DWI Attorney in Chariton County, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Chariton County, MO can have serious and long-lasting, if not permanent, consequences on your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in Chariton County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Chariton County, MO are committed to providing you with the best possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in Chariton County, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Chariton County, MO DWI attorneys where you can have a discussion about the specific circumstances of your case and get expert legal advice.
DWI Attorney in Chariton County, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Whatever your situation, you need the best legal representation available in Chariton County, MO. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana or some other intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the expertise of Combs Waterkotte right now.
Hiring a determined Chariton County, 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 Chariton County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Chariton County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DWI charges in Chariton County, MO can result in severe consequences, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Chariton County, 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.
Penalties for DWI in Chariton County, MO amount to:
- First Offense: Penalties may include up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $500, and a 30-day license suspension followed by a 60-day restricted driving period.
- Second Offense: Considered a “prior offender” so you face 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.
Chariton County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Chariton County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Chariton County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the Chariton County, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in Chariton County, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve been imbibing. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation carefully. Here are the 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 area. Keep your composure by taking deep breaths to remain 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, showing you are not a threat and cooperative. Politely greet the officer and follow their instructions – this goes a long way.
- 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 don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Chariton County, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can always politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I’d rather not answer without legal advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Chariton 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 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 only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Contact a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can guide you through the legal process and safeguard your rights and future. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Chariton County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
Facing a DWI charge in Chariton County, MO can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, your situation can improve significantly. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you receive a fair trial in Chariton County, MO and the best possible outcome. We provide:
A Chariton County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
With over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Chariton County, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Chariton County, MO clients against these types of charges. We are committed to complete client satisfaction, and our record of success speaks for itself.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled DWI Attorney in Chariton County, MO
We begin with a thorough, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the details of your case. This allows our skilled team in Chariton County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the prosecution’s case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
A Chariton County, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Every Chariton County, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a personalized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Chariton County, MO. Our lawyers 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 Chariton County, MO DWI Attorney
If dismissal of your case is unlikely, we work to negotiate plea bargains that can your charges and penalties. There may also be mitigating factors that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around Chariton County, MO.
Court Representation From a Chariton County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your Chariton County, MO DWI case proceed to trail, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, presenting compelling arguments on your behalf. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and present supporting evidence and testimony. Our priority is casting reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in Chariton County, MO.
When you are facing a DWI charge in or around Chariton County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just choosing the ideal DWI attorney in Chariton County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team offers expertise in the following areas for Chariton County, MO residents:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Connect With the Premier Chariton County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Chariton County, MO, don’t 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 Chariton County, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Chariton 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 consultation.