DWI Attorney in Franklin County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Franklin County, MO can have major and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in Franklin County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Franklin County, MO are dedicated to offering you the best possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the specifics of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to get your charges in Franklin County, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Franklin County, MO where you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice.
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 Attorney in Franklin County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Whatever your situation, you need the best legal representation available in Franklin County, MO. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana or some other intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the help of Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring a determined Franklin County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Franklin County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Franklin County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Franklin County, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Franklin County, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Franklin County, MO amount to:
- First Offense: Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $500, and a 30-day license suspension followed by a 60-day restricted driving period.
- Second Offense: Considered a “prior offender” so you face up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a license suspension ranging from 1 to 5 years.
- Third Offense: Classified as a “persistent offender” and a Class E felony offense, penalties can include 4 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and a 10-year license revocation.
- Fourth Offense: Along with a Class D felony offense, you may receive a prison sentence up to 7 years, fines up to $5,000, and license suspension.
- Fifth Offense: A Class C felony, you will be facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years, as well as the suspension of your license.

DWI Attorney in Franklin County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Franklin County, MO Area
Being pulled over by law enforcement in Franklin County, MO can be an intimidating experience, particularly if you have been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is essential to handle the situation carefully. Here are the steps recommended by the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Remain Calm and Compliant: Safely pull over to the side of the road, using your signal to indicate your intentions, and find a safe, well-lit spot. Keep your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Place your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches, showing you are not a threat and cooperative. Politely greet the officer and follow their instructions – this goes a long way.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination or long-winded conversations. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement has you pulled over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Franklin County, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can always politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I would rather not answer without legal advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Franklin County, MO, or anywhere else. These tests are subjective and often only used to establish probable cause for your arrest. An officer might request that you take a portable breath test, or breathalyzer. While Missouri’s implied consent law mandates a one-year license suspension for refusing a breathalyzer after a DWI arrest, this not apply to tests conducted before an arrest. These tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Contact a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.

DWI Attorney in Franklin County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in Franklin County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Franklin County, MO. Our firm provides:
A Franklin County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
With over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Franklin County, MO clients against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented DWI Attorney in Franklin County, MO
We start with a in-depth, confidential, free consultation to understand the details of your Franklin County, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Franklin County, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify possible weaknesses or holes in the prosecution’s case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Franklin County, MO DWI Attorney
Each Franklin County, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a personalized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Franklin County, MO. Our attorneys investigate every angle of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Franklin County, MO DWI Attorney
If we decide your case is unlikely to be dismissed, we negotiate plea bargains to reduce charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating circumstances that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Franklin County, MO area.
Court Representation From a Franklin County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Franklin County, MO DWI case goes to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering compelling arguments on your behalf. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present supporting evidence and testimony. Our primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or minimize any potential penalties in Franklin County, MO.
When you are facing a DWI charge in or around Franklin County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best DWI attorney in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Franklin County and beyond:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans

Connect With the Premier Franklin County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Franklin County, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Leave it to the skilled and tenacious DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and uphold your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Franklin County, MO.
Take the crucial first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Franklin County, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential case review.

