DWI Lawyer in Mississippi County, MO
DWI Lawyer in Mississippi County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is potentially one of the worst fears a Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, MO community or your workplace could take a substantial hit, and your ability to potentially travel out of the United States could be limited, as countries such as Canada prohibit travelers with DWI convictions on their record from entering.
If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Mississippi County, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Mississippi County. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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-strings-attached consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.
Article Summary
Getting pulled over and charged with DWI in Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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.

Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Mississippi County, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and proficient DWI lawyer on your Mississippi County, MO 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 seasoned Mississippi County, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County residents 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 Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, MO DWI charges.
Mississippi County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Mississippi County and Missouri.
Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Mississippi County, MO?
If you’ve been charged with DWI in the Mississippi County, MO area, hiring a DWI lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights, your record, and your future. Without a Mississippi County, MO DWI defense lawyer, you could unintentionally give up critical rights or miss opportunities to reduce or eliminate the charges.
{How Combs Waterkotte Protects You in Mississippi 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
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Mississippi County, MO?
After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Mississippi County, 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 amplified when you’re facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in Mississippi County, MO, our firm recommends that you take the following course of action if you are ever pulled over for DWI:
- Pull over safely. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and choose a well-lit safe area. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. 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 Mississippi County, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Provide 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. 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.
- Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, 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 lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Mississippi 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 circumstancesDriving under the influence has serious legal consequences in Mississippi County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas neighboring Mississippi 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 DWI Case in Mississippi County, MO
DWI cases in Missouri have two components: a criminal side and a civil side. 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 restored to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
- Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program called 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 Mississippi County, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Mississippi 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 Mississippi County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many forms of law, like:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Mississippi County, MO?
Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, MO and across Missouri reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving or a traffic violation under circumstances like these:
- You’ve never been in trouble before
- Your BAC was close to the legal limit (.08%)
- No crash or injury occurred in Mississippi County, MO
- The police may have made mistakes during the stop
- Your defense effectively challenges the evidence
What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?
With a skilled DWI defense attorney in Mississippi County, MO on your side, we may be able to:
- Negotiate with the prosecution for a plea to a lesser offense
- Propose community service or education as a substitute for conviction
- File motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained
- Point to mitigating details that support leniency
Why a Reduction Matters
A reduced charge in Mississippi County, MO can help you:
- Reduced or no jail time
- Keep your driver’s license or reduce the suspension period
- Protects your permanent record
- Maintain employment, especially for CDL or professional license holders
- Minimizes insurance hikes

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Mississippi County, MO?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Mississippi County, MO, you will likely be facing 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 ranges 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 BAC 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 Mississippi County, 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 Mississippi County, MO area may be unaware 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 Mississippi County, MO.
When you enlist the impeccable services of the DWI lawyers with experience in Mississippi County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will tackle 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, identify potential holes in the Mississippi County 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.
Reach Out To a Mississippi County, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Today at Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Mississippi 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 Mississippi County, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your Mississippi County DWI arrest will be significantly reduced, if not eliminated.
For numerous individuals in Mississippi County, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive litigation with a dedication to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Mississippi County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys 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 is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.
After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Mississippi County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Mississippi County, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.