DWI Lawyer in Benton, MO
DWI Lawyer in Benton, MO. Facing allegations of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening experience, particularly considering the potential repercussions for Benton, 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 Benton community or your professional sphere. Also, international travel prospects may be thwarted, with countries like Canada prohibiting entry for people with a DWI conviction on their record.
If you have been pulled over and are facing DWI charges, you need a top-tier Benton, MO DWI lawyer on your side right now. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately 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-strings-attached consultations where they can discuss the specifics of your case with you and plan your next steps.
Article Summary
A DWI arrest in the Benton, 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 Benton, 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 Benton, 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 Benton, MO Area?
Having an aggressive and proficient DWI lawyer on your Benton, MO case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and achieving a more favorable outcome such as reduced charges or even dismissal. At Combs Waterkotte, our seasoned Benton, MO DWI attorneys are devoted advocates for all our Benton, 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 will give your Benton, MO DWI case the personal attention you are looking for and create a legal strategy that is built to get you the best possible outcome.
Our unparalleled track record of success in defending individuals in Benton accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring total client satisfaction in every facet of our service. When facing DWI charges near Benton, 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 challenges you may be facing, to mount a robust defense against your DWI charges in Benton, MO.
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Do You Need a DWI Lawyer in Benton, MO?
If you’ve been charged with DWI in the Benton, MO area, don’t face the legal system alone. A skilled DWI lawyer can be the difference between a conviction and a second chance. From protecting your driving privileges to challenging weak evidence, the right legal team in Benton, MO helps you take control of your case.
{How Combs Waterkotte Protects You in Benton, MO
- Review the traffic stop and arrest procedures for legality
- Challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
- Expose any constitutional violations in your case
- Represent you at both your court trial and administrative hearing
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI in Benton, MO?
After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Benton, MO area, it’s natural to feel nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is amplified when you are facing accusations of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous Benton, MO-area DWI cases, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:
- Safely pull over. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, choosing a well-lit area on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. Try to avoid parking on grass.
- Stay 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 in the Benton, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement officers are looking for any excuse to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary information. 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 frequently deemed unreliable and are only used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
- 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. Seeking guidance from an experienced Benton, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in the stop, or clarifying other concerns can be the critical difference between facing months of license suspension and potentially having your case dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Benton, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free consultation. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Benton, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an attorney well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has serious legal repercussions in Benton, MO, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is vital, and a Combs Waterkotte lawyer will do that and more during a free consultation. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Benton, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Benton, MO
DWI cases in Missouri have two components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. 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 reduced to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
- Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program called 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 Benton, MO legal team makes sure that the residents of Benton, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. In addition to DWI defense in Benton, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many forms of law, such as:
Can a DWI Charge Be Reduced in Benton, MO?
Absolutely, but it’s not automatic. Benton, MO prosecutors will sometimes agree to reduce a DWI charge if the circumstances warrant it, and if you have a strong defense team behind you. At Combs Waterkotte, our Benton, MO DWI defense attorneys have helped clients across Missouri get their charges dropped to reckless driving or a traffic violation in cases where:
- It’s a first offense with no prior criminal record
- Low blood alcohol content (BAC) near the legal limit of .08%
- No crash or injury occurred in Benton, MO
- Procedural errors by law enforcement (e.g., improper stop, flawed field sobriety or breath tests)
- Your defense effectively challenges the evidence
How Does It Work?
With a skilled DWI defense attorney in Benton, MO on your side, we may be able to:
- Negotiate a plea to a lesser charge
- Propose community service or education as a substitute for conviction
- File motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained
- Present mitigating circumstances or lack of evidence to pressure the state into reducing charges
Why it Matters
A reduced charge in Benton, MO can help you:
- Reduced or no 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 Benton, MO?
If you find yourself facing a second DWI arrest in Benton, 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, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Continuous, trackable BAC monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
- Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)
The administrative facet in a Benton, MO DWI case relates to your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles your license revocation or suspension. Most drivers in the Benton, MO area may be unaware that they have the option to appeal the automatic suspension or revocation, provided the appeal is submitted within 15 days of your initial arrest in Benton, MO.
When you enlist the impeccable services of the Benton, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte, you can be confident that our firm will promptly address both components of your DWI case as soon as possible and strive to mitigate the impact of a DWI arrest on your life. We will compile evidence, look at the facts of your case, identify potential holes in the Benton police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built to win. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Reach Out To a DWI Lawyer Who Wins in Benton, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte
If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Benton, MO, you are probably well aware that time is of the essence when dealing with your case. Swift action is critical in securing a seasoned Benton, MO DWI lawyer to examine documents, gather evidence, and construct a robust case, the better the odds are that the consequences resulting from your Benton DWI arrest will be substantially mitigated or even eradicated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Benton, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm seamlessly combines unparalleled legal expertise and aggressive advocacy with a commitment to personalized service and communication that stands out among DWI law firms near Benton, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI lawyers 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 is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Benton, MO area, prioritize calling (314) 900-HELP for a free initial .
