer any questions without legal representation. Your conversation with a St. Louis DWI attorney is fully confidential and protected under Missouri law. Contact us at (314) 900-HELP as soon as possible. Our experienced DWI defense lawyers are ready to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Can You Drive After a DWI Charge in St. Louis?

If you are arrested for DWI in St. Louis, your driver’s license could be immediately suspended or revoked by the Missouri Department of Revenue – called an Administrative Alcohol Suspension. This suspension is separate from any criminal penalties and is an administrative action taken against your driving privileges.

Following your arrest, law enforcement will confiscate your driver’s license and replace it with a Notice of Suspension or Revocation, which allows you to keep driving for 15 days. This allotment of time is meant to allow you to request an Administrative Hearing to contest the suspension. You have the right to request an administrative hearing to challenge this suspension within those 15 days.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you might be eligible to apply for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP), commonly referred to as a hardship license. Under Missouri Revised Statute § 302.309, this permit allows you to drive for specific purposes, like school, work, or medical appointments.

To obtain an LDP, you might need to:

How You Can Help Combs Waterkotte Build Your DWI Defense in St. Louis

Being arrested for DWI in St. Louis is a daunting experience. Here's how you can help your DWI lawyer best prepare for your defense:

1. Take Important Initial Steps Following Your Arrest

Document the details of your arrest, including the time, location, and law enforcement officer's actions and any statements. Also, record if the officer stated a reason for the stop. Request a copy of the arrest report—your DWI lawyer will use this to review any evidence obtained and identify any procedural errors. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney and avoid posting any details online.

2. Fully Understand Missouri DWI Laws & Penalties

Understand Missouri’s implied consent law, which applies to blood and breath tests and can result in license suspension if you refuse testing. However, we suggest that you do refuse any field sobriety, breath, and blood test.

3. Hire an Experienced DWI Attorney

Hire a St. Louis DWI defense lawyer, one experienced in Missouri’s DWI laws. Discuss potential criminal defense strategies, including lack of probable cause, failure to issue Miranda rights, a faulty breathalyzer, or improperly conducting a field sobriety test.

4. Examine Evidence of Probable Cause

Our St. Louis DWI lawyers can challenge the reason for the traffic stop and investigate if there was reasonable suspicion to pull you over, and review bodycam/dashcam to verify event and challenge police conduct.

5. Evaluate / Scrutinize Sobriety Tests

Combs Waterkotte's St. Louis DWI attorneys can review any field sobriety test procedures and verify they were administered according to Missouri guidelines. We can also check for breathalyzer machine accuracy to make sure the device was properly calibrated and maintained. According to statewide protocols as specified in 19 CSR 25-30.060, monthly maintenance reports on breathalyzers must be sent to Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.

6. Review Chemical Testing Procedures

We verify any breath or blood test procedures, making sure any tests administered followed Missouri’s strict protocols for chemical testing, and challenge chain of custody—checking to see if samples were handled, transferred, and stored correctly.

7. Investigate Police Conduct and Any Rights Violations

Our St. Louis DWI attorneys examine Miranda Rights compliance, confirming if your rights were read and respected at the time of your arrest, and unlawful search and seizure to see if the officer had reasonable suspicion or consent to conduct a search.

8. License Suspension Defense

If you're facing license suspension, it's crucial to request an Administrative Hearing to contest the suspension within the statutory deadline of 15 days. Our team can help explore driving privilege options that may allow limited driving under specific conditions. Missouri has two – LDP or Restricted Driving Privileges (RDP).
9. Gather Supporting Evidence

Any relevant document or witness statements can help your St. Louis DWI defense attorney. Any witness that can contest the officer's report and corroborate your side of the story could be pivotal to your case. Also, if relevant, provide any records showing medical conditions or recent use of medications that could explain skewed test results or FST performance, such as:
- Diabetes
- Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia
- Gastroesophageal-reflux disease (GERD)
- Low-carbohydrate diet
- Heart Conditions
- Flu or fever
- Inhalers
- Cold medications
- Mouthwashes/Breath sprays

10. Prepare for Court

Discuss with your skilled St. Louis DWI defense lawyer any evidence or testimony that might be used to fight the prosecution's case. We'll help you weigh the possible pros and cons of negotiating a plea agreement versus going to trial. The Combs Waterkotte legal team always has your best interests in mind when trying to get you the best possible outcome, and you have the final say in any decision.

We'll pursue every legal avenue to eliminate the legal consequences of the DWI charges against you in St. Louis, or severely limit them. But if the evidence is stacked against you, or you made a terrible mistake you regret, we'll still represent you and work to get the best possible resolution for you, your loved ones, and your future. Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

What Should I Expect When Hiring a DWI Lawyer?

What Should I Expect When Hiring a St. Louis, MO DWI Lawyer?

Combs Waterkotte has an impressive track record of experience and success in all areas of Missouri's DWI laws. When you hire our skilled legal team, our initial consultation about your DWI case will go over questions such as:

What was the reason for which the arresting officer pulled you over?

Did the arresting officer violate your rights in any way?

Did the officer perform field sobriety tests appropriately and adequately?

Were there any issues with the breathalyzer testing procedure?

Are there any issues with the police report?

What Are Some Defense Strategies a DWI Lawyer Can Use?

What Are Some Defense Strategies a St. Louis DWI Lawyer Can Use?

The Combs Waterkotte St. Louis DWI defense frequently sees a system wrought with errors. Exposing these types of errors could make a difference in your case, although every case is different:

Investigating Your Arrest: Our DWI lawyers will look through your arrest reports to see if the officer(s) followed the law properly. Improperly pulling over your vehicle or not following the proper procedure for arresting you can lead to a dismissal. If an officer didn’t tell you that it was a crime to refuse a breathalyzer after your arrest, those charges may be thrown out.

Flaws in Chemical Tests: We examine the results of any breath or blood test from your arrest. If a breathalyzer wasn’t properly maintained or lab procedures weren’t followed, the results may be excluded. Your blood alcohol content (BAC) also rises naturally over time, which could call the timing of tests into question.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests: These tests are notoriously subjective. Uneven pavement, poor lighting, medical conditions, or even nervousness can cause someone to “fail” when they weren’t actually impaired.

Lack of Probable Cause: Police must have a valid legal reason to stop your vehicle. If they can’t show probable cause, everything obtained during the stop may be inadmissible in court.

Medical Conditions: Acid reflux, diabetes, and certain diets can create false positives on breath tests or make a sober person appear intoxicated.

Other Defenses: For example, an intoxicated person found alone in a car is often assumed to have been driving. But the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person was actually operating the vehicle at the time.

Areas We Serve for DWI Defense

Areas Our Missouri DWI Lawyers Serve

We serve clients throughout the entire state of Missouri:

DWI Defense Attorneys Missouri - Criminal Defense Attorneys for DWIs

How Can a St. Louis, MO DWI Lawyer Help Me?

We know good people can make mistakes. Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis DWI lawyers works to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

What Combs Waterkotte Does for You:

Keep your license and driving privileges intact
Get charges reduced or dismissed
Limit fines and avoid jail time through diversion programs
Protect your record, job, and future opportunities

What Happens Without Combs Waterkotte:

License suspension for one year or more
Mandatory jail time and heavy fines
Permanent criminal record that limits jobs and housing
Higher insurance costs and long-term financial strain

DWI

Charge

DWI

Result

Not Guilty Verdict

Combs Waterkotte represented a Robertsville, MO man on a felony charge of DWI. At trial, we challenged the way the officer conducted his standardized field so …

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DWI

Result

Not Guilty Verdict

DWI
Combs Waterkotte represented a Robertsville, MO man on a felony charge of DWI. At trial, we challenged the way the officer conducted his standardized field so …
DWI

Charge

DWI

Result

Dismissed

Combs Waterkotte represented a college student on a DWI charge. During the administrative hearing, which deals with license suspension, we challenged the arre …

Charge

DWI

Result

Dismissed

DWI
Combs Waterkotte represented a college student on a DWI charge. During the administrative hearing, which deals with license suspension, we challenged the arre …
DWI

Charge

DWI

Result

Dismissed

Combs Waterkotte represented a Franklin County woman felony DWI. After conducting a thorough investigation and taking the arresting officer's deposition, the …

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DWI

Result

Dismissed

DWI
Combs Waterkotte represented a Franklin County woman felony DWI. After conducting a thorough investigation and taking the arresting officer's deposition, the …

Working Both Sides Of Your DWI/DUI Case

Working Both Sides Of Your St. Louis, MO DWI Case

Missouri DWI cases have two parts: civil (license) and criminal. We act quickly to protect your driving rights, including appeals to the Missouri Department of Revenue or seeking restricted privileges in serious cases.

The criminal side involves prosecutors and courts. Because St. Louis has many municipalities, each handling DWI differently, you need an attorney who knows how to navigate them.

Why Choose Combs Waterkotte's St. Louis DWI Defense Attorneys?

Why Choose Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis DWI Defense Attorneys?

When your license, reputation, and future are on the line, you need more than a St. Louis DWI lawyer with a track record of winning cases others can’t. We move quickly to protect your driving privileges, scrutinize every detail of your arrest, and expose weaknesses in the state’s case.

Our attorneys have guided people from every walk of life through DWI charges and earned a track record of client success. With over six decades of combined experience, 24/7 availability, and proven courtroom expertise, Combs Waterkotte is the trusted choice to defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

Trusted St. Louis, MO DWI Lawyers

If you’ve been charged with DWI in Missouri, the time to act is now. Combs Waterkotte is ready to fight for your license, record, and future with the skill and urgency your case demands.

Call (314) 900-HELP anytime or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced St. Louis DWI attorneys.

Helpful Links

For more information on DWII defense in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, call the Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a confidential consultation.

DWI Court Program
105 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 615‑8029

DWI Administrative Hearing
PO Box 475
Jefferson City, MO 65105
Phone: (573) 751-2699

Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
8980 Watson Road
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Phone: (636) 441-9002

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Guiding you through the entire process, from start to finish.

We know most people who come to us haven't had to deal with the justice system in this way before. We understand how overwhelming and confusing the process can be, which is why we ensure clarity and support at every turn. From our initial consultation to the the final resolution of your case we strive to make the process easy for you to understand and leave you without any doubts that your case is being handled the right way.

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Whether you've got questions about what to do when served with an order of protection, the juvenile delinquency process, how to defend a DWI case or anything in between, we have answers. Check out our blog and FAQs for answers to common questions, or contact Combs Waterkotte today to speak directly to an attorney about your case.

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