DWI/DUI Lawyer in Kearney, MO. Being charged with DWI/DUI in Kearney, MO is a serious offense that can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension, large fines, and possibly even jail time. That’s not to mention the possibility of losing your job or professional license, as well as damage to your reputation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have successfully defended 10,000+ cases just like yours in Kearney and across Missouri. With over 60 years of combined experience as Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Legal Videos
DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …
Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.
Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …
Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.
Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Kearney, MO DWI/DUI
If you’ve been charged with DWI/DUI in Kearney, 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.
This highlights the importance of hiring an expert DWI/DUI lawyer in Kearney, MO. Give Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
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Protect Your License
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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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Steps to Take After Being Pulled Over for DWI/DUI in Kearney, MO
After you have been pulled over by a police officer who suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it’s natural to be nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for a moving violation is something that can heighten anxiety and have you feeling overwhelmed, and this is only increased when you are accused of impaired driving. Having handled hundreds of Kearney, MO-area DWI/DUI cases, our firm recommends that you do the following if you are ever pulled over for DWI/DUI:
- Pull over safely. Use your turn signal, slow down, and stop in a safe location such as a shoulder or parking lot. Remain calm, keep your hands visible, and comply with the officer’s lawful requests.
- Remain calm and respectful. Your demeanor during a Kearney, 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.
- Decline field sobriety and any breathalyzer, or 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.
- 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 Kearney, 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.
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 Kearney, 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.
Free book
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.
If you choose a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in or around Kearney, MO, you’re not just choosing a top-rated DWI/DUI lawyer in Kearney, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced DWI/DUI attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Kearney and beyond:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- Traffic Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Why Hiring a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Kearney, MO is Critical
Many Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO area. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Kearney, MO is vital:
- Expert Legal Defense in Kearney, 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 License — An attorney can help you navigate administrative proceedings to prevent or reduce the length of a license suspension.
- Fighting Unreliable Evidence — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate; a Kearney, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can dispute flawed evidence and improper procedures.
- Negotiation Skills — From plea negotiations to charge reductions, a skilled Kearney, MO DWI/DUI lawyer improves your chances of a favorable outcome.
Charged with DWI/DUI in Kearney, MO? Take Action Today
If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in the Kearney, MO area, time is of the essence. Delaying legal representation can jeopardize your defense and lead to harsh penalties. A knowledgeable Kearney, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of Missouri’s laws and protect your future.
At Combs Waterkotte, our DWI/DUI lawyers in Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO.
