DWI lawyer with payment plans in DeKalb County, MO. Being charged with DWI anywhere in the DeKalb County, MO area brings a sense of panic, not just about the criminal consequences surrounding your driver’s license and future but about how you’re going to be able to afford the legal help you need. At Combs Waterkotte, we believe a strong defense shouldn’t be out of reach—for anyone in or around DeKalb County, MO. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans for DWI cases.
No one should feel forced to risk their future or “go it alone” because of upfront legal fees. With the respected DeKalb County, MO DWI defense firm advocating for you—and payment arrangements tailored to your situation—you can aggressively contest the charges, safeguard your license and record, and move forward with confidence.
Contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a free, confidential consultation with a seasoned DWI lawyer with payment plans in DeKalb County, MO. Our DWI defense team brings over 60 years of combined experience and has successfully resolved 10,000+ cases for clients in DeKalb County and across Missouri.
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 …
Article Summary
This article breaks down how people charged with DWI in DeKalb County, MO can get experienced legal help through flexible payment plans at Combs Waterkotte. It explains what’s at stake after a DWI arrest, why the first steps you take matter, and how budget-friendly payment options make strong defense representation more accessible. It also covers how our DeKalb County, MO DWI defense attorneys scrutinize the stop, test results, and police procedure, fight to protect your license, and build a case strategy tailored to your situation—backed by proven results, a client-first mindset, and a commitment to reducing financial pressure while we defend your future.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
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400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte as Your DWI Lawyer with Payment Plans in DeKalb County, MO?
Here’s the truth: a single DWI can flip your life upside down long before you ever see a courtroom. License on the line, job at risk, fines stacking up—most people in DeKalb County, MO facing a DWI charge didn’t budget for “sudden criminal defense fees.” You’re trying to keep up with rent, car payments, kids, and now… a drunk driving charge.
We get it—good people find themselves in bad situations. That’s exactly why Combs Waterkotte offers flexible options. Our DeKalb County, MO DWI lawyers with payment plans make high-level defense accessible by providing:
- Lower initial payments on many first-time and repeat DWI cases in the DeKalb County, MO area.
- Flexible payment plans tailored to your income, responsibilities, and the unique demands of your case.
- Convenient payment choices including major credit cards, debit cards, electronic payments, checks, money orders, and other options.
- Transparent flat-fee pricing for most DWI matters—so you know the total cost early, with weekly, biweekly, or monthly installments instead of surprise hourly bills.
Most importantly, we don’t adjust the quality of your defense just because you need a payment plan. Our DeKalb County, MO DWI defense lawyers still bring the same aggressive strategy, motion practice, and trial readiness we’re known for. You’re not shopping for a nice car or luxury yacht—you’re protecting your record, your license, and your future. At Combs Waterkotte, we treat it that way.

Why Acting Quickly Matters When Facing a DWI in DeKalb County, MO
After a DWI arrest in DeKalb County or anywhere in Missouri, the clock starts ticking immediately. Deadlines for challenging license suspensions are short, evidence can disappear, and prosecutors waste no time building a case against you. Waiting—even a few days—can cost you critical opportunities to fight back.
A skilled DeKalb County, MO DWI defense attorney steps in fast to:
- Preserve your driving privileges through prompt filing for administrative hearing
- Scrutinize breath and blood testing and field sobriety methods
- Uncover mistakes, rights violations, or weak evidence
- Negotiate for reduced penalties, treatment options, or case dismissal
- Stand ready to take your case to trial if needed
Above all, early legal representation safeguards your future. A DWI conviction in the DeKalb County, MO area can carry lifelong consequences—and with payment plans available, delaying your defense only puts you at greater risk.
What’s on the Line in a DeKalb County, MO DWI Case?
A DWI charge isn’t just a ticket—it’s a life-altering criminal offense. The consequences can be severe and expensive, including:
- Ignition interlock installation
- Increased insurance rates
- License suspension or revocation
- Time in jail
- Large fines and court costs
- Career and professional fallout
- A permanent criminal record
The financial fallout alone can be overwhelming. Choosing a DeKalb County, MO DWI defense lawyer who offers payment plans allows you to get high-quality representation without sacrificing financial stability.
How Our DeKalb County, MO DWI Defense Attorneys Fight for You
At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t take a cookie-cutter approach. Every DeKalb County, MO DWI case is unique, and we build your defense around the specific details of your arrest, your background, and your goals.
Our DWI defense strategy in DeKalb County, MO may involve:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Exposing flaws in breathalyzer and blood testing
- Reviewing police body camera footage for mistakes or contradictions
- Examining the officer’s training and certification
- Investigating improper testing procedures or equipment failures
- Negotiating strategically for reduced penalties or dismissal
We look at every angle and leave no stone unturned. You deserve a relentless defense—especially when your freedom, future, and finances are on the line.

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.
Facing a DWI charge in DeKalb County, MO? When you select a Combs Waterkotte DWI lawyer with payment plans in or around DeKalb County, MO, you aren’t just partnering with a top-rated DWI attorney in and around DeKalb County, MO – you are safeguarding your financial situation, your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to an esteemed DWI lawyer with payment plans, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for DeKalb County, MO residents:
What to Do Right Away After a DWI Arrest in DeKalb County, MO
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in or near DeKalb County, MO, follow these steps as soon as possible:
Step 1: Keep Your Cool and Don’t Escalate the Stop
A DWI stop in DeKalb County, MO can feel humiliating, scary, and overwhelming—but arguing with the officer usually makes the situation worse. Anything you say or do can end up in the report and be used later. Stay calm, keep your hands visible, follow basic directions, and avoid sudden movements or emotional reactions that can be misread as aggression or refusal to cooperate.
Step 2: Limit What You Say
Beyond providing your basic information (name, license, registration, insurance), you are not required to answer detailed questions about where you were, what you drank, or how you feel. When officers ask, “How much have you had to drink?” or “Where are you coming from?”, they’re looking for evidence to build a case against you. A simple, respectful response such as, “I’d like to remain silent and speak with an attorney,” is often the safest choice. Exercising this right early can limit the amount of damaging evidence the State has to work with.
Step 3: Get a Payment-Plan DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO on Your Side—Fast
The biggest mistake after a DWI arrest in DeKalb County, MO is waiting. Early legal help gives your attorney the ability to secure dashcam/bodycam footage, review paperwork for errors, challenge license suspension deadlines, and begin negotiations before the State takes a hardline stance. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out to Combs Waterkotte now. Our DeKalb County, MO DWI lawyers with payment plans make it possible to start a serious defense without needing one massive upfront payment. We’ll break down your options clearly and build a defense plan that works for your case and your budget.
Step 4: Don’t Assume “Tests” Are Designed to Be Fair
Some DWI tests in Missouri can trigger penalties if you refuse, so it’s important to know what’s happening in real time. Roadside field sobriety tests are generally voluntary and often become evidence even when they’re performed on uneven pavement, in bad lighting, or while you’re stressed. Portable breath tests on the roadside can also be less reliable than the official testing process. These tests are typically used to build probable cause and support charges—not to “clear you.” Our DeKalb County, MO DWI defense attorneys typically advise refusing tests and letting counsel later challenge whether the stop, arrest, and any testing procedures were lawful and accurate.
Step 5: Don’t Miss the License Suspension Window
In DeKalb County, MO DWI cases, you only have a short window of time to challenge the administrative suspension of your driver’s license. This deadline can be as short as a couple of weeks from the date of your arrest. If you miss it, your license may be automatically suspended—even if your criminal case is still pending. As soon as you’re released, keep any paperwork the officer gave you and contact a lawyer in DeKalb County, MO quickly so they can request the proper hearings and protect your driving privileges.
Step 6: Document the Stop While It’s Still Fresh in DeKalb County, MO
The best time to capture details is right after the arrest. Write down everything you can remember: the reason given for the stop, exact locations, timestamps, what was said, when tests were offered, what you were instructed to do, and any factors that affected testing (footwear, injuries, nerves, uneven ground). Even “minor” details can reveal weaknesses in the State’s evidence. A written summary gives your DeKalb County, MO DWI attorney a head start on building your defense.
Step 7: Follow All Bond Conditions and Court Dates
Missing a court date or violating bond conditions in DeKalb County, MO can turn a bad situation into a worse one—new charges, a warrant, or stricter restrictions. Review your paperwork for your court date and any terms involving travel, alcohol, IID requirements, or check-ins, and follow them exactly. A DeKalb County, MO DWI lawyer can help you stay organized, avoid missteps, and may be able to appear for certain settings to reduce disruption to your work and family.

DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
Affordable, Hard-Hitting DWI Defense in DeKalb County, MO Starts Now — Call Combs Waterkotte
A DWI charge can feel like everything is crashing down at once—fear about the consequences, pressure from the system, and the added worry of how you’ll afford the legal help you need in DeKalb County, MO. Combs Waterkotte is here to change that.
You don’t need a huge upfront payment to get a serious DWI defense in DeKalb County—we make strong representation realistic.
Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case evaluation. We’ll explain your options, discuss payment plans, and start building your defense immediately. Your future is worth fighting for. With Combs Waterkotte, you don’t have to fight alone.

