DWI/DUI Lawyer in Riverside, MO. Facing DWI/DUI charges in Riverside, 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 Riverside, MO.
If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI, you need an experienced Riverside, 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 Riverside and across Missouri, our legal team is prepared to build a strong defense and aggressively advocate for you in Riverside, MO.

Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Riverside, MO DWI/DUI
If you’ve been charged with DWI/DUI in Riverside, 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, 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, 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. 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 calm and cooperative. Your demeanor during a Riverside, 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. 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. These tests are voluntary before an arrest and are commonly used to justify probable cause. Missouri’s implied consent law applies only after you are formally arrested.
- 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. The sooner you consult an experienced Riverside, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, the better your chances of avoiding harsh penalties. Your rights and future are at stake.
Knowing the possible consequences of a DWI/DUI charge is crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will walk you through them—and more—during a free, confidential case review. DWI/DUI laws can differ between jurisdictions, even within Riverside, MO, and Johnson County. That’s why it’s important to speak with a DWI/DUI lawyer who understands the specific laws in your area and can provide guidance tailored to your case.
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in the Riverside, MO area, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI/DUI lawyer in and around Riverside, MO – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced DWI/DUI lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Riverside and beyond:
Why Hiring a DWI/DUI Lawyer in Riverside, MO is Critical
Many people in Riverside, MO assume they can handle a DWI/DUI charge without legal help, only to find themselves facing severe consequences. Missouri’s drunk driving laws are tough, and without a knowledgeable attorney, you risk losing your license, paying heavy fines, or even serving jail time. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Riverside, MO is vital:
- In-Depth Legal Knowledge in Riverside, MO — A DWI/DUI attorney knows the legal system inside and out and can expose flaws 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.
- Fighting Unreliable Evidence — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests are not accurate. A skilled Riverside, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can scrutinize the validity of test results and procedural errors by law enforcement.
- Negotiation Skills — A skilled Riverside, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for reduces penalties, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of charges.
Charged with DWI/DUI in Riverside, MO? Take Action Today
If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in the Riverside, MO area, time is of the essence. Delaying legal representation can jeopardize your defense and lead to harsh penalties. A knowledgeable Riverside, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of Missouri’s laws and protect your future.
The Combs Waterkote Riverside, 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 Riverside, MO.