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DWI Attorney McDonald County, MO

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Last Updated: June 7, 2024

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

Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in McDonald County, MO are devoted 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 talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to get your charges in McDonald County, MO reduced or even dropped, negotiate a lesser penalty via a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in court.

Give Combs Waterkotte a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in McDonald County, MO so that you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice and guidance.

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DWI Attorney in McDonald County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers

Regardless of the scenario, procuring the best legal representation throughout the McDonald County, MO area is vital. Whether you’re facing your first DWI charge or your third, have been charged with 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 expert assistance from Combs Waterkotte right now.

Hiring a tenacious McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

DWI Attorney McDonald County, MO | Criminal Defense in McDonald County, MO | McDonald County, MO DWI Lawyers

DWI Attorney in McDonald County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri

DWI charges in McDonald County, MO can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your McDonald 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.

The penalties for DWI in McDonald County, 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: 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: 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: 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 McDonald County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in the McDonald County, MO Area

Being stopped by law enforcement at any time in McDonald 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 crucial to handle the situation with care. Here are the steps you should follow according to 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 spot. Maintain 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 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 pulls you over, officers may use various investigative techniques to gather evidence against you. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near McDonald County, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can politely decline to answer 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 McDonald County, 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 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 portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
  • Reach Out to a DWI Attorney as Soon as Possible: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our knowledgeable legal team can help navigate the legal system and safeguard your rights and future. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.

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

DWI Attorney in McDonald County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense

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

A McDonald County, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise

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

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

We start with a thorough, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the specifics of your McDonald County, MO case. This allows our skilled team in McDonald 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.

Personalized Defense Strategies From a McDonald County, MO DWI Attorney

Each McDonald County, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a customized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in McDonald County, MO. Our lawyers 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 McDonald 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 factors that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in and around McDonald County, MO.

Court Representation From a McDonald County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience

If your McDonald County, MO DWI case proceeds to trial, our attorneys provide robust representation in court, delivering 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 minimize any potential penalties in McDonald County, MO.

When you’re facing a DWI charge in or around McDonald County, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best DWI attorney in McDonald County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 McDonald County, MO residents:

DWI Attorney McDonald County, MO | DWI Criminal Defense in McDonald County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Reach Out to the Leading McDonald County, MO DWI Attorney Today | Combs Waterkotte

Facing a DWI charge in the McDonald County, MO area? 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 McDonald County, MO.

Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your finances, and your future in the McDonald 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.

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