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DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer Arnold, MO

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Last Updated: March 12, 2025

DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer Arnold, MO. If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in Arnold, MO, your ability to drive is at stake. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) will automatically suspend or revoke your license, but you have a limited window to challenge this action through an administrative hearing.

Time is critical—you have just 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Don’t delay. Protect your driving privileges in Arnold, MO and beyond by calling a trusted DWI administrative hearing lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation and let one of our experienced Arnold, MO DWI/DUI defense attorneys build a powerful defense for your case.


DWI Stop Advice - Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
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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
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(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)
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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?
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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
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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
Play video

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 …

What should you look for when hiring a DWI attorney?
Play video

What should you look for when hiring a DWI attorney?

A drunk driving charge (DWI/DUI) doesn't have to wreck your bank account or cost you your driving license. Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss what you should look …

What is an ignition interlock device and when is it required?
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What is an ignition interlock device and when is it required?

What is the purpose of the ignition interlock device, and when are you required to install one on your vehicle? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss what an ignition …

DWI Stop Advice - Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
Play video

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
Play video

(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)
Play 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?
Play video

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
Play video

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
Play video

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 …

What should you look for when hiring a DWI attorney?
Play video

What should you look for when hiring a DWI attorney?

A drunk driving charge (DWI/DUI) doesn't have to wreck your bank account or cost you your driving license. Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss what you should look …

What is an ignition interlock device and when is it required?
Play video

What is an ignition interlock device and when is it required?

What is the purpose of the ignition interlock device, and when are you required to install one on your vehicle? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss what an ignition …


DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer Arnold, MO | Arnold, MO DWI Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

Understanding DWI Administrative Hearings in Arnold, MO

A DWI administrative hearing is not a criminal trial—it’s a civil proceeding that determines where your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked after a DWI arrest in Arnold, MO. If you don’t request this hearing, your suspension takes effect automatically, and you lose the chance to contest it.

During the hearing, key factors that will be reviewed include:

  • Did the officer have reasonable suspicion to stop you?
  • Were you driving while impaired?
  • Did you refuse a breath or blood test?

Winning the hearing can mean keeping your license and avoiding additional penalties. If the DOR determines that the three above questions are affirmatively answered and proven by a preponderance of evidence, your license will be suspended or revoked based on any prior offenses or test refusal.

Understanding Missouri’s License Suspension & Revocation Penalties

The consequences of an administrative hearing suspension depend on your record in Arnold, MO and beyond:

  • First DWI Offense: A 90-day suspension applies, but you might qualify for a Restricted Driving Privilege in Arnold, MO after 30 days.
  • Second DWI/DUI Offense: This means a 1-year license revocation and a possible 5-year license denial if your prior Arnold, MO DWI/DUI was within the last 5 years.
  • Chemical Test Refusal: This results in a 1-year licence revocation under Missouri’s implied consent law, and means you are ineligible for a hardship license for 90 days.

Since the burden of proof is minimal—just proving it’s more likely than not that you were intoxicated—navigating this hearing alone could jeopardize your license, job, and daily freedom in and around Arnold, MO.

The Combs Waterkotte DWI administrative hearing team has over 40 years of experience and has successfully handled more than 10,000 cases just like yours in the Arnold, MO area and across Missouri. Contact a skilled DWI administrative hearing lawyer in Arnold, MO now to discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance on next steps.

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    You have only 15 days to request an administrative hearing. Act quickly to protect your driver’s licenses.

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Securing a Limited Driving Privilege (Hardship License) in Arnold, MO

If you’re facing a license suspension, revocation, or denial in Arnold, MO, you might still be able to legally drive under specific circumstances with a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). Eligibility often requires filing an SR-22 insurance certificate and installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Once approved, an LDP—available after 30 days from the administrative hearing period—may allow you to drive for:

  • Attending Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) or other alcohol- or drug-treatment programs
  • Seeking the required services of a certified IID provider
  • A business, occupation, or employment
  • Seeking medical treatment
  • Attending school or other institution of higher education
  • Any other circumstance the court finds would create an undue hardship

If you need to restore limited driving privileges, consult a knowledgeable Arnold, MO DWI lawyer as soon as possible to help improve your chances of approval.

Why You Need a Relentless DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer in Arnold, MO

Having a skilled DWI administrative hearing attorney in Arnold, MO can make the difference between keeping your license and facing a suspension. Our DWI/DUI defense lawyers know how to challenge procedural errors and legal flaws in your Arnold, MO case, and if the DOR fails to prove even one of the above required elements, your suspension can be overturned.

A valid suspension requires that you were under arrest at the time of a breathalyzer or blood test and that the arresting officer had probable cause to believe you were intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle. (This is why our Arnold, MO DWI/DUI defense team suggests that you refuse these tests, along with any field sobriety test, as officers only conduct these tests to establish probable cause.)

Our attorneys closely examine the details of your arrest and testing procedures, looking for flaws such as time gaps between driving and law enforcement contact. Additionally, Missouri has strict regulations governing breath and blood testing procedures, including:

  • Machines must be serviced every 35 days
  • Proper certification of the testing officer
  • The machine used must be approved under state regulations
  • Strict calibration and accuracy standards
  • The machine functions within precise limits regarding temperature and accuracy

If any of these requirements were not met, we can challenge the BAC results, which could lead to the dismissal of your suspension. Our team of Arnold, MO DWI experts has a proven track record of helping clients throughout Missouri keep their licenses.

How to Appeal a Arnold, MO DWI Administrative Hearing Decision

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you have the right to challenge the DOR’s decision by filing an appeal with the Arnold, MO circuit court within 15 days of the final ruling. This appeal must be filed in the circuit court of the Arnold, MO county where your arrest occurred, and the DOR must be formally served with notice of the appeal. A Combs Waterkotte Arnold, MO DWI administrative hearing lawyer can handle filing this appeal for you and represent you to get the best possible outcome.

The appeal moves to a de novo hearing, where the Arnold, MO circuit court reviews all evidence from scratch rather than relying on the DOR’s original decision. Unlike the initial administrative hearing, circuit court appeals allow live witness testimony, giving our Arnold, MO DWI/DUI lawyers an opportunity to present a stronger, more detailed defense.

Keep in mind that filing an appeal does not automatically stop your suspension or revocation. Your license penalty could take effect before the court hears your case, meaning you may be unable to drive while waiting for a ruling. If the circuit court determines that the DOR lacked sufficient evidence to suspend your license, your driving privileges may be restored, but only after serving part of your suspension.

DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer in Arnold, MO | DWI Attorney Arnold, MO | Combs Waterkotte

If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte DWI administrative hearing lawyer in or around Arnold, MO, you’re not just selecting a top-rated DWI administrative hearing lawyer lawyer in Arnold, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your license, your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable DWI administrative hearing attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Arnold, MO residents:

Time is Running Out—Get a Arnold, MO DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer on Your Side to Keep Your Driving Privileges

If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in Arnold, MO, the clock is ticking on your right to fight for your license. Missing the 15-day deadline on an administrative hearing means automatic suspension or revocation with no way to appeal. You need a Arnold, MO DWI administrative hearing lawyer on your side right now to protect your driving privileges and fight for your future.

Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, no-obligation case review. Our Arnold, MO DWI defense team is ready to fight for you and build a strong case to protect your future.

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