DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO. A dreaded Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Ozark, MO can have serious and enduring, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in Ozark, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you need the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney fighting for you.
Our knowledgeable Ozark, MO criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the best possible defense, safeguarding your rights every step of the way. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a skilled DWI attorney at Combs Waterkotte may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in Ozark, MO, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in a trial.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our DWI attorneys in Ozark, MO where you can discuss the specific circumstances of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO: Protect Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Regardless of the situation, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Ozark, 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 away.
Hiring a tenacious Ozark, MO DWI attorney can be the difference between feeling compelled to plead guilty and potentially having your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact a Ozark, MO DWI attorney without delay at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online.
DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Ozark, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Ozark, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in Ozark, MO amount to:
- 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: Classified as 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: A Class C felony, you will be facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years, as well as the suspension of your license.
DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Ozark, MO
Being stopped by law enforcement in Ozark, MO can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have been partaking in alcoholic drinks. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is essential to handle the situation carefully. Here are the steps recommended by 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. Maintain your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay calm throughout the interaction with the officer.
- 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 officer and follow their instructions, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- 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 don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the Ozark, MO area, what you have been doing, or whatever it is you’ve been drinking. You can politely decline questions by saying, “I prefer not to answer that question,” or “I would rather not answer without legal advice.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in Ozark, 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 portable tests are unreliable and, like FSTs, are used primarily to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Call 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 experienced 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.
DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Can Help With Your Defense
Facing a DWI charge in or around Ozark, 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, making sure you receive a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Ozark, MO. Our firm provides:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Ozark, MO DWI Attorney
The DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in Ozark, MO and throughout Missouri, with more than 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 Ozark, MO area against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are devoted to total client satisfaction.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Talented DWI Attorney in Ozark, MO
We begin with a thorough, no-strings-attached, free case review to understand the specifics of your Ozark, MO case. This allows our proficient team in Ozark, MO to evaluate the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore potential defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
A Ozark, MO DWI Attorney Who Challenges the Evidence
Each Ozark, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys develop a tailored defense strategy based on your individual circumstances in Ozark, MO. Our attorneys 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 Ozark, 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 to your advantage. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our Ozark, MO-area clients.
Court Representation From a Ozark, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Ozark, MO DWI case goes to trial, our attorneys provide vigorous 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 primary objective is to establish reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in Ozark, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Ozark, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the leading DWI attorney in Ozark, MO and throughout Missouri – you are 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 Ozark, MO residents:
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
- Sexual Misconduct Lawyer
- Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Connect With the Premier Ozark, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing a DWI charge in Ozark, 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 Ozark, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Ozark, 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.
