DWI/DUI Lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Facing DWI/DUI charges in Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have successfully defended 10,000+ cases just like yours in Kansas City and across Missouri. With over 50 years of combined experience as Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO and take the first step toward protecting your future.

Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Kansas City, MO DWI/DUI
If you’ve been charged with DWI/DUI in Kansas City, 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.
The civil case is the lesser known of the two sides. However, the Combs Waterkotte Kansas City, MO DWI/DUI lawyers provide a wealth of information on protecting your license, next steps to follow, and more. You have 15 days following your arrest to request an administrative hearing or your license will automatically be suspended or revoked. If you are successful in the hearing, you get your license back. If you lose, your license will be suspended or revoked. Suspension periods range from 30 days to 1 year. Revocation periods are 1 year. Both could be followed by mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least 6 months.
This highlights the importance of hiring an expert DWI/DUI lawyer in Kansas City, MO. Give Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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Steps to Take After Being Pulled Over for DWI/DUI in Kansas City, MO
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 Kansas City, MO, our firm recommends taking the following steps if you’re ever pulled over for a suspicion of DWI/DUI:
- 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.
- Remain calm and respectful. Your demeanor during a Kansas City, 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.
- Exercise your right to remain silent. You are only required to provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Beyond that, you do not have to answer questions about where you’ve been or whether you’ve been drinking. Police officers are trained to look for ways to continue an investigation and arrest you, so don’t give them any. If asked, politely state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent.
- Refuse field sobriety, breathalyzer, and blood tests. While Missouri does have an implied consent law that automatically revokes your driver’s license for one year if you refuse a breathalyzer or a blood test, this only applies after you have been placed under arrest for DWI/DUI. Portable breathalyzers are unreliable and are only used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
- Record key details. 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. Legal guidance from an expert Kansas City, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can make the difference between the best possible outcome and severe penalties. Your conversation with an attorney is completely confidential, and we can help you with the next steps to protect your rights and driving privileges. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online now.
It’s important to be aware of the potential penalties for DWI/DUI in Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO, and Johnson County—working with a knowledgeable local attorney ensures you get legal advice specific to your case and situation.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in the Kansas City, MO area, you’re not just choosing a leading DWI/DUI lawyer in Kansas City, MO and beyond – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to esteemed DWI/DUI attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Kansas City and beyond:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
- Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
- Weapons Crime Attorney
Why Hiring a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Kansas City, MO is Critical
Many Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO area. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Kansas City, MO is vital:
- In-Depth Legal Knowledge in Kansas City, MO — A DWI/DUI lawyer knows the intricate details of the legal system and can challenge any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Protecting Your Driver’s License — An attorney can help you navigate administrative proceedings to prevent or reduce the length of a license suspension.
- Challenging Evidence — Field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results aren’t always accurate—an experienced Kansas City, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can challenge their validity.
- Plea Bargaining & Reduction of Charges — Depending on the specifics of your case, an experienced Kansas City, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for a lesser charge, reduce penalties, or even a case dismissal.
Need a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Kansas City, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away
A DWI/DUI charge in Kansas City, MO is a serious matter—don’t risk your future by facing it alone. The sooner you hire a skilled Kansas City, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, the stronger your defense will be.
The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyers have successfully defended numerous Kansas City, MO DWI/DUI cases, and will fight tenaciously for you. Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review in Kansas City, MO.