DWI Lawyer in Macon County, MO
DWI Lawyer in Macon County, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a daunting experience, especially considering the potential repercussions for Macon County, MO drivers. Beyond the immediate consequences of a minimum 60-day suspension of your driving privileges, hefty fines, elevated insurance expenses, and enduring points on your license, the aftermath extends to enduring damage to your reputation within your Macon County community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be constrained, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for individuals with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Macon County, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online so that we can get to work building your defense right away. Our attorneys are available for free, no-obligation consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.
Article Summary
A DWI arrest in the Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon County, MO build smart, aggressive defenses designed to protect your future—and help you move forward with confidence.
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 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 …
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Macon County, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and proficient DWI lawyer on your Macon County, MO case can — and often does — make the difference between pleading guilty to DWI and suffering all its consequences, and having charges reduced or even dismissed. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced Macon County, MO DWI attorneys fight tirelessly on behalf of all our clients throughout the Macon County, MO area facing DWI charges. No matter if this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Macon County, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible outcome for you.
Our record of success for those accused of DWI in Macon County is second to none, and we are committed to total client satisfaction in everything we do. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Macon County, MO, make (314) 900-HELP your first call. Initial case reviews are always free, and Combs Waterkotte will work with you no matter what financial difficulties you might have to help you beat your Macon County, MO DWI charges.
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Should You Hire a DWI Lawyer in Macon County, MO?
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in the Macon County, MO area, hiring a DWI lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights, your record, and your future. Without a Macon County, MO DWI defense lawyer, you could unintentionally give up critical rights or miss opportunities to reduce or eliminate the charges.
{How Combs Waterkotte Protects You in Macon County, MO
- Investigate whether your traffic stop and arrest followed the law
- Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
- Expose any constitutional violations in your case
- Defend you in court and fight your license suspension
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Macon County, MO?
After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Macon County, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Being stopped by law enforcement for any moving violation is something that can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you are facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in Macon County, MO, 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 select a well-lit safe area. If you are on a road with a shoulder, pull over there, or find a nearby parking lot. Try to avoid parking on grass.
- Remain calm and cooperative. Maintain composure and cooperation during the encounter. Hostility can escalate the situation and lead to increased scrutiny. Politeness goes a long way when being stopped for DWI near Macon County, MO.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Exercise your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but don’t give them any other information. Law enforcement is seeking any reason 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 stating that you would rather not answer without legal advice.
- Do not take a portable breath test. Refrain from taking a portable breath test. While Missouri enforces implied consent laws that lead to a one-year license revocation for refusing a breathalyzer or blood test, this is applicable only after you are formally arrested for DWI. Portable breathalyzers are often deemed unreliable and are only used as a way for an officer to get probable cause to arrest you.
- If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Your conversation with an attorney is entirely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Getting advice from an experienced Macon County, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in your stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing your driving privileges for months and your case potentially being dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Macon 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 crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Macon 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 situationDriving under the influence has serious legal consequences in Macon County, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Having a firm grasp of the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Macon County, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your situation.
Macon County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Macon County and Missouri.
Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Macon County, MO
DWI cases in Missouri have two components: a criminal side and a civil side. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri, as you likely know, are serious. Even a first DWI offense could lead to the following consequences under Missouri law, as it is defined 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 converted 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, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22
Our experienced Macon County, MO legal team makes sure that the citizens of Macon County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. Along with DWI defense in Macon County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in numerous types of cases, like:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Macon County, MO?
Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Macon County, MO—but it depends on several factors, including the specifics of your case and the quality of your legal defense. The Combs Waterkotte DWI defense attorneys have had numerous DWI charges in Macon County, MO and across Missouri reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving or a traffic violation under circumstances like these:
- First-time offense with no prior criminal record
- Your BAC was close to the legal limit (.08%)
- No crash or injury occurred in Macon County, MO
- Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
- Strong legal defense that challenges probable cause, test accuracy, or arrest procedure
How Does It Work?
With a skilled DWI defense attorney in Macon County, MO on your side, we may be able to:
- Negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges
- Advocating for diversion programs or alcohol treatment alternatives
- File motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained
- Point to mitigating details that support leniency
Why a Reduction Matters
A reduced charge in Macon County, MO can help you:
- Avoid jail time
- Less impact on your driver’s license
- Protects your permanent record
- Maintain employment, especially for CDL or professional license holders
- Minimize insurance rate increases
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI in Macon County, MO?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Macon County, MO, you will likely be facing class A misdemeanor charges, encompassing potential 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 between from one to five years
- You must install and maintain, as well as pay for, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This prevents someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Continuous, verifiable BAC 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 component of a DWI case in Macon County, MO pertains to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue manages the revocation or suspension of your license. Many Macon County, MO-area drivers do not know that you can appeal the automatic suspension or revocation of your license, as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Macon County, MO.
When you hire the Macon County, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will quickly address both components 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 Macon County police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Reach Out To a Macon County, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins Right Now at Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Macon County, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Macon County, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Macon County will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Macon County, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a commitment to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Macon County, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys promise that no matter the time, no matter the situation, and no matter the circumstances, they will be able to answer your call and discuss your case or any other legal topic. This commitment is an integral part of our pledge to gain complete client satisfaction, as affirmed by our satisfied clients.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Macon County, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free initial consultation. Trust the experienced Macon County, MO DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte to diligently handle your case.
