DWI/DUI Manslaughter

DWI/DUI Manslaughter Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of causing a fatal crash while driving under the influence in Missouri, the consequences are life-altering. Prosecutors are aggressive, the public is unsympathetic, and the law is unforgiving. But being charged is not the same as being convicted. At Combs Waterkotte, we know how to challenge DWI/DUI manslaughter accusations and fight for your freedom, your license, and your future. Our St. Louis DWI/DUI defense team has decades of experience handling the most serious vehicular charges — including cases involving fatalities. We’re ready to stand between you and a long prison sentence.

What Is DWI/DUI Manslaughter in Missouri?

DWI/DUI manslaughter is typically charged as involuntary manslaughter in Missouri. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 565.024, you can be charged if you cause a fatal crash while operating a vehicle in an intoxicated condition. The state doesn’t need to prove intent, only that you acted with criminal negligence or recklessness while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

What Are the Degrees of Involuntary Manslaughter in Missouri?

Missouri law recognizes two different levels of involuntary manslaughter — and the distinction could determine whether you face 4 years or 15 years behind bars. The difference isn’t just legal, it’s personal. It comes down to what prosecutors believe was going through your mind at the time of the crash.

First-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter

This charge applies when the state claims you acted recklessly, that you knew the risk of driving impaired but got behind the wheel anyway. Even if you didn’t mean to hurt anyone, prosecutors argue that you made a conscious choice to endanger others. It’s usually charged as a Class C felony, but can be upgraded to a Class B felony in severe cases.

Second-Degree Involuntary Manslaughter

This applies when the state alleges criminal negligence — that you should have known your behavior was dangerous, even if you didn’t realize it at the time. Think of it as a tragic mistake or a lapse in judgment, rather than a willful risk. It’s typically a Class E felony, but can rise to a Class D felony depending on the facts.

Penalties for DWI/DUI Manslaughter in Missouri

The penalties for DWI/DUI manslaughter vary depending on circumstances like prior convictions, BAC level, and aggravating factors. Typical penalties include:

• Class C Felony: 3–10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
• Class B Felony: 5–15 years in prison (used in aggravated DWI manslaughter cases)
• Class A Felony: 10–30 years or life (for cases involving prior felony DWIs, driving with a suspended license, or multiple fatalities)

In addition to prison, a conviction means:

• Felony record for life
• Driver’s license revocation
• Loss of employment and professional licensure
• Immigration and travel consequences

These are not charges to handle lightly. This is not a traffic ticket. A DWI/DUI manslaughter is a serious felony charge that carries long prison terms, even for first-time offenders. The sooner you involve a defense attorney with felony DWI/DUI experience in St. Louis, the more options you’ll have.

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Combs Waterkotte, Missouri's leading DWI/DUI law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the DWI/DUI defense process and helps you avoid key mistakes.

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How Prosecutors Prove DWI/DUI Manslaughter in St. Louis, MO

To convict you, the prosecution must prove three things:

• You were operating a motor vehicle
• You were in an intoxicated or drugged condition
• Your impaired driving directly caused the death of another person

They may use field sobriety tests, breath or blood tests, crash reconstruction, and officer testimony. But all of this evidence can be challenged. Breathalyzers malfunction. Blood samples degrade. Police assumptions are often wrong. You deserve a defense that questions every piece of their case.

Defenses to DWI/DUI Manslaughter Charges in St. Louis

No two cases are alike, but our skilled legal team commonly raises DWI/DUI defenses such as:

• No proof of impairment: BAC testing may have been flawed, delayed, or unlawfully obtained
• No causal link: The prosecution must prove your driving caused the death, not the weather, road conditions, or another driver
• Improper police conduct: Unlawful stops, failed Miranda warnings, or suppressed evidence may weaken the case
• Witness and video evidence: Dashcams or neutral witnesses may contradict the prosecution’s narrative

Our defense approach includes consulting accident reconstructionists, toxicologists, and legal experts to dismantle the case from every angle.

What It's Like to Work With Combs Waterkotte on Your St. Louis DWI/DUI Manslaughter Case

When you're accused of causing a fatal accident, the emotional toll is enormous — fear, shame, and uncertainty all hit at once. At Combs Waterkotte, we don’t just defend your legal rights, we walk with you through the entire process. From day one, we listen, explain, and take the time to understand every detail of your story.

• Clear communication: We return your calls, answer your texts, and keep you in the loop — always.
• No judgment, ever: We’ve defended hundreds of clients in your position. We focus on your future, not your past.
• Realistic strategies: You’ll get honest, strategic guidance, not sugarcoating or scare tactics.
• Respect for your life: We understand what’s on the line, including your job, family, license, and reputation, and we act like it.

Whether it’s working to get your bond reduced, fighting to suppress damaging evidence, or showing the court your full side of the story, we’re relentless. When you hire Combs Waterkotte, you get a partner who treats your case like it matters — because to us, it does.

Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to discuss the specifics of your case with an expert St. Louis DWI/DUI manslaughter lawyer.