DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in West Plains, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in West Plains, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in West Plains, MO are devoted 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 skilled DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in West Plains, MO, negotiate a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our West Plains, MO DWI attorneys so that you can speak about the specific circumstances of your case and receive confidential legal advice.

DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Whatever your situation, you need the best legal representation available in West Plains, 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 expertise of Combs Waterkotte immediately.
Hiring a tenacious West Plains, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a West Plains, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
West Plains, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your West Plains, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in West Plains, MO amount to:
- 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: 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.
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 West Plains, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the West Plains, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement in West Plains, MO can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. The following are steps recommended by 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: 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 – 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 has you pulled over, officers will do everything in their power to arrest you or use “strongarm” investigative techniques. You don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the West Plains, 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 would rather not answer without legal counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in West Plains, 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 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 critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in West Plains, 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 receive a fair trial in West Plains, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm provides:
A West Plains, 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 West Plains, 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 West Plains, 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 DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO
We begin with a thorough, confidential, free consultation to understand the details of your West Plains, MO case. This allows our proficient team in West Plains, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your situation.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a West Plains, MO DWI Attorney
Each West Plains, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in West Plains, MO. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our West Plains, MO DWI Attorney
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating circumstances that could be used to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the West Plains, MO area.
Court Representation From a West Plains, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your West Plains, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering compelling arguments 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, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or minimizing the possibility of penalties imposed in West Plains, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around West Plains, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in West Plains, 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 residents in West Plains and beyond:
Contact the Ideal West Plains, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the West Plains, MO area? Do not 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 West Plains, MO.
Take the crucial first step toward protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the West Plains, 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 case review.