DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in DeKalb County, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in DeKalb County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our experienced DeKalb County, MO criminal defense attorneys are committed to providing you with the strongest possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in DeKalb County, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our DWI attorneys in DeKalb County, MO so that you can discuss the specifics of your case and receive confidential 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 DeKalb County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
No matter the situation, procuring the best legal representation throughout the DeKalb County, MO area is vital. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been charged with 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 an aggressive DeKalb County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a DeKalb County, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in DeKalb County, MO can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO include:
- First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, fines of 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: Now considered 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 DeKalb County, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the DeKalb County, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement in DeKalb County, MO can be an intimidating experience, particularly if you have been drinking. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation carefully. The following are steps you should follow according to the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Stay 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. Maintain your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches your vehicle to demonstrate you are not a threat and are cooperative. Politely greet the police office and follow their instructions, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination or long-winded conversations. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement pulls you over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the DeKalb County, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. 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 DeKalb County, MO, or anywhere else for that matter, as they are subjective and typically used only to establish probable cause to arrest you. An officer may ask you to 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 used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call a DWI Attorney Immediately: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.

DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
While facing a DWI charge in DeKalb County, MO is certainly daunting, with the right legal representation you can be in a far better situation than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you receive a fair trial in DeKalb County, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney
With more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO clients against these types of charges. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO
We start with a detailed, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the details of your case. This allows our talented team in DeKalb County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify possible weaknesses or holes in the prosecution’s case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
A DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Every DeKalb County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in DeKalb County, MO. Our lawyers investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney
If we decide your case is unlikely to be dismissed, we negotiate plea bargains to reduce charges and penalties. There might be mitigating circumstances that could be used to your advantage. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our DeKalb County, MO-area clients.
Expert Court Representation From a DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your DeKalb County, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering a compelling defense strategy on your behalf. We present supporting evidence and testimony, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Our primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in DeKalb County, MO.
When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around DeKalb County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing 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 DeKalb County, MO residents:

Reach Out to the Leading DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in DeKalb County, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in DeKalb County, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the DeKalb 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 consultation.

