DWI Lawyer in Independence, MO
DWI Lawyer in Independence, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, particularly considering the potential repercussions for Independence, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance premiums, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your Independence community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be constrained, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for people with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Independence, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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
A DWI arrest in the Independence, MO area can upend your life—leading to license suspension, costly fines, a permanent record, and even jail. But being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. With a skilled legal team like Combs Waterkotte, you can fight back. This article breaks down everything you need to know after a DWI stop in or around Independence, MO, from legal rights during a traffic stop to challenging chemical tests and understanding the penalties for first and repeat offenses. Our veteran DWI lawyers in Independence, MO build smart, aggressive defenses designed to protect your future—and help you move forward with confidence.
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 …
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Independence, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and proficient Independence, MO DWI lawyer on your case can — and often does — make the difference between pleading guilty to DWI and suffering all its consequences, and having charges reduced or even dismissed. At Combs Waterkotte, our knowledgeable Independence, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Independence, 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 is committed to providing your Independence, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible results for you.
Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in Independence accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every facet of our service. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Independence, 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 Independence, MO DWI charges.
-
Protect Your License
![Image]()
Protect Your License
You have only 15 days to request an administrative hearing. Act quickly to protect your driver’s licenses.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your DWI/DUI arrest? The experienced Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Get Started Now
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
Should You Hire a DWI Lawyer in Independence, 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 Independence, MO DWI charges, and win.
What our DWI Attorneys do for you in Independence, MO:
- Investigate whether your traffic stop and arrest followed the law
- Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
- 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 Independence, MO?
After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Independence, MO area, it’s natural to feel nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for any moving violation is something that can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you are facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Independence, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:
- Safely pull over. 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 stopped for DWI near Independence, 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 is seeking 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.
- Do not take a 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 often deemed unreliable and are primarily used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
- Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Independence, 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 the ability to drive for months and your case potentially being dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Independence, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. 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 consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Independence, 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 Independence, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will provide that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Independence, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.
Jackson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jackson County and Missouri.
Fighting Both Sides Of Your Independence, 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, as you likely know, are serious. Even a first DWI offense could lead to the following consequences under Missouri law, as it is categorized 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 skilled Independence, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Independence, 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 Independence, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous types of cases, like:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Independence, MO?
Absolutely, but it’s not automatic. Independence, 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 Independence, MO DWI defense attorneys have helped clients across Missouri get their charges dropped to reckless driving or a traffic violation in cases where:
- It’s a first offense with no prior criminal record
- Low blood alcohol content (BAC) near the legal limit of .08%
- No one was hurt and nothing was damaged in Independence, MO
- Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
- We can dispute the accuracy or reliability of the tests
What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?
Our experienced Independence, MO DWI defense attorneys take a strategic, aggressive approach by:
- Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges
- Advocating for diversion programs or alcohol treatment alternatives
- File motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained
- Point to mitigating details that support leniency
Why it Matters
A reduced charge in Independence, MO can help you:
- Avoid 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 Independence, MO?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Independence, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing possible penalties like:
- 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, verifiable alcohol consumption 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 component in a Independence, MO DWI case has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles the revocation or suspension of your license. Most drivers in the Independence, MO area may not be aware that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Independence, MO.
When you enlist the impeccable services of the Independence, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will quickly 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, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Independence police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Reach Out To a DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Independence, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Independence, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Independence, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Independence will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.
For numerous individuals in Independence, 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 is unmatched among DWI law firms near Independence, 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 achieve complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.
After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Independence, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial case review and put the experienced Independence, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.
