DWI Attorney in Rolla, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Rolla, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Rolla, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our experienced Rolla, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to offering you the strongest possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Rolla, MO, negotiate a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our Rolla, MO DWI attorneys so that you can speak about the specific circumstances of your case and get expert legal advice.
Legal Videos

DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …

(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …

Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …

What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.

Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …

What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
DWI Attorney in Rolla, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Regardless of your situation, you need the best legal representation available in Rolla, MO. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been charged with driving while intoxicated under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the help of Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring an aggressive Rolla, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between possibly feeling like you have to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Rolla, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Rolla, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Rolla, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Rolla, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program, as well as being responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Rolla, MO include:
- First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, fines up to $500, and a 30-day license suspension followed by a 60-day restricted driving period.
- Second Offense: Considered a “prior offender” so you face up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a license suspension ranging from 1 to 5 years.
- Third Offense: Now considered a “persistent offender” and a Class E felony offense, penalties can include 4 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and a 10-year license revocation.
- Fourth Offense: Along with a Class D felony offense, you may receive a prison sentence up to 7 years, fines up to $5,000, and license suspension.
- Fifth Offense: A Class C felony, you will be facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years, along with the suspension of your license.

DWI Attorney in Rolla, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Rolla, MO Area
Being pulled over by law enforcement at any time in Rolla, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve been imbibing. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is essential to handle the situation carefully. Here are the steps recommended by the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Stay Calm and Compliant: Safely pull over to the side of the road, using your signal to indicate your intentions, and find a safe, well-lit area. Maintain your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches, showing you are not a threat and cooperative. Politely greet the officer and follow their instructions, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination or long-winded conversations. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement pulls you over, officers will do everything in their power to arrest you or use “strongarm” investigative techniques. You don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Rolla, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can always politely decline to answer by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I’d rather not answer without legal advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Rolla, MO, or anywhere else for that matter, as they are subjective and typically used only to establish probable cause to arrest you. An officer might request that you take a portable breath test, or breathalyzer. While the state of Missouri has an implied consent law that suspends your license for 1 year if you refuse a breathalyzer – called chemical revocation – this is only applicable after a DWI arrest, not before. These tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Phelps County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Phelps County and Missouri.

DWI Attorney in Rolla, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in or around Rolla, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Rolla, MO. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Rolla, MO DWI Attorney
With more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Rolla, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the Rolla, MO area against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled Rolla, MO DWI Attorney
We start with a detailed, confidential, free consultation to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our skilled team in Rolla, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
A Rolla, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Every Rolla, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a tailored defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Rolla, MO. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
A Rolla, MO DWI Attorney Who is Adept at Negotiating Plea Bargains
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating factors that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our Rolla, MO-area clients.
Court Representation From a Rolla, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Rolla, MO DWI case goes to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, presenting compelling arguments on your behalf. We present supporting evidence and testimony, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Our primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or minimizing the possibility of penalties imposed in Rolla, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around Rolla, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading DWI attorney in Rolla, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Rolla, MO residents:

Reach Out to the Leading Rolla, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Rolla, MO area? Do not leave your future to chance. Place it in the trustworthy hands of the tenacious and experienced DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Rolla, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Rolla, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential case review.

