Benton, MO

DWI Attorney in Benton, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Benton, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Benton, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.

Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Benton, MO are devoted to offering you the best possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a talented DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to get your charges in Benton, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our DWI attorneys in Benton, MO so that you can discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice.

DWI Attorney in Benton, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team

No matter your scenario, securing top-tier legal representation in Benton, MO is crucial. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI 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 expert assistance from Combs Waterkotte immediately.

Hiring a determined Benton, 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. Contact a Benton, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney in Benton, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri

Benton, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Benton, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.

The penalties for DWI in Benton, 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: Classified as a “prior offender,” penalties include 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, so you could face up to 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: This is a Class C felony, and you can expect a prison sentence of up to 15 years, as well as the suspension of your license.

DWI Attorney in Benton, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Benton, MO Area

Being pulled over by law enforcement in Benton, MO can be an harrowing experience, particularly if you have been imbibing. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is essential to handle the situation with care. The following are steps recommended by the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:

• Stay Calm and Compliant: Pull over safely to the side of the road, signaling as you do so, finding a safe, well-lit spot. Maintain your composure by taking deep breaths to remain calm throughout the interaction with the officer.
• Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Place 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. After all, you have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement has you pulled over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Benton, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can always politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I would rather not answer without legal advice.”
• Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Benton, 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 Immediately: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help navigate the legal system and safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.

DWI Attorney in Benton, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense

While facing a DWI charge in Benton, MO is certainly daunting, with the right legal representation you can be in a far better situation than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is committed to offering exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you get a fair trial in Benton, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm provides:

Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Benton, MO DWI Attorney

The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri, with more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Benton, MO clients against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.

An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented Benton, MO DWI Attorney

We start with a detailed, no-obligation, free case review to understand the details of your case. This allows our proficient team in Benton, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify possible weaknesses or holes in the case, as well as likely avenues for defense strategies.

Personalized Defense Strategies From a Benton, MO DWI Attorney

Every Benton, 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 Benton, MO. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.

Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Benton, MO DWI Attorney

If we decide your case is unlikely to be dismissed, we negotiate plea bargains to reduce charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating factors that could be used to your advantage. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Benton, MO area.

Court Representation From a Benton, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience

Should your Benton, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, presenting a compelling defense strategy on your behalf. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present supporting evidence and testimony. Our primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, securing a verdict of not guilty and/or lessening the possibility of penalties imposed in Benton, MO.

When you’re charged with a DWI in or around Benton, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal DWI attorney in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Benton, MO residents:

• Weapons Crime Attorney
• DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
• Violent Crime Lawyer
• Drug Crimes Lawyer
• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer

Reach Out to the Leading Benton, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte

Facing a DWI charge in the Benton, MO area? Do not leave your future to chance. Leave it to the skilled and tenacious DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Benton, MO.

Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Benton, MO area by reaching out to a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential case review.