DWI Lawyer in Gladstone, MO
DWI Lawyer in Gladstone, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, especially considering the likely repercussions for Gladstone, 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 Gladstone community or your professional sphere. Additionally, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for people with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Gladstone, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Gladstone. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form to initiate the process of crafting a robust defense for your case. Take advantage of our attorneys’ expertise through a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.
Article Summary
Getting pulled over and charged with DWI in Gladstone, 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 Gladstone, 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.

Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Gladstone, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and effective Gladstone, MO DWI lawyer on your 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 Gladstone, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our clients throughout the Gladstone, MO area facing DWI charges. Whether this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Gladstone, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible outcome for you.
Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Gladstone is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in everything we do. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Gladstone, MO, make (314) 900-HELP your first call. Initial case reviews are always free, and Combs Waterkotte will work with you regardless of any financial challenges you might have to help you beat your Gladstone, MO DWI charges.
Clay County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clay County and Missouri.
Should You Hire a DWI Lawyer in Gladstone, 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 Gladstone, MO DWI charges, and win.
What our DWI Attorneys do for you in Gladstone, MO:
- Scrutinize the traffic stop and arrest for errors or rights violations
- Challenge questionable breath or blood test results
- Expose any constitutional violations in your case
- Represent you in both criminal court and administrative hearing
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Gladstone, MO?
After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Gladstone, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you are accused of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Gladstone, MO, 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, choosing 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.
- Remain calm and cooperative. Remain calm and composed. Being hostile to a police officer will only make them more likely to search your car or subject you to increased scrutiny. Being polite goes a long way when being pulled over for DWI in the Gladstone, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so do not give them any. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by stating that you prefer not to respond without legal advice.
- Do not take a portable breath 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. Portable breathalyzers are frequently deemed unreliable and are only used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
- 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 Gladstone, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in your 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 Gladstone, 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 attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Gladstone, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an attorney well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has severe legal consequences in Gladstone, 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 neighboring Gladstone, 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 DWI Case in Gladstone, MO
DWI cases in Missouri have two components: a criminal side and a civil side. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri are undeniably severe, with even a first DWI offense possibly resulting in substantial consequences as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, defining 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 converted 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 experienced Gladstone, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Gladstone, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in bad situations. In addition to DWI defense in Gladstone, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous types of cases, like:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Gladstone, MO?
Absolutely, but it’s not automatic. Gladstone, 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 Gladstone, 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
- Your BAC was close to the legal limit (.08%)
- No crash or injury occurred in Gladstone, MO
- Police violated protocols during the stop or testing
- Your defense effectively challenges the evidence
How Does It Work?
A skilled Gladstone, MO DWI defense attorney, like the ones at Combs Waterkotte, can:
- Negotiate a plea to a lesser charge
- Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
- Filing motions to dismiss unlawfully obtained evidence
- Present mitigating circumstances or lack of evidence to pressure the state into reducing charges
Why it Matters
A reduced charge in Gladstone, 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 Gladstone, MO?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Gladstone, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, which include these penalties:
- 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, as well as pay for, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Regular, verifiable alcohol monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
- Mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)
The administrative facet of a DWI case in Gladstone, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with your license revocation or suspension. Most Gladstone, MO-area drivers may be unaware that , provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Gladstone, MO.
When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Gladstone, MO at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will promptly address both facets 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, look at the facts of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Gladstone police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Reach Out To a Gladstone, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Gladstone, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Gladstone, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your Gladstone DWI arrest will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Gladstone, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive advocacy with a commitment to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Gladstone, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or situation, they will swiftly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.
After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Gladstone, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free initial case review and put the experienced Gladstone, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.