DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charges in West Plains, MO can have severe and enduring, if not permanent, implications on your life, affecting your freedom, finances, and your future housing, career, and personal prospects. If you are facing these charges in West Plains, MO or elsewhere in Missouri, you deserve the expertise of a seasoned Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney in your corner.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in West Plains, MO are committed to offering you the strongest possible defense, making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI attorney may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges in West Plains, MO, arrange a lesser punishment through a plea bargain, or contest your conviction in a trial.
Give Combs Waterkotte a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our West Plains, MO DWI attorneys so that you can speak about the specifics of your case and get confidential legal advice and guidance.
DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO: Safeguard Your Future With the Combs Waterkotte Legal Team
Whatever the situation, securing top-tier legal representation in West Plains, MO is crucial. 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 some other intoxicating substance, or have been involved in an accident while driving impaired, you need the help of Combs Waterkotte immediately.
Hiring a tenacious West Plains, 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 West Plains, MO right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO: Understanding DWI Penalties in Missouri
West Plains, MO DWI charges can carry serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Depending on your situation in West Plains, MO, you may be required to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) and file for SR-22 insurance.
Penalties for DWI in West Plains, 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, 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, as well as the suspension of your license.
Howell County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howell County and Missouri.
DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO: What You Should Do If Pulled Over in the West Plains, MO Area
Being pulled over by law enforcement at any time in West Plains, MO can be a frightening experience, but especially so if you’ve been imbibing. If you find yourself stopped for a DWI, it is vital to handle the situation with care. Here are the steps recommended by 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 area. 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: 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, as this can positively influence the encounter.
- Limit Your Conversation: Avoid self-incrimination or long-winded conversations. 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 don’t have to answer questions about where you’ve been in the West Plains, 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’d rather not answer without legal counsel.”
- Refuse Sobriety Tests: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs) in West Plains, 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 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.
- Call a DWI Attorney Immediately: It is critical to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, such as the skilled DWI attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and future. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
DWI Attorney in West Plains, MO: How the Esteemed Defense Strategists at Combs Waterkotte Can Help
While facing a DWI charge in West Plains, MO is certainly daunting, with the ideal legal representation you can be in a far better scenario than going solo. Combs Waterkotte is devoted to providing you with exceptional DWI defense services, ensuring you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome in West Plains, MO. We provide:
A West Plains, MO DWI Attorney With Extensive Experience & Expertise
With more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense, the DWI attorney team at Combs Waterkotte has a deep understanding of the DWI laws in West Plains, MO and throughout Missouri. We are adept at managing the complexities of DWI charges just like yours, and have successfully defended numerous clients in the West Plains, MO area against these accusations. Our record of success speaks for itself, and we are dedicated to total client satisfaction.
An Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation With a Skilled West Plains, MO DWI Attorney
We begin with a detailed, no-strings-attached, free consultation to understand the details of your West Plains, MO case. This allows our skilled team in West Plains, MO to assess the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore possible defense strategies tailored to your situation.
Personalized Defense Strategies From a West Plains, MO DWI Attorney
Each West Plains, MO DWI case is unique and a generic approach won’t suffice. The Combs Waterkotte DWI attorneys craft a personalized defense strategy based on your specific circumstances in West Plains, MO. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every angle 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.
A West Plains, MO DWI Attorney Who is Skilled in 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 circumstances that could be used in your defense. We always aim for the most favorable outcome for our West Plains, MO-area clients.
Court Representation From a West Plains, MO DWI Attorney With Decades of Litigation Experience
Should your West Plains, MO DWI case go to trail, our attorneys provide vigorous representation in court, delivering a compelling defense strategy on your behalf. We present supporting evidence and testimony, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. 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 West Plains, MO.
When you’re charged with a DWI in or around West Plains, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting the ideal DWI attorney in West Plains, 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in West Plains and beyond:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Contact the Ideal West Plains, MO DWI Attorney Right Away | Combs Waterkotte
Facing a DWI charge in the West Plains, MO area? 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 West Plains, MO.
Take the first step in protecting your freedom, finances, and future in the West Plains, 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.