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DWI Lawyer Dallas County, MO

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Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Dallas County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Dallas County, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, especially considering the potential repercussions for Dallas County, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance expenses, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your Dallas County community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be constrained, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for individuals with a DWI conviction on their record.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Dallas County, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so that we can get to work building your defense right away. Our attorneys are available for free, no-obligation consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.


Article Summary

Getting pulled over and charged with DWI in Dallas County, MO can feel overwhelming—but the right attorney can make all the difference. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve helped hundreds of drivers avoid the most serious consequences of a DWI arrest. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, including how to respond during a stop in the Dallas County, MO area, what penalties you could face, and how to fight the charges. Whether it’s your first offense or you’ve been down this road before, our legal team delivers personalized defense strategies that get results—from case dismissals to reduced charges and alternative sentencing.


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Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Dallas County, MO Area?

Having a tenacious and proficient DWI lawyer on your Dallas County, MO case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and achieving a more favorable outcome such as reduced or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our knowledgeable Dallas County, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Dallas County, MO area DWI clients. Whether this is the first time you have ever been pulled over for anything or if this is not the first time you are facing DWI charges, our firm will give your Dallas County, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Dallas County is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near Dallas County, MO, prioritize making (314) 900-HELP your initial contact. We provide free case reviews and, at Combs Waterkotte, we are devoted to working with you, accommodating any financial challenges you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Dallas County, MO.

Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Dallas County, MO?

After a DWI arrest, your next steps matter. Without a trusted DWI defense lawyer, you risk losing your license, paying hefty fines, and carrying a criminal record for life. Combs Waterkotte knows how to fight Dallas County, MO DWI charges, and win.

What our DWI Attorneys do for you in Dallas County, MO:

  • Review the traffic stop and arrest procedures for legality
  • Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
  • Expose any constitutional violations in your case
  • Represent you in both criminal court and administrative hearing

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What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Dallas County, MO?

After you have been pulled over by a police officer who suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs near Dallas County, MO, it’s natural to be nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for any moving violation is something that can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is amplified when you are accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Dallas County, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:

  • Pull over safely. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, selecting a well-lit location on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. Try to avoid parking on grass.
  • Stay calm and cooperative. Maintain composure and cooperation during the encounter. Hostility can escalate the situation and lead to increased scrutiny. Politeness goes a long way when being stopped for DWI near Dallas County, MO.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary information. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by stating that you would rather not answer without legal advice.
  • Avoid the portable breath test. Refrain from taking a portable breath test. While Missouri enforces implied consent laws that lead to a one-year license revocation for refusing a breathalyzer or blood test, this is applicable only after you are formally arrested for DWI. Portable breathalyzers are frequently deemed unreliable and are primarily used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
  • If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Dallas County, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during the stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing your driving privileges for months and your case potentially being dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Dallas County, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of jail time. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Dallas County, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an attorney well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique situationDriving under the influence has severe legal repercussions in Dallas County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Dallas County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Dallas County, MO DWI Case

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri are undeniably severe, with even a first DWI offense potentially resulting in substantial consequences as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, categorizing it as a class B misdemeanor:

  • 8 points on your driving record
  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Up to a $500 fine
  • A 90-day drivers’ license suspension, the last 60 of which can be restored to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
  • Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program known as Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
  • Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our knowledgeable Dallas County, MO legal team makes sure that the citizens of Dallas County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. In addition to DWI defense in Dallas County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, such as:

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Dallas County, MO?

Absolutely, but it’s not automatic. Dallas County, MO prosecutors will sometimes agree to reduce a DWI charge if the circumstances warrant it, and if you have a strong defense team behind you. At Combs Waterkotte, our Dallas County, MO DWI defense attorneys have helped clients across Missouri get their charges dropped to reckless driving or a traffic violation in cases where:

  • You’ve never been in trouble before
  • Low blood alcohol content (BAC) near the legal limit of .08%
  • No one was hurt and nothing was damaged in Dallas County, MO
  • Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
  • Your defense effectively challenges the evidence

What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?

A skilled Dallas County, MO DWI defense attorney, like the ones at Combs Waterkotte, can:

  • Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges
  • Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
  • Challenge improper searches or roadside procedures
  • Present mitigating circumstances or lack of evidence to pressure the state into reducing charges

Why a Reduction Matters

A reduced charge in Dallas County, MO can help you:

  • Reduced or no jail time
  • Less impact on your driver’s license
  • Protects your permanent record
  • Helps you keep your job or professional license
  • Minimize insurance rate increases

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Dallas County, MO?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Dallas County, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, which include these punishments:

  • No more than one year in jail (any jail sentence for a second DWI must include a minimum of 10 days of “shock time” in jail before possible suspension of sentence or probation)
  • Maximum two years probation
  • Fines of no more than $1,000
  • The suspension of your driving privileges, which can be between from one to five years
  • You must install and maintain, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
  • Continuous, trackable alcohol consumption monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
  • Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
  • Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)

The administrative component in a Dallas County, MO DWI case has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles your license revocation or suspension. Many Dallas County, MO-area drivers do not know that , provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Dallas County, MO.

When you hire the Dallas County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will promptly address both components of your DWI case as soon as possible and work hard to minimize the effect a DWI arrest has on your life. We will gather evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential discrepancies in the Dallas County police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Reach Out To a Dallas County, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Dallas County, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Dallas County, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Dallas County DWI arrest will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous individuals in Dallas County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and aggressive advocacy with a commitment to personal service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Dallas County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, they will promptly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This commitment is an integral part of our pledge to gain complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Dallas County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial case review and put the experienced Dallas County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.

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