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DWI Lawyer Kirkwood, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on June 29, 2021

DWI Lawyer in Kirkwood, MO

DWI Lawyer in Kirkwood, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is potentially one of the worst experiences a Kirkwood, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driving privileges for a minimum of 60 days, you will have to pay a substantial fine, face raising insurance premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Kirkwood, MO community or your workplace could take a significant hit, and your ability to potentially travel out of the United States could be limited, as countries such as Canada prohibit individuals with DWI convictions on their record from entering.

If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Kirkwood, 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-strings-attached 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO Area?

Having an aggressive and proficient Kirkwood, 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 charges or even dismissal. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Kirkwood, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Kirkwood, MO area facing DWI charges. 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Kirkwood, MO, make (314) 900-HELP your first call. Initial case reviews are always free, and Combs Waterkotte will work with you no matter what financial difficulties you might have to help you beat your Kirkwood, MO DWI charges.

Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Kirkwood, MO?

If you’ve been charged with DWI in the Kirkwood, MO area, don’t face the legal system alone. A skilled DWI lawyer can be the difference between a conviction and a second chance. From protecting your driving privileges to challenging weak evidence, the right legal team in Kirkwood, MO helps you take control of your case.

{How Combs Waterkotte Protects You in Kirkwood, 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 at both your court trial and administrative hearing

DWI Lawyer in St. Louis | Combs Waterkotte

What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO, it’s natural to feel 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 facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Kirkwood, 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 area on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. Avoid parking on grass to maintain safety and compliance.
  • 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 pulled over for DWI in the Kirkwood, MO area.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement is seeking 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 saying that you prefer not to respond without legal advice.
  • Avoid the 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 to establish probable cause for an arrest.
  • Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Kirkwood, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during the stop, or clarifying other concerns can be the crucial difference between facing months of license suspension and potentially having your case dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Kirkwood, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is critical, 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 Kirkwood, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has serious legal repercussions in Kirkwood, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Kirkwood, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Kirkwood, MO

DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct 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 significant 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 Kirkwood, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous forms of law, like:

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Kirkwood, MO?

Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Kirkwood, MO—but it depends on several factors, including the specifics of your case and the quality of your legal defense. The Combs Waterkotte DWI defense attorneys have had numerous DWI charges in Kirkwood, MO and across Missouri reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving or a traffic violation under circumstances like these:

  • It’s a first offense with no prior criminal record
  • Your BAC was close to the .08% limit
  • No accident, injury, or property damage involved in Kirkwood, MO
  • Police violated protocols during the stop or testing
  • Strong legal defense that challenges probable cause, test accuracy, or arrest procedure

What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?

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

  • Negotiate with the prosecution for a plea to a lesser offense
  • Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
  • Challenge improper searches or roadside procedures
  • Point to mitigating details that support leniency

Why a Reduction Matters

A reduced charge in Kirkwood, MO can help you:

  • Reduced or no jail time
  • Keep your driver’s license or reduce the suspension period
  • Protect your criminal record
  • Maintain employment, especially for CDL or professional license holders
  • Minimizes insurance hikes

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

If this is your second DWI arrest in Kirkwood, MO, you will likely be facing 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 prevents someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
  • Regular, trackable 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 aspect in a Kirkwood, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Kirkwood, MO area may be unaware that , provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Kirkwood, MO.

When you enlist the impeccable services of the Kirkwood, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will quickly address both components of your DWI case as soon as possible and strive to mitigate the impact of a DWI arrest on your life. We will gather evidence, look at the facts of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the Kirkwood police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Call a DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Kirkwood, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Kirkwood, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Kirkwood, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, gather evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Kirkwood will be greatly mitigated or even eradicated.

Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Kirkwood, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm combines top-notch legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a commitment to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Kirkwood, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers promise that no matter the time, no matter the situation, and no matter the circumstances, they will be able to answer your call and discuss your case or any other legal topic. 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 Kirkwood, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial case review and put the experienced Kirkwood, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.

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