Image

Cooper County, MO

Verified Content

Last Updated: September 27, 2024

DWI Lawyer in Cooper County, MO

DWI Lawyer in Cooper County, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst experiences a Cooper 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 premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Cooper 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 find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Cooper County, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Cooper County. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form to initiate the process of crafting a robust defense for your case. Take advantage of our attorneys’ expertise through a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.


Article Summary

A DWI arrest in the Cooper County, MO area can upend your life—leading to license suspension, costly fines, a permanent record, and even jail. But being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. With a skilled legal team like Combs Waterkotte, you can fight back. This article breaks down everything you need to know after a DWI stop in or around Cooper County, MO, from legal rights during a traffic stop to challenging chemical tests and understanding the penalties for first and repeat offenses. Our veteran DWI lawyers in Cooper County, MO build smart, aggressive defenses designed to protect your future—and help you move forward with confidence.


  • Protect Your License

    Image

    Protect Your License

    You have only 15 days to request an administrative hearing. Act quickly to protect your driver’s licenses.

    Reach Out Now

  • Know Your Next Steps

    Image

    Know Your Next Steps

    Wondering what happens after your DWI/DUI arrest? The experienced Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.

    Stay Informed

  • Get Started Now

    Image

    Ready to Talk to an Expert?

    Contact the skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.

    Get Started

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

Having a tenacious and proficient Cooper 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 seasoned Cooper County, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our Cooper 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 is committed to providing your Cooper County, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible results for you.

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

Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Cooper County, MO?

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

  • Review the traffic stop and arrest procedures for legality
  • Challenge inaccurate or poorly administered chemical tests
  • Build a strong constitutional defense, including probable cause issues
  • Defend you in court and fight your license suspension

DWI Lawyer in St. Louis | Combs Waterkotte

What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Cooper County, MO?

After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Cooper County, MO area, 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 amplified when you are accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Cooper 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 area. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Avoid parking on grass to maintain safety and compliance.
  • 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 stopped for DWI in the Cooper County, MO area.
  • Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Give 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 do not give them any. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by saying that you would rather not answer 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 only used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
  • Call a lawyer if you are arrested. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Cooper County, MO DWI lawyer regarding whether to undergo a breath test at the station, addressing any issues during the stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive for months and your case potentially being dismissed.

Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Cooper 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 case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Cooper County, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has severe legal consequences in Cooper County, 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 consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Cooper County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fighting Both Sides Of Your Cooper County, MO DWI Case

DWI cases in Missouri have two components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri are undeniably severe, with even a first DWI offense possibly resulting in significant repercussions as outlined in accordance with Missouri law, defining it 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 reduced to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
  • Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program known as Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
  • Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, referred to as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22

Our experienced Cooper County, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Cooper County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in bad situations. Along with DWI defense in Cooper County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in numerous types of cases, such as:

Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Cooper County, MO?

Yes, many Cooper County, MO residents charged with DWI can get those charges reduced, depending on the facts of the case and the strength of their legal defense. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve successfully reduced DWI charges in Cooper County, MO and across Missouri to lesser offenses like reckless driving or a traffic violation when:

  • You’ve never been in trouble before
  • Your BAC was close to the legal limit (.08%)
  • No crash or injury occurred in Cooper County, MO
  • The police may have made mistakes during the stop
  • Your defense effectively challenges the evidence

How Does It Work?

A skilled Cooper County, MO DWI defense attorney, like the ones at Combs Waterkotte, can:

  • Negotiate a plea to a lesser charge
  • Argue for reduced penalties in exchange for substance abuse treatment or community service
  • Filing motions to dismiss unlawfully obtained evidence
  • Point to mitigating details that support leniency

Why a Reduction Matters

A reduced charge in Cooper County, MO can help you:

  • Avoid jail time
  • Keep your driver’s license or reduce the suspension period
  • Protects your permanent record
  • Maintain employment, especially for CDL or professional license holders
  • Minimizes insurance hikes

What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Cooper County, MO?

If this is your second DWI arrest in Cooper County, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing possible penalties like:

  • 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 anywhere 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.
  • Regular, verifiable alcohol consumption 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 facet in a Cooper County, MO DWI case pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Many Cooper County, MO-area drivers do not know 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 Cooper County, MO.

When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Cooper County, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will promptly address both facets of your DWI case as soon as possible and work hard to minimize the effect a DWI arrest has on your life. We will gather evidence, look at the facts of your case, identify potential discrepancies in the Cooper County police report or arrest, and craft a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Cooper County, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Cooper County, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your DWI arrest in Cooper County will be greatly mitigated or even eradicated.

For numerous individuals in Cooper County, 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 dedication to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Cooper County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, 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, which our previous clients can attest to as well.

After you have been pulled over and arrested for DWI in the Cooper County, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call for a free initial .

View Service Areas
Open Video
Image

Featured Results:

Client Review, DUI Case

Play video
Image

Get In Touch:

St. Louis

Main Office

(314) 900-HELP

Get Directions

Clayton

By Appointment Only

(314) 900-HELP

Get Directions

Kansas City

By Appointment Only

(913) 77-CRIME

Get Directions