DWI Lawyer in Phelps County, MO
DWI Lawyer in Phelps County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Phelps County, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driver’s license for a minimum of 60 days, you will have to pay a substantial fine, face raising insurance costs, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Phelps 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 have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Phelps County, 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-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 Phelps 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 Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO Area?
Having a tenacious and proficient Phelps County, MO DWI lawyer on your case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and reaching a more favorable outcome such as reduced or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Phelps County, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our Phelps County, MO area DWI clients. No matter if 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 will give your Phelps County, MO DWI case the personal attention you expect and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.
Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Phelps County residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every aspect of our service. When facing DWI charges near Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO.
Phelps County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Phelps County and Missouri.
Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Phelps County, MO?
How a Combs Waterkotte Phelps County, MO DWI Lawyer can help you:
- Scrutinize the traffic stop and arrest for errors or rights violations
- Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
- 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 Phelps 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 Phelps 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’re facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Phelps County, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:
- Safely pull over. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signal, and choose a well-lit safe location. 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. 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 near Phelps County, 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 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 primarily 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. Seeking guidance from an experienced Phelps County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in your 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 Phelps County, 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 critical, 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 Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of 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 surrounding Phelps County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Phelps County, MO
DWI cases in Missouri have two 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 repercussions 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 converted 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, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22
Our skilled Phelps County, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Phelps County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. Along with DWI defense in Phelps County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in many forms of law, such as:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Phelps County, MO?
Absolutely, but it’s not automatic. Phelps 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 Phelps County, 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
- Your BAC was close to the .08% limit
- No crash or injury occurred in Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO on your side, we may be able to:
- Negotiate a plea to a lesser charge
- Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
- File motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained
- Present mitigating circumstances or lack of evidence to pressure the state into reducing charges
Why a Reduction Matters
A reduced charge in Phelps County, MO can help you:
- Reduced or no jail time
- Less impact on your driver’s license
- 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 Phelps County, MO?
If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Phelps 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 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.
- Continuous, trackable alcohol monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
- Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)
The administrative aspect in a Phelps County, MO DWI case relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue deals with the revocation or suspension of your license. Many Phelps County, MO-area drivers may be unaware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Phelps County, MO.
When you enlist the impeccable services of the Phelps County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will tackle both facets of your DWI case as soon as possible and strive to mitigate the impact of a DWI arrest on your life. We will compile evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the Phelps County police report or arrest, and create a strategy that is built to win. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Contact a DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Phelps County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
If you’ve recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Phelps County, 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 Phelps County, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, gather evidence, and build your case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Phelps County DWI arrest will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Phelps County, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly blends unparalleled legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a dedication to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Phelps County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys 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 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 Phelps County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial .