Dearborn, MO

DWI/DUI Lawyer in Dearborn, MO. A DWI/DUI charge in Dearborn, MO can have life-altering consequences, from hefty fines and potential jail time to a suspended license and long-term damage to your reputation. The legal system is tough on drunk driving cases, which is precisely why you need a skilled Dearborn, MO DWI/DUI lawyer on your side.

At Combs Waterkotte, we have successfully defended 10,000+ cases just like yours in Dearborn and across Missouri. With over 40 years of combined experience as Dearborn, 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 Dearborn, MO and take the first step toward protecting your future.

Combs Waterkotte Defends You on Both Fronts of Your Dearborn, MO DWI/DUI

Many Dearborn, MO residents don’t realize that a DWI/DUI charge involves both a criminal case and a civil case with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The criminal case, classified as a class B misdemeanor, can result in 6 months of jail time, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your driving record, a 90-day driver’s license suspension, and additional penalties like mandatory participation in a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and purchasing SR-22 insurance.

The civil case, which often goes unnoticed, deals specifically with your driving privileges. You only have 15 days after your arrest to request a hearing to fight your license suspension—if you miss this deadline, your license is automatically suspended or even revoked. The penalties can include months or years of license restrictions, potentially requiring an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

This highlights the importance of hiring an expert DWI/DUI lawyer in Dearborn, MO. Give Combs Waterkotte a call 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’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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Pulled Over for DWI/DUI in Dearborn, MO? Here’s What You Should Do

Being stopped by law enforcement is always nerve-wracking, but when you’re suspected of DWI/DUI, the situation can feel overwhelming. Knowing your rights and how to respond can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. With decades of experience handling hundreds of DWI/DUI cases in and around Dearborn, MO, our firm recommends taking the following steps if you’re ever pulled over for a suspicion of DWI/DUI:

• Pull over safely. As soon as you notice flashing lights behind you, safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. Keep your hands visible, remain polite, and follow the officer’s instructions (within reason). If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Try to avoid parking on grass.
• Stay composed and cooperative. A confrontational attitude can work against you. Remain polite and avoid making any sudden movements. The more cooperative and respectful you are in Dearborn, MO, the less likely the officer will escalate the situation.
• Exercise your right to remain silent. 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.
• Do not take a field sobriety test, a breathalyzer, or a blood test. 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
• Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as you can at (314) 900-HELP. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from a knowledgeable Dearborn, 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.

Understanding the potential outcomes of DWI/DUI is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI/DUI vary by jurisdiction, even surrounding Dearborn, MO and throughout Johnson County, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Dearborn, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated DWI/DUI lawyer in and around Dearborn, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable DWI/DUI attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Dearborn and beyond:

• Criminal Defense Lawyers

Don’t Face a Charge Alone—Here’s Why You Need a Dearborn, MO DWI/DUI Lawyer

Many Dearborn, MO residents underestimate the seriousness of a DWI/DUI charge and attempt to handle it alone. However, Missouri’s drunk driving laws are strict, and without an experienced DWI/DUI lawyer, you could face severe penalties that impact your job, finances, and future in the Dearborn, MO area. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Dearborn, MO is vital:

• In-Depth Legal Knowledge in Dearborn, MO — A skilled attorney understands the complexities of Missouri DWI/DUI law and can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Protecting Your License — An attorney can help you navigate administrative proceedings to prevent or reduce the length of a license suspension.
• Challenging Evidence — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate; a Dearborn, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can dispute flawed evidence and improper procedures.
• Negotiation Skills — From plea negotiations to charge reductions, a skilled Dearborn, MO DWI/DUI lawyer improves your chances of a favorable outcome.

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

If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in or around Dearborn, MO, don’t roll the dice and leave your future to chance. The sooner you contact a skilled Dearborn, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, the better your chances of securing the best possible outcome in your case.

At Combs Waterkotte, our DWI/DUI lawyers in Dearborn, MO have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against charges. Let us fight for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome. Call (314) 900-HELP as soon as possible or contact us online for a free case review in Dearborn, MO.