DWI Attorney in Manchester, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Manchester, MO can have major and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Manchester, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our experienced Manchester, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to offering you the strongest 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 reduce or dismiss your charges in Manchester, MO, arrange a lesser punishment through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Manchester, MO so that you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and receive confidential legal advice and guidance.
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 Manchester, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
No matter the situation, securing top-tier legal representation in Manchester, MO is crucial. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need expert assistance from Combs Waterkotte right away.
Hiring a determined Manchester, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Manchester, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in Manchester, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Manchester, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Manchester, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Manchester, MO include:
- First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, 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: Now considered 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: In addition to 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, as well as the suspension of your license.

DWI Attorney in Manchester, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Manchester, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement in Manchester, MO can be an harrowing experience, especially if you have been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. Here are the 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 location. Keep your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay 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 your vehicle to demonstrate you are not a threat and are cooperative. Politely greet the officer 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 pulls you over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO, or anywhere else. These tests are subjective and often only used to establish probable cause for your arrest. An officer may ask you to take a portable breath test, or breathalyzer. While the state of Missouri has an implied consent law that suspends your license for 1 year if you refuse a breathalyzer – called chemical revocation – this is only applicable after a DWI arrest, not before. These portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.

DWI Attorney in Manchester, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in Manchester, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you receive a fair trial in Manchester, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Manchester, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Manchester, MO and throughout Missouri, with over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Manchester, MO clients against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled Manchester, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a detailed, no-obligation, free case review to understand the details of your case. This allows our skilled team in Manchester, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify possible weaknesses or holes in the case, as well as likely avenues for defense strategies.
A Manchester, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Manchester, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Manchester, MO. Our lawyers 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 Manchester, 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 factors that could be used to your advantage. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around Manchester, MO.
Expert Court Representation From a Manchester, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Manchester, MO DWI case go to trail, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, presenting compelling arguments 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, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or lessening the possibility of penalties imposed in Manchester, MO.
When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around Manchester, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal DWI attorney in Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO residents:

Contact the Ideal Manchester, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Manchester, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.

