DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in Putnam County, MO can have serious and long-lasting, if not permanent, consequences on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and any future housing, career, and personal opportunities. If you are facing these charges in Putnam County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a talented Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our experienced Putnam County, MO criminal defense attorneys are devoted to providing you with the strongest possible defense, safeguarding your rights 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 Putnam County, MO reduced or even dropped, arrange a lesser punishment via a plea bargain, or fight your conviction in court.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Putnam County, MO DWI attorneys so that you can have a discussion about the specifics of your case and receive expert legal advice and guidance.

DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Lawyers
Regardless of the scenario, procuring the best legal representation throughout the Putnam County, MO area is vital. Whether you’ve been charged with your first DWI or your third, have been charged with driving while intoxicated under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the help of Combs Waterkotte right away.
Hiring a tenacious Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
Putnam County, MO DWI charges can result in severe consequences, like fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. You may be required, depending on the specifics of your Putnam County, MO case, to enroll in and complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) program and be responsible for filing SR-22 insurance.
The penalties for DWI in Putnam County, 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: 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, 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: 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.
Putnam County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Putnam County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO: Steps to Take If Pulled Over in Putnam County, MO
Being pulled over by law enforcement at any time in Putnam County, MO can be a frightening experience, but particularly so if you’ve been drinking. If you are pulled over for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation with care. The following are 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 area. Keep your composure, taking deep breaths in order to stay 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 your vehicle to demonstrate you are not a threat and are cooperative. Politely greet the police office and follow their instructions – this goes a long way.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination. You have the right to remain silent. Once law enforcement pulls you over, officers will do everything in their power to arrest you or use “strongarm” investigative techniques. You are not obligated to answer questions about your whereabouts near Putnam County, MO, activities, or alcohol consumption. You can always 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 Putnam County, 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 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 only used to establish probable cause. Don’t give it to them.
- Contact a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, like the expert DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced lawyers can help navigate the legal system and safeguard your rights and future. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in Putnam County, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
While facing a DWI charge in Putnam County, MO 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 receive a fair trial and the best possible outcome in Putnam County, MO. Our firm offers:
Extensive Experience & Expertise From Our Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney
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 Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri. We have the capability to handle the intricacies of DWI charges just like yours, and have had numerous successful results defending Putnam County, MO clients 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 Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney
We begin with a thorough, no-obligation, free consultation to understand the specifics of your case. This allows our proficient team in Putnam County, MO to evaluate the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney
Each Putnam County, MO DWI case is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a tailored defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in Putnam County, MO. Our attorneys investigate every angle 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.
A Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney Who is Adept at Negotiating Plea Bargains
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 to your advantage. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our clients in the Putnam County, MO area.
Court Representation From a Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
If your Putnam County, MO DWI case proceeds 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 priority is casting reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case, aiming to secure a not guilty verdict and/or reduce any potential penalties in Putnam County, MO.
When you are charged with a DWI in or around Putnam County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the best DWI attorney in Putnam County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with DWI defense from our esteemed DWI attorney, our legal team provides expertise in the following areas for Putnam County, MO residents:
Reach Out to the Leading Putnam County, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the Putnam County, MO area? Do not 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 Putnam County, MO.
Take the first step toward protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the Putnam 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 case review.