DWI Attorney in Howell County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Howell County, MO can have severe and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Howell County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Howell County, MO are devoted to providing you with the best possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to get your charges in Howell County, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Howell County, MO DWI attorneys where you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and receive confidential legal advice.
Legal Videos

Can a DUI Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed in Illinois?
Can a DUI Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed in Illinois? Facing DUI charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses whether a charge can be reduced or dismissed …

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer or Field Sobriety Test in Illinois?
Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer or Field Sobriety Test in Illinois? Facing a DUI charge in the state of Illinois? Attorney Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discusses whether or not you can …

Can I Get a DUI For Marijuana in Illinois?
Can I Get a DUI for Marijuana in Illinois? Facing DUI charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorneys Joshua Boardman and Andrew Russek discuss the possibility of getting a DUI charge …

How Does a DUI Affect Your Driver’s License in Illinois?
How Does a DUI Affect Your Driver's License in Illinois? Facing DUI charges in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman discusses how a DUI affects your Illinois driver's …

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Illinois?
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Illinois? Charged with DUI in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman explains if it's possible to have a DUI charge in Illinois …

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Illinois?
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Illinois? Facing a DUI charge in the state of Illinois? Combs Waterkotte attorney Joshua Boardman explains the possible penalties of a DUI charge in …
DWI Attorney in Howell County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Whatever your scenario, you need the best legal representation available in Howell County, MO. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been charged with driving while intoxicated under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the help of Combs Waterkotte right away.
Hiring a tenacious Howell County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a Howell County, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Howell County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Howell County, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Depending on your situation in Howell County, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program, as well as being responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Howell 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: Classified as a “prior offender,” penalties include 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, so you could face up to 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: This is a Class C felony, and you can expect a prison sentence of up to 15 years, along with the suspension of your license.

DWI Attorney in Howell County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Howell County, MO Area
Being pulled over by law enforcement in Howell County, MO can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have been drinking. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. The following are steps you should follow according to 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. 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, showing you are not a threat and cooperative. Politely greet the police office and follow their instructions, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement has you pulled over, officers will do everything in their power to arrest you or use “strongarm” investigative techniques. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Howell County, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can always politely decline to answer by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I would rather not answer without legal counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Howell 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 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 portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Contact a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
Howell County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howell County and Missouri.

DWI Attorney in Howell County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
While facing a DWI charge in Howell County, MO is certainly daunting, with the right legal representation you can be in a far better scenario than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you get a fair trial in Howell County, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm provides:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Howell 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 Howell County, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Howell County, MO area against these types of charges. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented DWI Attorney in Howell County, MO
We begin with a detailed, no-strings-attached, free case review to understand the specifics of your Howell County, MO case. This allows our talented team in Howell County, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Howell County, MO DWI Attorney
Each Howell County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Howell County, MO. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every angle of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Howell 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 Howell County, MO area.
Expert Court Representation From a Howell County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Howell County, MO DWI case go to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering a compelling defense strategy on your behalf. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present supporting evidence and testimony. Our priority is casting reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in Howell County, MO.
When you are facing a DWI charge in or around Howell County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best DWI attorney in Howell County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re 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 Howell County and beyond:

Reach Out to the Leading Howell County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Howell 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 Howell County, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Howell 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.

