DWI/DUI Lawyer in Waldo, MO. Facing DWI/DUI charges in Waldo, 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 Waldo, MO.
If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI, you need an experienced Waldo, 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 Waldo and across Missouri, our legal team is prepared to build a strong defense and aggressively advocate for you in Waldo, MO.
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 …
Combs Waterkotte Fights Both Sides of Your Waldo, MO DWI/DUI
What many Waldo, 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.
The civil case is the lesser known of the two sides. However, the Combs Waterkotte Waldo, 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.
Don’t fight this battle alone—let a Combs Waterkotte Waldo, MO DWI/DUI lawyer handle both sides of your case. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
What Should You Do After Being Pulled Over For DWI/DUI in Waldo, 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 Waldo, 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.
- Remain calm and respectful. Your demeanor during a Waldo, 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.
- Avoid self-incrimination. 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. 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.
- Document everything. If possible, take mental and written notes about the stop. This information can be valuable in building your defense. This includes:
- The location, time, and reason the officer gave for pulling you over.
- The officer’s behavior and whether they followed proper procedures.
- Any dialogue between you and the officer.
- Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately. Legal guidance from an expert Waldo, 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 Waldo, 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 Waldo, MO, and Johnson County—working with a knowledgeable local attorney ensures you get legal advice specific to your case and 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.
When you choose a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer in the Waldo, MO area, you aren’t just choosing the ideal DWI/DUI lawyer in Waldo, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to knowledgeable DWI/DUI attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Waldo and beyond:

Why You Need a Waldo, MO DWI/DUI Lawyer
Many Waldo, 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 Waldo, MO area. Here’s why having a DWI/DUI lawyer in Waldo, MO is essential:
- In-Depth Legal Knowledge in Waldo, MO — A DWI/DUI attorney knows the legal system inside and out and can expose flaws 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 Test Results — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests are not accurate. A skilled Waldo, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can scrutinize the validity of test results and procedural errors by law enforcement.
- Plea Bargaining & Reduction of Charges — From plea negotiations to charge reductions, a skilled Waldo, MO DWI/DUI lawyer improves your chances of a favorable outcome.

Charged with DWI/DUI in Waldo, MO? Take Action Today
If you’ve been arrested for DWI/DUI in the Waldo, MO area, time is of the essence. Delaying legal representation can jeopardize your defense and lead to harsh penalties. A knowledgeable Waldo, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of Missouri’s laws and protect your future.
The Combs Waterkote Waldo, 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 Waldo, MO.

