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Open Container Violations Lawyer in St. Louis

Protect Your Rights With Combs Waterkotte

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Last Updated: December 4, 2024

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Open Container Violations Attorney in St Louis:
Protecting Your Future

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.

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"Best group of criminal defense lawyers in the St. Louis area. I can't say enough about them and the lengths that this firm will go to ensure presumption of innocence and actually fight for their clients."

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What is an Open Container Violation in Missouri?

What is an Open Container Violation in Missouri?

Missouri’s open container law is frequently debated. Many individuals even question the existence of one, while others believe it has limited implications. The state does, in fact, have one – and it’s solely for drivers. After all, no matter how lenient Missouri’s open container laws may appear, they do not permit drinking and driving. Under Missouri Revised Statute § 577.017, drivers are prohibited from holding or consuming alcohol while operating a vehicle, as well as from drinking prior to getting behind the wheel.

You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your future.

For a driver already facing a DWI charge, the presence of an open container can be used as evidence of probable cause and gives law enforcement grounds to conduct additional tests or searches. This can significantly complicate your legal defense and lead to harsher penalties if convicted. A Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI defense lawyer can help minimize the damage, getting your charges reduced or even dismissed altogether. Our legal team has over 40 years of experience successfully handling cases just like yours.

Missouri does not have a statewide open container law prohibiting non-driving passengers ages 21 and older from having open containers in vehicles. However, many cities and municipalities across the state prohibit it through local ordinances. A few examples include:

It’s also key to remember that open container laws extend to public areas beyond your car, like sidewalks, streets, parks, and public transportation. You should make sure of your local laws prior to driving a vehicle with an open container located anywhere, just to be safe.

Call Combs Waterkotte for the Best Defense of Open Container Violations in Missouri

Call Combs Waterkotte for the Best Defense of Open Container Violations in Missouri

When facing open container violation charges in Missouri, you need a defense attorney with the expertise, resources, and personalized approach to defend your case effectively. Don’t roll the dice with your future. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a confidential consultation with an expert DWI defense attorney.

See below for more information on Combs Waterkotte's Missouri DWI/DUI defense and types of cases:


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How Can an Open Container Violations Lawyer Help Me in St. Louis, MO?
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How Can an Open Container Violations Lawyer Help Me in St. Louis, MO?

We understand that good people find themselves in unfortunate situations. Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis DWI/DUI defense team is dedicated to defending our clients’ rights and achieving the best possible solution for them and their families. If you’re charged with an open container violation, contact a lawyer immediately.

What a Combs Waterkotte Attorney Does:

  • Identifies potential defense strategies
  • Guides you through the legal process
  • Negotiates a plea deal
  • Minimizes the risk of additional charges

What Happens Without a Combs Waterkotte Attorney:

  • Risk of higher penalties
  • Lack of defense expertise
  • Increased stress and time commitment
  • Impact of additional charges

  • DWI

    Charge

    DWI

    Result

    Not Guilty Verdict

    Combs Waterkotte represented a Robertsville, MO man on a felony charge of DWI. At trial, we challenged the way the officer conducted his standardized field so …

    Charge

    DWI

    Result

    Not Guilty Verdict

  • DWI

    Charge

    DWI

    Result

    Dismissed

    Combs Waterkotte represented a college student on a DWI charge. During the administrative hearing, which deals with license suspension, we challenged the arre …

    Charge

    DWI

    Result

    Dismissed

  • DWI

    Charge

    DWI

    Result

    Dismissed

    Combs Waterkotte represented a Franklin County woman felony DWI. After conducting a thorough investigation and taking the arresting officer's deposition, the …

    Charge

    DWI

    Result

    Dismissed

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    Why Expertise Matters in Defending Open Container Violations and DWI Charges in Missouri

    Why Expertise Matters in Defending Open Container Violations and DWI Charges in Missouri

    A DWI/DUI defense attorney with specific expertise in open container violations understands the nuances of Missouri’s laws and knows how to challenge the evidence effectively. In Missouri, law enforcement must have probable cause or reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle and investigate for a DWI or open container violation. An experienced lawyer will carefully examine every detail of the traffic stop, ensuring that any rights violations are identified and used to your advantage in court. This level of expertise can be pivotal for getting evidence dismissed or charges reduced.

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    Client-Centered Representation Tailored to Your Open Container Violation/DWI Case

    Client-Centered Representation Tailored to Your Open Container Violation/DWI Case

    One of the most important factors in a successful defense is personalized attention to your case. A dedicated DWI/DUI defense attorney does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they carefully review the specific details of your situation, listening to your side of the story and building a defense strategy that is tailored to your unique circumstances.

    When handling open container violations alongside a DWI charge, your lawyer will investigate whether the container was in the driver’s area, within reach, if it was actually opened, or if the officer had a clear view of it during the stop.

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    A Combs Waterkotte Missouri DWI/DUI Lawyer’s Resources to Challenge Any Evidence Against You

    A Combs Waterkotte Missouri DWI/DUI Lawyer’s Resources to Challenge Any Evidence Against You

    In a DWI case involving an open container violation, the prosecution frequently relies heavily on physical evidence such as chemical tests – blood or breath – or even field sobriety tests (FSTs). A skilled DWI/DUI defense attorney will absolutely challenge the reliability of this evidence.

    Your lawyer might question the calibration and accuracy of the breathalyzer equipment or highlight procedural errors in how FSTs were conducted.

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    Why You Need a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI Open Container Violations Lawyer to Protect Your Future

    Why You Need a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI Open Container Violations Lawyer to Protect Your Future

    An open container violation when combined with a DWI conviction in Missouri, can result in hefty fines, points on your driving record, or even jail time. The stakes are high, and having a knowledgeable defense attorney is essential.

    Your defense attorney’s goal is to help you avoid long-term consequences of a conviction, including increased insurance premiums, potential job loss, or difficulties maintaining professional licensing.

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    Impeccable Record
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    Impeccable Record of Success

    • Over 10,000 Cases Handled
    • Over 300 Five-Star Reviews
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    • Over Four Decades of Experience
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