DWI Attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Cape Girardeau County, MO can have severe and long-lasting, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you have been arrested for DWI in Cape Girardeau County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Cape Girardeau County, MO are committed to providing you with the strongest possible defense, ensuring your rights are upheld at every stage. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Cape Girardeau County, MO, arrange a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in a trial.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI attorneys so that you can speak about the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance.
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 …
DWI Attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Whatever your situation, securing top-tier legal representation in Cape Girardeau County, MO is crucial. 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 expert assistance from Combs Waterkotte right away.
Hiring a determined Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Call a DWI attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
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DWI Attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, like fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Cape Girardeau County, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Cape Girardeau County, 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: 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Cape Girardeau County, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in Cape Girardeau County, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. The following are 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 spot. Maintain your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with law enforcement.
- Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches your vehicle to demonstrate you are not a threat and are cooperative. Politely greet the police office 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I would rather not answer without legal counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Cape Girardeau County, 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 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 portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Contact a DWI Attorney Immediately: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable lawyers can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Cape Girardeau County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Cape Girardeau County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
While facing a DWI charge in Cape Girardeau County, MO is certainly daunting, with the ideal legal representation you can be in a far better situation than going it alone. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you receive a fair trial in Cape Girardeau County, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Cape Girardeau County, 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO clients against these accusations. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
Comprehensive Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI Attorney
We begin with a in-depth, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the details of your case. This allows our proficient team in Cape Girardeau County, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
A Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a personalized defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Cape Girardeau County, MO. Our lawyers meticulously investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the actual arrest. We scrutinize the validity of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI Attorney
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your charges and penalties. There might be mitigating factors that could be used to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around Cape Girardeau County, MO.
Expert Court Representation From a Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering 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, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or minimize any potential penalties in Cape Girardeau County, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around Cape Girardeau County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the best DWI attorney in Cape Girardeau County, 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 residents in Cape Girardeau County and beyond:
Contact the Ideal Cape Girardeau County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Cape Girardeau County, MO area? Do not leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers are ready to fight for you and your rights, and provide the aggressive defense you need in Cape Girardeau County, MO.
Take the crucial first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Cape Girardeau County, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential case review.
