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DWI/DUI Lawyer Cleveland, MO

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Last Updated: February 26, 2025

DWI/DUI Lawyer in Cleveland, MO. Facing DWI/DUI charges in Cleveland, MO is a serious legal matter that can result in severe penalties, including license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time. Additionally, a DWI/DUI can impact your career, professional license, and personal reputation in Cleveland, MO.

At Combs Waterkotte, we have successfully defended 10,000+ cases just like yours in Cleveland and across Missouri. With over 50 years of combined experience as Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyers, we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and fight for your rights. Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation in Cleveland, MO and take the first step toward protecting your future.

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    Protect Your License

    You have only 15 days to request an administrative hearing. Act quickly to protect your driver’s licenses.

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  • Know Your Next Steps

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    Know Your Next Steps

    Wondering what happens after your DWI/DUI arrest? The experienced Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.

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    Contact the skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.

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Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI

If you’ve been charged with DWI/DUI in Cleveland, MO, your case isn’t just about criminal charges—it also involves an adminstrative battle over your driver’s license. The criminal case, class B misdemeanor, could lead to 6 months of jail time, fines of $500, a 90-day license suspension, and a permanent record, as well as mandatory participation in a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and required purchase of SR-22 insurance, while the civil case, handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue, could result in the loss of your driving privileges.

Few people realize that they have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge their license suspension or revocation. If you win, you keep your license. If you lose, you could face a suspension of 30 days to a year or even a 1-year revocation with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement.

With so much at stake, you need an experienced Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer to fight for you. Combs Waterkotte has the knowledge and experience to handle both sides of your case. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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Don’t “Blow” Your DWI/DUI Case: Key Mistakes to Avoid

Combs Waterkotte, Missouri and Southern Illinois’s leading DWI/DUI law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the DWI/DUI defense process and helps you avoid key mistakes.




















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    Steps to Take After Being Pulled Over for DWI/DUI in Cleveland, MO

    A routine traffic stop in Cleveland, MO is stressful enough, but if an officer suspects you of DWI/DUI, it can quickly escalate into a serious legal matter. The way you handle the situation can affect your charges, defense options, and even potentially the outcome of your case. The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI legal team has handled hundreds of DWI/DUI cases and advises drivers to follow these key steps when pulled over on suspicion of DWI/DUI in Cleveland, MO:

    • Pull over in a safe manner. As soon as you see flashing lights, slow down and safely move your vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. Keep your hands visible, remain calm, and follow the officer’s instructions within reason.
    • Stay composed and cooperative. Your demeanor during a Cleveland, MO traffic stop can impact the officer’s response. Staying calm and courteous can help prevent unnecessary escalation. Arguing or being abrasive may lead to further scrutiny or even a vehicle search.
    • Do not incriminate yourself. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. While you must provide basic information such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance, you are not required to answer questions about where you have been or whether you have been drinking. Police officers are looking for any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so don’t give them any. Politely inform the officer that you choose to exercise your right to remain silent.
    • Refuse field sobriety, breathalyzer, and blood tests. Missouri’s implied consent law applies only after an arrest—meaning you are not legally required to take roadside tests before being taken into custody. These tests are unreliable and used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
    • Take notes on the stop. If possible, mentally or physically document details such as time, location, the officer’s behavior, and any statements made. This information can be crucial to your defense
    • Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from a knowledgeable Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer about whether you should answer questions at the station, any issues that arose during your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive, as well as possibly going to jail, and your case potentially being dismissed.

    It’s important to be aware of the potential penalties for DWI/DUI in Cleveland, MO, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney can explain what’s at stake and how to fight your charges during a free, confidential case review. Because specific DWI/DUI laws vary by location—including in Cleveland, MO, and Johnson County—working with a knowledgeable local attorney ensures you get legal advice specific to your case and situation.

    When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in the Cleveland, MO area, you aren’t just choosing a leading DWI/DUI lawyer in and around Cleveland, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with esteemed DWI/DUI attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Cleveland and beyond:

    DWI/DUI Lawyer in Cleveland, MO | KC DWI/DUI Law Firm |  DWI/DUI Attorneys Near Cleveland, MO

    Why You Need a Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI Lawyer

    Unfortunately, many Cleveland, MO residents make the mistake of thinking they can handle a DWI/DUI charge on their own. Missouri’s drunk driving laws are complex, and without skilled legal representation, you could be looking at harsh penalties that affect your livelihood and reputation. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Cleveland, MO is vital:

    • Expert Legal Defense in Cleveland, MO — A skilled attorney understands the complexities of Missouri DWI/DUI law and can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
    • Protecting Your License With the right representation, you may avoid or reduce a license suspension through an administrative hearing.
    • Challenging Test Results — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate; a Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can dispute flawed evidence and improper procedures.
    • Skilled Plea Bargaining A skilled Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for reduces penalties, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of charges.

    DWI/DUI Lawyer Cleveland, MO | KC DWI/DUI Law Firm | Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI Attorneys

    Need a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Cleveland, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away

    If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in the Cleveland, MO area, time is of the essence. Delaying legal representation can jeopardize your defense and lead to harsh penalties. A knowledgeable Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of Missouri’s laws and protect your future.

    The Combs Waterkote Cleveland, MO DWI/DUI legal team has successfully handled numerous charges and will aggressively advocate on your behalf. Give us a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case evaluation in Cleveland, MO.

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