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Wentzville, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on June 29, 2021

DWI Lawyer in Wentzville, MO

DWI Lawyer in Wentzville, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Wentzville, 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 increased insurance costs, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO attorneys create strategic defenses built to win—often securing dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing.


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Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Wentzville, MO Area?

Having an aggressive and effective Wentzville, 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 seasoned Wentzville, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our Wentzville, 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 will give your Wentzville, MO DWI case the personal attention you are looking for and craft a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible results.

Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Wentzville is second to none, and we are committed to complete client satisfaction in all that we do. When facing DWI charges near Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO.

Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Wentzville, MO?

How a Combs Waterkotte DWI Lawyer can help you in Wentzville, MO:

  • Investigate whether your traffic stop and arrest followed the law
  • Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
  • Identify constitutional violations (lack of probable cause)
  • Defend you in court and fight your license suspension

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What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO, it’s natural to be 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 accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in Wentzville, MO, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself 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.
  • Stay 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 near Wentzville, MO.
  • 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 often 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. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Wentzville, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in 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 Wentzville, 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 lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible 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 case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Wentzville, 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 DWI Case in Wentzville, MO

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 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 Wentzville, MO legal team ensures that the residents of Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous forms of law, such as:

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Wentzville, MO?

Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, 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 crash or injury occurred in Wentzville, MO
  • Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
  • Your defense effectively challenges the evidence

What Can a Lawyer Do to Help?

Our experienced Wentzville, MO DWI defense attorneys take a strategic, aggressive approach by:

  • 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
  • Present mitigating circumstances or lack of evidence to pressure the state into reducing charges

Why it Matters

A reduced charge in Wentzville, MO can help you:

  • Avoid jail entirely
  • 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 Wentzville, MO?

If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Wentzville, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with 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 ranges 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 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 of a DWI case in Wentzville, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles the revocation or suspension of your license. Many Wentzville, MO-area drivers may be unaware that you can appeal the automatic suspension or revocation of your license, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Wentzville, MO.

When you hire the Wentzville, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will promptly 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, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential holes in the Wentzville police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built to win. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Contact a DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Wentzville, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Wentzville, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. The sooner you can get a skilled Wentzville, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your Wentzville DWI arrest will be significantly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous people in Wentzville, MO, Combs Waterkotte has been a beacon of support when facing DWI charges. Our firm combines top-notch legal expertise and assertive litigation with a commitment to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Wentzville, 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 commitment is an integral part of our pledge to achieve complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Wentzville, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Wentzville, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.

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