Columbia, MO

DWI Attorney in Columbia, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Columbia, MO can have major and enduring, 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 Columbia, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney by your side.

Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Columbia, MO are committed to offering you the best possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Columbia, MO, arrange a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.

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

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

No matter your scenario, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Columbia, MO area is vital. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been arrested for driving while intoxicated 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.

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

DWI charges in Columbia, MO can carry serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Depending on your situation in Columbia, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.

Penalties for DWI in Columbia, MO include:

• First Offense: You could receive a jail term of up to 6 months, 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, 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: A Class C felony, you will be facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years, along with the suspension of your license.

DWI Attorney in Columbia, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in Columbia, MO

Being stopped by law enforcement in Columbia, MO can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation carefully. Here are the steps you should follow according to 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, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with the police officer.
• Keep Your Hands Visible and Be Polite: Keep your hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches, showing you’re not a threat and cooperative. Politely greet the police office and follow their instructions, as this can positively influence the encounter.
• Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination. 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 Columbia, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. 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 Columbia, MO, or anywhere else. These tests are subjective and often only used to establish probable cause for your arrest. An officer may ask you to 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: Seek an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

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

Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Columbia, MO DWI Attorney

The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in Columbia, 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 successfully defended numerous clients in the Columbia, MO area against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.

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

We begin with a detailed, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the details of your case. This allows our talented team in Columbia, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.

A Columbia, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence

Every Columbia, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys build a customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Columbia, MO. Our lawyers meticulously investigate every aspect 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.

Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our Columbia, 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 circumstances that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Columbia, MO area.

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

If your Columbia, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust 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 priority is casting reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in Columbia, MO.

When you are charged with a DWI in or around Columbia, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO residents:

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

Contact the Ideal Columbia, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte

If you’re facing a DWI charge in Columbia, MO, don’t leave your future to chance. Trust the experienced and determined DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our legal team is prepared to defend you and uphold your rights with the aggressive representation you need in Columbia, MO.

Take the crucial first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the Columbia, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential case review.