DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in DeKalb County, MO can have severe and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you have been arrested for DWI in DeKalb County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our knowledgeable DeKalb County, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to offering you the best possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the specifics of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in DeKalb County, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser penalty through a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
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 DeKalb County, MO DWI attorneys so that you can have a discussion about the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice.
DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
No matter your situation, securing top-tier legal representation in DeKalb County, MO is crucial. 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 help of Combs Waterkotte right away.
Hiring a determined DeKalb County, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and possibly having your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact a DeKalb County, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
DeKalb County, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Depending on your situation in DeKalb County, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in DeKalb County, MO amount to:
- 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: Classified as 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, as well as the suspension of your license.
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the DeKalb County, MO Area
Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in DeKalb County, MO can be a frightening experience, but especially so if you’ve been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is crucial to handle the situation carefully. Here are the steps you should follow according to the Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys:
- Remain Calm and Compliant: Pull over safely to the side of the road, signaling as you do so, finding a safe, well-lit location. Keep 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’re 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. 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 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 portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help navigate the legal system and protect your rights and future. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
While facing a DWI charge in the DeKalb County, MO area is certainly daunting, with the ideal legal representation you can be in a far better scenario than going solo. Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to offering exceptional DWI defense services, making sure you get a fair trial in DeKalb County, MO and the best possible outcome. Our firm provides:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a comprehensive understanding of the DWI laws in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO clients against these types of charges. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented DWI Attorney in DeKalb County, MO
We start with a in-depth, confidential, free consultation to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our skilled team in DeKalb County, MO to assess the evidence against you and identify potential weaknesses or holes in the case, along with likely avenues for defense strategies.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney
Each DeKalb County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach simply won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in DeKalb County, MO. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest, closely examining the legality of the stop and the procedures followed by law enforcement.
Skilled Plea Bargain Negotiations From Our DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney
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 in your defense. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients in the DeKalb County, MO area.
Court Representation From a DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your DeKalb County, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous 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 DeKalb County, MO.
When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around DeKalb County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the leading DWI attorney in DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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
Reach Out to the Leading DeKalb County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte
If you’re facing a DWI charge in DeKalb County, 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 safeguard your rights with the aggressive representation you need in DeKalb County, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the DeKalb County, MO area by calling a DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.