DWI Lawyer in Monroe County, MO
DWI Lawyer in Monroe County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is potentially one of the worst fears a Monroe 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 Monroe 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 individuals 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 Monroe County, MO area, it’s crucial to enlist the support of a highly skilled DWI lawyer in Monroe County. 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
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Monroe County, MO area, the consequences can be severe—license suspension, steep fines, a criminal record, and even jail time. But a charge is not a conviction, and with the right legal team, you may be able to avoid the most damaging outcomes. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Monroe County, MO DWI lawyers fight aggressively to protect your rights, reputation, and future. This in-depth page covers everything you need to know after a DWI arrest in or around Monroe County, MO: what to do at a traffic stop, the criminal and administrative penalties involved, first-time and repeat offense consequences, and how to challenge breath tests, field sobriety evidence, and police procedures. Whether this is your first DWI or a subsequent offense, our Monroe County, MO attorneys create strategic defenses built to win—often securing dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing.

Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Monroe County, MO Area?
Having a tenacious and proficient DWI lawyer on your Monroe 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 experienced Monroe County, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our clients throughout the Monroe County, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Monroe County, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible outcome for you.
Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Monroe County residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every facet of our service. When facing DWI charges near Monroe 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 hardships you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Monroe County, MO.
Monroe County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Monroe County and Missouri.
Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Monroe County, MO?
How a Combs Waterkotte DWI Lawyer can help you in Monroe County, MO:
- Investigate whether your traffic stop and arrest followed the law
- Challenge inaccurate or poorly administered chemical tests
- Identify constitutional violations (lack of probable cause)
- Defend you in court and fight your license suspension
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Monroe 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 Monroe County, 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 amplified when you are accused of impaired driving. Having tried hundreds of DWI cases in Monroe 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 select a well-lit safe location. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. 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 stopped for DWI in the Monroe County, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Give the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any reason 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 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 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 Monroe County, 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 Monroe 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 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 Monroe County, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique situationDriving under the influence has serious legal repercussions in Monroe County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will provide that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Monroe County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Monroe County, MO DWI Case
DWI cases in Missouri involve two distinct 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 defined 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 reduced 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 Monroe County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Monroe County, 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 Monroe County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many forms of law, such as:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Monroe County, MO?
Absolutely, but it’s not automatic. Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO DWI defense attorneys have helped clients across Missouri get their charges dropped to reckless driving or a traffic violation in cases where:
- First-time offense with no prior criminal record
- Your BAC was close to the .08% limit
- No one was hurt and nothing was damaged in Monroe County, MO
- Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
- Strong legal defense that challenges probable cause, test accuracy, or arrest procedure
How Does This Happen?
A skilled Monroe County, MO DWI defense attorney, like the ones at Combs Waterkotte, can:
- Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges
- Propose community service or education as a substitute for conviction
- Filing motions to dismiss unlawfully obtained evidence
- Point to mitigating details that support leniency
Why a Reduction Matters
A reduced charge in Monroe County, MO can help you:
- Avoid jail time
- Keep your driver’s license or reduce the suspension period
- Protects your permanent record
- Helps you keep your job or professional license
- Minimizes insurance hikes

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Monroe County, MO?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Monroe County, 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.
- Regular, trackable 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 Monroe County, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles the revocation or suspension of your license. Most Monroe County, MO-area drivers do not know that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Monroe County, MO.
When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Monroe County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured 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 discrepancies in the Monroe County police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built for success. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Call a DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Monroe County, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte
If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Monroe County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Monroe County, 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 Monroe County will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Monroe County, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive litigation with a commitment to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Monroe County, 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.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Monroe County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial .