DWI Attorney in University City, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in University City, MO can have severe and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in University City, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in University City, MO are committed to providing you with the best possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in University City, MO, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our University City, MO DWI attorneys where you can speak about the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice.

DWI Attorney in University City, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Regardless of the situation, securing top-tier legal representation in University City, MO is crucial. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI 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 the help of Combs Waterkotte immediately.
Hiring a tenacious University City, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in University City, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in University City, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in University City, MO can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in University City, 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.
Penalties for DWI in University City, MO include:
- First Offense: Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, 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: 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.
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 University City, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the University City, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement in University City, MO can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation with care. 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 law enforcement.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches, showing you’re 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 pulls you 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 University City, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can always politely decline to answer by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I’d rather not answer without legal counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in University City, 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 only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Reach Out to a DWI Attorney Immediately: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in University City, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
While facing a DWI charge in the University City, MO area is certainly daunting, with the ideal legal representation you can be in a far better situation than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to offering exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you get a fair trial in University City, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
A University City, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
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 University City, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending University City, MO clients against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled University City, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a in-depth, confidential, free case review to understand the details of your University City, MO case. This allows our talented team in University City, 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.
A University City, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Every University City, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in University City, MO. Our attorneys meticulously 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 University City, 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 University City, MO-area clients.
Expert Court Representation From a University City, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your University City, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, presenting 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 minimize any potential penalties in University City, MO.
When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around University City, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the best DWI attorney in University City, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for University City, MO residents:
Reach Out to the Leading University City, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the University City, MO area? Don’t leave your future to chance. Place it in the trustworthy hands of the tenacious and experienced DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in University City, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the University City, 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.