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.
If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI, you need an experienced Kearney, MO DWI/DUI lawyer to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Call Combs Waterkote immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. With 40+ years of combined experience and over 10,000 cases successfully handled in Kearney and across Missouri, our legal team is prepared to build a strong defense and aggressively advocate for you in Kearney, MO.

Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Kearney, MO DWI/DUI
What many Kearney, MO residents may not know about DWI/DUI cases is that there are two components—a criminal case and a civil case with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The criminal side, which is a class B misdemeanor, could lead to up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your driving record, required participation in a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP), required purchase of an SR-22, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
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.
Don’t fight this battle alone—let a Combs Waterkotte Kearney, MO DWI/DUI lawyer handle both sides of your case. Give us a call right now 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.

Steps to Take After Being Pulled Over for DWI/DUI in Kearney, MO
A routine traffic stop in Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO:
- Pull over safely. 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 calm and cooperative. The way you interact with a law enforcement officer matters. Being hostile to a police officer will only make them more likely to search your vehicle or subject you to increased scrutiny. Remain calm and composed. Being polite goes a long way when stopped for DWI/DUI in Kearney, MO.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 Kearney, 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 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.
When you choose a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in the Kearney, MO area, you’re not just hiring the ideal DWI/DUI lawyer in Kearney, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with knowledgeable DWI/DUI attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Kearney, MO residents:
- 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 Kearney, MO is Critical
Unfortunately, many Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO is vital:
- An Unparalleled Understanding of the Law in Kearney, 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 Evidence — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests aren’t always accurate; a Kearney, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can dispute flawed evidence and improper procedures.
- Skilled Plea Bargaining — Depending on the specifics of your case, an experienced Kearney, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for a lesser charge, reduce penalties, or even a case dismissal.
Looking for a Kearney, MO DWI/DUI Lawyer? Reach Out to Combs Waterkotte 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.
The Combs Waterkote Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO.