DWI/DUI Diversion Lawyer in St. Louis
Protect Your Freedom and Future with Combs Waterkotte
Last Updated: August 26, 2024
This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
DWI/DUI Diversion Lawyer in St Louis, Missouri:
Protecting Your Freedom
Combs Waterkotte is the leading criminal defense and traffic firm serving St. Louis and the entire state of Missouri. Our criminal defense attorneys will fight for your freedom, your rights, and will not give up until you get fair justice. Our exceptional record and over 200 reviews speak for themselves. Whether you have been charged with a crime or ticket, we can help.
We Believe Every St. Louis and Missouri Resident is Entitled to the Best Defense
If you have been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri, you may soon realize the severity of your legal situation and the looming, long-lasting consequences. Many jurisdictions in St. Louis and elsewhere offer diversion programs as an alternative to traditional prosecution, particularly for a first-time DWI/DUI.
Everyone makes mistakes. The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyers are here to help. We understand that good people find themselves in bad situations in St. Louis and throughout Missouri.
You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your future.
In St. Louis and throughout Missouri, you may have the opportunity to participate in a diversion program, which can help you avoid a traditional conviction and associated penalties. These programs typically focus on rehabilitation, treatment, and education, rather than criminal punishment. You need a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis diversion lawyer working in your corner in order to take advantage of these potential benefits.
Even if a diversion program doesn’t end up making sense, you owe it to yourself and your future to have a free, no-obligation consultation with an expert attorney. Call one as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Click on the links below to learn more about DWI/DUI defense and types of cases:
How Can a DWI/DUI Diversion Lawyer Help Me in St. Louis, MO?
When you have an expert Combs Watterkotte DWI/DUI diversion attorney by your side in St. Louis or anywhere else throughout Missouri, you can qualify and then take advantage of several diversion programs. Without diversion, the consequences can be significantly more severe.
Paths the Expert DWI/DUI Diversions Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte Can Provide:
Things That Happen Without the Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI Diversion Lawyers:
- Criminal conviction
- Long-Term impact on your driving privileges
- Harsh penalties, including jail and large fines
- Increased insurance premiums
Understanding DWI/DUI Diversion in St. Louis, MO: What is it & How Does it Work?
A DWI/DUI diversion program is an alternative sentencing option that would allow you to avoid the traditional criminal justice process by completing a set of requirements designed to educate and rehabilitate. The primary goal of these programs is to reduce the chances of you drinking and driving again and help you make positive changes in your life. They offer education, treatment, and monitoring.
Under Missouri Revised Statute § 557.014, to qualify you must:
- Not be currently enrolled in or have not completed another diversion program in the last 10 years
- Not hold a CDL
- Not have previously been convicted of any intoxicated-related traffic offense
- The offense did not occur while operating a commercial motor vehicle
What Do DWI/DUI Diversion Programs Provide in St. Louis, MO?
Successful completion of a diversion program in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri often results in the dismissal or reduction of charges, letting you avoid a criminal record. The court may continue your diverted case for a period of 2 years. While diversion programs differ based on the specifics of your case, they could include:
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle
- Completion of an alcohol or drug treatment program, including but not limited to Substance Awareness and Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
- Participation in events such as victim impact panels with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), or community service
- Payment of fines or restitution
- Random alcohol/drug testing
Give our DWI/DUI lawyers based in St. Louis a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to discuss the specifics of your situation and to see if you might qualify for a division program.
The Benefits of DWI/DUI Diversion Programs in St. Louis and Throughout Missouri
The following are advantages of taking part in a diversion program rather than the conventional legal process:
- Avoiding a Criminal Record: One of the most significant benefits of a diversion program is the potential to avoid a criminal conviction. A clean record is ideal for current and future employment, educational opportunities, and housing possibilities.
- Reduced Penalties: If you and your Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI defense attorney decide on a diversion program, you may face reduced fines, a shorter suspension of your driver’s license, and fewer court appearances.
- Education & Rehabilitation: Diversion programs in St. Louis and across Missouri commonly include educational components that address the dangers of impaired driving, substance abuse, and decision-making skills. These programs aim to help you understand the consequences of your actions and develop strategies to avoid future offenses.
- Personal Growth: Finishing a diversion program often involves follow-up counseling and support services that can help you address the underlying problems or mitigating circumstances that may have contributed to the DWI/DUI, like poverty, substance use, and mental health challenges.
Speak With the Leading DWI/DUI Diversion Attorneys in St. Louis and Throughout Missouri Today at Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI/DUI charge in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri, it is critical to explore the possibility of a diversion program. Who better to do that with than the leading DWI/DUI law firm in the area – Combs Waterkotte? DWI/DUI diversion programs provide an opportunity for you to avoid the long-term, perhaps severe, consequences of a criminal conviction while receiving education and support from professionals to make positive changes for your future.
Call our experienced St. Louis DWI/DUI diversion attorneys immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.