Independence, MO DWI lawyer with payment plans. Being charged with DWI anywhere in the Independence, 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 Independence, 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 Independence, 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 Independence, MO. Our DWI defense team brings over 60 years of combined experience and has successfully resolved 10,000+ cases for clients in Independence 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 …
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 explains how Combs Waterkotte helps clients facing DWI charges in Independence, MO secure high-level defense with payment plans that fit real-life budgets. It highlights the serious legal and license-related consequences of a DWI, the urgency of getting counsel involved early, and the ways flexible pricing can remove cost as a barrier to quality representation. You’ll also learn how our Independence, MO DWI defense attorneys attack weak evidence, challenge improper stops or testing, pursue options that protect your driving privileges, and guide you through the process with an aggressive, experienced, and client-centered approach—without adding unnecessary financial stress.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
Why Work With Combs Waterkotte for a DWI Defense—and a Payment Plan in Independence, MO?
Let’s be honest: a DWI charge doesn’t wait for you to “get your finances together.” It can threaten your license, your schedule, and your stability almost immediately—while fines and fees keep piling on. And for most people in Independence, MO, a criminal charge isn’t something they saved for. It hits in the middle of real life: bills, work, family, and everything else.
We get it—good people find themselves in bad situations. That’s exactly why Combs Waterkotte offers flexible options. Our Independence, MO DWI lawyers with payment plans make high-level defense accessible by providing:
- Low upfront payments for many first-time and repeat DWI cases in Independence, MO.
- Flexible payment plans built around real-world budgets, structured to fit your income, obligations, and the specifics of your case.
- Easy ways to pay like credit/debit cards, electronic payments, checks, money orders, and more—so paying isn’t another stressor.
- Clear flat-rate fees for most DWI cases—no hourly surprises, with weekly, biweekly, or monthly installments available to keep things predictable.
Most importantly, the strength of your defense doesn’t change because you need a payment plan. Our Independence, MO DWI defense lawyers bring the same aggressive strategy, motion practice, and trial-ready approach we’re known for. You’re not buying something optional—you’re defending your record, your license, and your future. At Combs Waterkotte, we treat it exactly that seriously.
Why Time Is Not on Your Side After a DWI Arrest in Independence, MO
DWI charges in Independence and across Missouri move quickly. From driver’s license suspension deadlines to police reports and evidence preservation, the first few days are critical. Prosecutors jump into action immediately, and every decision you make during this time can dramatically affect your case.
A skilled Independence, MO DWI defense attorney steps in fast to:
- Take immediate action to protect your driver’s license
- Break down chemical testing and roadside evaluations
- Expose procedural errors or constitutional violations
- Negotiate for reduced penalties, treatment options, or case dismissal
- Prepare and fight aggressively at trial when necessary
Most importantly, fast legal action protects your long-term future. A DWI conviction in Independence, MO doesn’t just go away—and with flexible payment plans available, there’s no reason to delay getting the defense you deserve.
What’s at Stake in a DWI Case in the Independence, MO Area?
A DWI charge isn’t just a traffic matter—it’s a serious criminal allegation that can change your life fast. The penalties are often harsh, expensive, and long-lasting, including:
- Mandatory ignition interlock devices
- Significant insurance increases
- License suspension or revocation
- Possible jail time
- Major fines, fees, and costs
- Employment and licensing consequences
- A criminal record that can follow you for decades or life
And the cost of dealing with all of it adds up quickly. A Independence, MO DWI lawyer who offers payment plans makes it possible to hire a real defense team now—without wrecking your financial life in the process.
How Our Independence, MO DWI Defense Attorneys Fight for You
Combs Waterkotte does not rely on shortcuts or one-size-fits-all strategies. Each Independence, MO DWI case demands a focused, personalized defense built around the evidence, the law, and your long-term goals.
Our DWI defense strategies often include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Challenging the accuracy of breath or blood test results
- Analyzing police body cam footage for errors or inconsistencies
- Verifying the arresting officer’s training and certification
- Uncovering testing errors or faulty equipment
- Negotiating strategically for reduced penalties or dismissal
We leave nothing to chance. Every decision is made with one goal in mind: protecting your future while minimizing the financial and personal fallout of a DWI charge in the Independence, MO area.
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 Independence, MO DWI charge? When you select a Combs Waterkotte DWI lawyer with payment plans in the Independence, MO area, you aren’t just partnering with a leading DWI lawyer in and around Independence, MO – you are securing your financial situation, your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with a knowledgeable DWI lawyer with payment plans, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Independence and beyond:
Immediate Steps to Take After a DWI Arrest in Independence, MO
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Independence, MO area, here are the immediate steps to take:
Step 1: Keep Your Cool and Don’t Escalate the Stop
A DWI stop in or around Independence, MO, or anywhere else for that matter, is stressful, embarrassing, and scary—but getting angry or arguing with the officer will only make things worse. Anything you say or do can be written into the police report and used against you later. Stay as calm and polite as you can, keep your hands visible, follow basic instructions, and avoid making any sudden movements or emotional outbursts that could be misinterpreted as aggression or noncompliance.
Step 2: Assert Your Right to Stay Silent
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 Independence, MO on Your Side—Fast
The biggest mistake after a DWI arrest in Independence, 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 Independence, 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
In Missouri, some tests can carry consequences if refused. Roadside field sobriety tests (like walking a line or standing on one leg) are not legally required and are often used solely to justify an arrest, even if they’re done in poor lighting, on uneven ground, or while you’re nervous. Portable, roadside breath tests are also not as reliable as the official tests given at the station. You should understand that these tests are primarily tools for building the State’s case, not helping you. Our Independence, MO DWI lawyers suggest refusing all tests. We can later evaluate whether any tests were administered properly and whether your rights were violated.
Step 5: Don’t Miss the License Suspension Window
In Independence, 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 Independence, MO quickly so they can request the proper hearings and protect your driving privileges.
Step 6: Create a Written Record of What Happened in Independence, MO
After a stressful arrest, memory fades fast. As soon as you can, write down a detailed timeline: where you were, what you ate and drank, what the officer said, when tests were requested, what conditions were like (lighting, road surface, weather), and whether anyone witnessed the stop. Small facts—like timing, instructions, and delays—can become major leverage later. Bringing these notes to your first meeting with a Independence, MO DWI attorney helps them move quickly and accurately.
Step 7: Stay Fully Compliant Until the Case Ends
Missing a court date or violating bond conditions in Independence, 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 Independence, 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.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Affordable, Hard-Hitting DWI Defense in Independence, MO Starts Now — Call Combs Waterkotte
If you’re feeling stressed, intimidated, or wondering how you’re going to pay for a DWI lawyer in Independence, MO, you’re not the only one. At Combs Waterkotte, we believe a powerful defense should be available to everyone—not just people with money set aside for an emergency.
You can afford a top DWI lawyer in Independence, MO—because we make it possible.
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.
