Image

California, MO

Verified Content

Last Updated: June 7, 2024

DWI Attorney in California, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in California, MO can have serious and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in California, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you should have the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.

Our experienced California, MO criminal defense attorneys are devoted to offering you the strongest 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 California, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our California, MO DWI attorneys so that you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and receive confidential legal advice.

  • 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

DWI Attorney in California, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers

No matter the situation, you need the best legal representation available in California, MO. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the expertise of Combs Waterkotte right now.

Hiring a tenacious California, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in California, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney California, MO | Criminal Defense in California, MO | California, MO DWI Lawyers

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

DWI charges in California, MO can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your California, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program, as well as being responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.

The penalties for DWI in California, MO amount to:

  • First Offense: Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, fines of 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, penalties can include 4 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and a 10-year license revocation.
  • Fourth Offense: In addition to 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 California, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the California, MO Area

Being pulled over by law enforcement at any time in California, MO can be a frightening experience, but especially so if you’ve been drinking. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation with care. Here are the steps recommended by the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:

  • Remain 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 location. Keep your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
  • Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Place your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches your vehicle to demonstrate you’re not a threat and are cooperative. Politely greet the officer and follow their instructions – this goes a long way.
  • Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination. 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 California, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I’d rather not answer without legal counsel.”
  • Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in California, MO, or anywhere else. These tests are subjective and often only used to establish probable cause for your arrest. An officer might request that you take a portable breath test, or breathalyzer. While Missouri’s implied consent law mandates a one-year license suspension for refusing a breathalyzer after a DWI arrest, this not apply to tests conducted before an arrest. These tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
  • Contact a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced legal team can help navigate the legal system and safeguard your rights and future. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney California, MO | Leading Criminal Defense DWI Law Firm California, MO | Combs Waterkotte

DWI Attorney in California, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help

Facing a DWI charge in or around California, MO can be overwhelming, but with the best legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is committed to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in California, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm provides:

Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our California, MO DWI Attorney

The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in California, MO and throughout Missouri, with over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the California, MO area against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.

Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented DWI Attorney in California, MO

We begin with a thorough, no-obligation, free case review to understand the specifics of your California, MO case. This allows our talented team in California, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the prosecution’s case, as well as likely avenues for defense strategies.

A California, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence

Each California, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a customized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in California, MO. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every angle of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.

A California, MO DWI Attorney Who is Skilled in Negotiating Plea Bargains

If we decide your case is unlikely to be dismissed, we negotiate plea bargains to reduce charges and penalties. There might be mitigating circumstances that could be used to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the California, MO area.

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

If your California, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering compelling arguments 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, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in California, MO.

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

DWI Attorney California, MO | DWI Criminal Defense in California, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Contact the Ideal California, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte

Facing a DWI charge in the California, MO area? Do not leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in California, MO.

Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the California, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online for a free and confidential consultation.

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