DWI Attorney in Washington, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Washington, MO can have serious and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Washington, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our experienced Washington, MO criminal defense attorneys are devoted to providing you with the strongest possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to get your charges in Washington, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser punishment through a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Washington, MO so that you can speak about the specifics of your case and get expert 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 Washington, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Regardless of your situation, securing top-tier legal representation in Washington, MO is crucial. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been arrested for 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 Washington, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a Washington, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Washington, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Washington, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Depending on your situation in Washington, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Washington, 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: 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, 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: 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 Washington, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Washington, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement in Washington, MO can be an harrowing experience, particularly 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 location. Keep your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with law enforcement.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Place 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 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 Washington, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can 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 Washington, 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 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: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as 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 contact us online.
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.

DWI Attorney in Washington, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in Washington, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Washington, MO. Our firm provides:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Washington, 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 Washington, MO and throughout Missouri. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Washington, MO area against these accusations. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented Washington, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a detailed, no-strings-attached, free case review to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our proficient team in Washington, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the prosecution’s case, as well as likely avenues for defense strategies.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Washington, MO DWI Attorney
Each Washington, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a tailored defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Washington, MO. Our lawyers investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Washington, MO DWI Attorney Who is Skilled in Negotiating Plea Bargains
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your charges and penalties. There might be mitigating factors that could be used to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our Washington, MO-area clients.
Expert Court Representation From a Washington, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Washington, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide robust 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 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 Washington, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around Washington, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal DWI attorney in Washington, 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 provides expertise in the following areas for Washington, MO residents:

Contact the Ideal Washington, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Washington, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Washington, MO.
Take the crucial first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Washington, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.

