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DWI Lawyer Chesterfield, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on June 29, 2021

DWI Lawyer in Chesterfield, MO

DWI Lawyer in Chesterfield, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Chesterfield, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driver’s license for a minimum of 60 days, you will have to pay a substantial fine, face raising insurance costs, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Chesterfield, MO community or your workplace could take a substantial hit, and your ability to potentially travel out of the United States could be limited, as countries like Canada prohibit travelers with DWI convictions on their record from entering.

If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Chesterfield, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Chesterfield. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form to initiate the process of crafting a robust defense for your case. Take advantage of our attorneys’ expertise through a free, no-strings-attached consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.


Article Summary

A DWI arrest in the Chesterfield, MO area can upend your life—leading to license suspension, costly fines, a permanent record, and even jail. But being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. With a skilled legal team like Combs Waterkotte, you can fight back. This article breaks down everything you need to know after a DWI stop in or around Chesterfield, MO, from legal rights during a traffic stop to challenging chemical tests and understanding the penalties for first and repeat offenses. Our veteran DWI lawyers in Chesterfield, MO build smart, aggressive defenses designed to protect your future—and help you move forward with confidence.


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Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Chesterfield, MO Area?

Having an aggressive and proficient DWI lawyer on your Chesterfield, MO 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 seasoned Chesterfield, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our clients throughout the Chesterfield, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if this is the first time you have ever been pulled over for anything or if this is not the first time you are facing DWI charges, our firm is committed to providing your Chesterfield, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible results for you.

Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Chesterfield residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. When facing DWI charges near Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO.

Should You Hire a DWI Lawyer in Chesterfield, MO?

After a DWI arrest, your next steps matter. Without a trusted DWI defense lawyer, you risk losing your license, paying hefty fines, and carrying a criminal record for life. Combs Waterkotte knows how to fight Chesterfield, MO DWI charges, and win.

What our DWI Attorneys do for you in Chesterfield, MO:

  • Scrutinize the traffic stop and arrest for errors or rights violations
  • Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
  • Identify constitutional violations (lack of probable cause)
  • Defend you in court and fight your license suspension

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What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO, it’s natural to feel nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you are accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Chesterfield, MO-area DWI cases, our firm recommends that you take the following course of action if you are ever pulled over for DWI:

  • Pull over safely. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and select a well-lit safe area. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. 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 stopped for DWI in the Chesterfield, MO area.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so do not give them any. 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 often deemed unreliable and are only used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
  • If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Chesterfield, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in your stop, or clarifying other concerns can be the crucial difference between facing months of license suspension and potentially having your case dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Chesterfield, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of jail time. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is critical, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, 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 consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Chesterfield, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Chesterfield, MO DWI Case

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: a criminal side and a civil side. 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 reduced to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
  • Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program known as Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
  • Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our knowledgeable Chesterfield, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, like:

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Chesterfield, MO?

Yes, many Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, 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 crash or injury occurred in Chesterfield, MO
  • Police violated protocols during the stop or testing
  • Strong legal defense that challenges probable cause, test accuracy, or arrest procedure

What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?

A skilled Chesterfield, MO DWI defense attorney, like the ones at Combs Waterkotte, can:

  • Negotiate a plea to a lesser charge
  • Propose community service or education as a substitute for conviction
  • File motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained
  • Present mitigating circumstances or lack of evidence to pressure the state into reducing charges

Why it Matters

A reduced charge in Chesterfield, MO can help you:

  • Avoid jail time
  • Less impact on your driver’s license
  • Protect your criminal record
  • Maintain employment, especially for CDL or professional license holders
  • Minimize insurance rate increases

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Chesterfield, MO?

If this is your second DWI arrest in Chesterfield, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, which include these punishments:

  • 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 can be between 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.
  • Regular, trackable alcohol consumption 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 aspect of a DWI case in Chesterfield, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Most Chesterfield, MO-area drivers may not be aware that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Chesterfield, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Chesterfield, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will quickly address both components of your DWI case as soon as possible and work hard to minimize the effect a DWI arrest has on your life. We will gather evidence, look at the facts of your case, pinpoint potential discrepancies in the Chesterfield police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Call a Chesterfield, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Today at Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Chesterfield, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Chesterfield, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your Chesterfield DWI arrest will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Chesterfield, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive litigation with a dedication to personalized service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Chesterfield, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, they will promptly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This commitment is an integral part of our pledge to gain complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Chesterfield, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free initial case review and put the experienced Chesterfield, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.

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